Oral Surgeon Explains Sleep Apnea & Jaw Surgery | #THEBITEANGLE EP22

Dr Justin Giam speaks with oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr Tan Mei Hui on The Bite Angle to unpack sleep apnea, snoring and airway health. They discuss symptoms, diagnosis, screening methods and treatment options, including dental devices, CPAP therapy and jaw surgery.

About The Video

This episode of The Bite Angle brings Dr Justin Giam together with Dr Tan Mei Hui for an in-depth conversation on sleep apnea and its impact on overall health. Dr Tan explains how airway collapse occurs during sleep, why snoring alone does not always indicate a problem, and how interrupted breathing affects energy levels, focus and daily functioning.

The discussion also covers how sleep apnea is assessed, from clinical screening and questionnaires to different types of sleep studies. Dr Tan outlines treatment pathways ranging from lifestyle changes and oral appliances to CPAP therapy and surgical jaw repositioning. Through a relaxed, informative exchange, the episode helps listeners understand when symptoms should not be ignored and why early assessment matters.

This episode focuses on helping listeners understand sleep apnea beyond common assumptions about snoring. Dr Tan Mei Hui explains the difference between obstructive and central sleep apnea, highlighting how repeated airway collapse disrupts sleep cycles and reduces oxygen levels. Dr Justin Giam guides the conversation toward everyday signs such as daytime sleepiness, poor concentration and unrefreshing sleep, which are often overlooked.

The discussion explores how sleep apnea is diagnosed using questionnaires and sleep studies, while also clarifying the limitations of consumer wearables as screening tools. Dr Tan outlines treatment options across a spectrum, starting with weight management and lifestyle changes, followed by mandibular advancement devices and CPAP therapy. Surgical jaw advancement is also discussed for selected cases, explaining how repositioning the jaws can improve airway stability. The episode emphasises the role of multidisciplinary care and follow-up in managing sleep apnea effectively.