Obstructive sleep apnea, referred to as OSA, affects billions of people all over the world.

According to Orange County’s most well known dentist and certified oral appliance therapy provider, obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that could cause serious health disorders. If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea could even lead to death.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Although there are three types of sleep apnea, OSA, Central Sleep Apnea, and a combination of the two, the most common is obstructive sleep apnea.

OSA causes the muscles in the back of your throat to relax while you sleep. If your muscles relax, you can’t breathe. This alerts your brain making you wake up, sometimes as many as 30 times an hour every night. As you can imagine this causes serious issues for the rest of your body.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms

• Loud Snoring that Wakes Others
• Gasping for Breath
• Waking up Choking for Air
• Waking with a Sore or Dry Mouth
• Daytime Sleepiness
• Observed Breathing Cessation
• Waking up Abruptly
• Morning Headaches
• Trouble Concentrating
• Decreased Libido
• Nighttime Sweating

Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Although anyone can develop OSA, even children, there are certain factors that will increase the risk. According to your dentist in Anaheim Hills, these include:

• Excess Weight
• Narrowed Airways
• High Blood Pressure
• Chronic Nasal Congestion
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Alcohol Abuse
• Large Neck Size
• Genetics
• Asthma
• Tonsils and Adenoids
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea Complications

OSA is a serious condition that comes with major complications such as:

• Daytime Sleepiness
• Cardiovascular Issues
• Surgical and Medical Complications
• Eye Problems
• Sleep Deprivation
• Loss of Memory
• Irritability
• Moodiness
• Chronic Depression

Life Threatening Complications with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

People with OSA find themselves falling asleep during the day and in extreme cases even behind the wheel. Children who suffer from OSA may not do well in school and could suffer from behavioral problems.

Cardiovascular problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea include coronary artery disease, heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure. Research indicates that men with OSA are more inclined than women to suffer from heart failure.

According to Dr. Ringer, OSA also increases arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms. This lowers blood oxygen levels. With repeated episodes, it could cause sudden death from a heart attack or heart failure.

OSA Could Be Deadly

If you believe you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, it’s vital that you schedule an appointment with your primary care physician who can refer you to a sleep specialist.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, talk to Dr. Ringer about an alternative to the uncomfortable CPAP machine. A CPAP is used to control breathing while you sleep, and although they are a viable option for treatment, often go unused because they are so cumbersome.

Dr. Ringer is a certified and preferred oral appliance therapy for OSA and has several options available. Every oral appliance is custom made and works by keeping your airways open while you sleep. With oral appliance therapy, you won’t have to wear a mask or be hooked up to a machine all night.

You Can Sleep Better with Oral Appliance Therapy

You don’t have to suffer. Call or click and schedule a no obligation oral appliance therapy consultation with Dr. Ringer.

A good night’s sleep really is possible with oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Call for an appointment today.