Dental Solutions For Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If you have just been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, it is not the end of the world.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is quite common and can sometimes go undetected. If left undiagnosed, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, could lead to more serious health issues including disability, injury, and in some instances, even death.

There is increasing evidence that Obstructive Sleep Apnea can also lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, acid reflux, headaches, and even mental health issues.

The Mayo Clinic explains that OSA is characterized by shallow breathing while sleeping and pauses in breathing. Each pause can last a few seconds, or several minutes. If you are having five or more episodes per hour, you could be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Every time there is a pause in breathing, carbon dioxide will build up in your blood stream. Chemoreceptors in your blood stream make note of the higher levels of carbon dioxide signaling your brain that it is time to wake up and breathe. By breathing normally your oxygen levels are restored allowing you to go back to sleep.

If you have been following Dr. Jack Ringer’s blog, you will know that there are three types of sleep apnea, OSA, Central Sleep Apnea, or CSA and something called mixed or complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of CSA and OSA. Although more than 12 million OSA cases have been reported it is estimated that there may be millions more as people do not know they are suffering from Sleep Apnea, or have not reported the condition.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea can affect anyone, but is more common in males who are overweight and over 40. Both men and women with necks that measure more than 17” are also susceptible when it comes to OSA. If you have a large tongue or enlarged tonsils, you may be at risk. If you have sinus issues, a deviated septum or take tranquilizers or sedatives to sleep you could be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. If you smoke, you are three times more likely to have OSA than those who have never lit up before.

If you have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea or Complex Sleep Apnea there are several things you can do to help you get a good night’s sleep. Dr. Jack Ringer is specially trained when it comes to Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea and can work with your doctor to find the best device for your particular needs.

For more information regarding Sleep Apnea, call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. Jack Ringer today.