Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious disorder that affects millions of people all over the United States and the rest of the world.

Also known as OSA, obstructive sleep apnea can happen to anyone, but is especially prevalent in men and people who are overweight. With that being said, children with tonsils and adenoids and menopausal women are also at risk.

What is OSA?

People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea will experience episodes of sleep cessation throughout the night. Sadly, some with the disorder may wake up 30 times or more every hour only to fall back into a restless sleep.

OSA causes the back of the throat to relax while the person is asleep. People obviously need to breathe so the brain wakes the person up so that he or she can start breathing again.

What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

While scientists don’t know what causes OSA they do know certain risk factors come into play. Some of those risk factors include:

• A Large Neck
• Age
• Being Overweight
• Certain Medications
• Smoking and Tobacco Use
• Being Male
• Excessive Alcohol Use
• Tonsils and Adenoids
• Menopause
• Family History
• High Blood Pressure

OSA Symptoms

According to oral appliance therapy specialist for OSA Dr. Jack Ringer, some people aren’t even aware that they have OSA, especially people who sleep alone.

Symptoms of OSA to watch for include:

• Snoring, although not everyone who snores has OSA
• Breathing cessation witnessed by another
• Gasping or choking sounds
• Daytime fatigue
• Trouble staying awake
• Never feeling rested
• Morning headaches
• Excessive trips to the bathroom at night
• Loss of libido
• Mood swings
• Memory loss
• Problems with concentration

If you suspect you may have OSA call and talk to your primary care physician. Once you are diagnosed, ask about the solutions available for sleep apnea, as there are other treatments besides CPAP therapy and surgery.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP therapy. This form of treatment involves the patient being hooked up to a mask and hose that is connected to a machine. While effective, people who use a CPAP machine often complain saying it is uncomfortable, difficult to clean and hard to travel with. Thankfully, there are alternatives to CPAP therapy.

Partners who live with a person that uses CPAP therapy know all to well how noisy CPAP machines can be. Oral appliance therapy is a win win for everyone as it is quiet and unnoticeable.

What is Oral Appliance Therapy for OSA?

People with mild to moderate OSA are perfect candidates for oral appliance therapy. Dr. Jack Ringer is a licensed and certified provider of various types of oral appliances, and will custom make the best oral appliance for your situation. Much like a mouth guard, the device works by gently keeping your throat open while you sleep.

If you would like more information regarding oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, call and talk to a team member from Dental Cosmetics in Anaheim Hills today.