Is your snoring keeping your partner up at night? Are you having trouble staying awake during the day? Do you wake up with a sore throat and dry mouth?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you could be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Referred to as OSA, obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious disorder that can cause other health problems that include stroke and heart attack.
Dr. Jack Ringer, past president and accredited Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is a preferred oral appliance therapy provider for OSA. Unlike other types of oral appliances, such as CPAP therapy or surgery, oral appliance therapy is a solution that actually works.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
OSA causes a person to wake during the night because they literally can’t breathe. Dr. Ringer explains that people who are obese, people with a large neck circumference and people who have a history of OSA in the family are all in the high-risk category for obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms
Loud Snoring
Observed breathing cessation while sleeping
Sleepy during the day
Waking up gasping and choking for breath
High blood pressure
Concentration difficulties
Depression
Mood changes
Irritability
Night sweats
Decrease in libido
Are you at Risk?
Although anyone can develop obstructive sleep apnea, there are certain factors that put you in the high-risk category. These include:
Excessive weight-Over half of people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea are obese or overweight. Not everyone who is overweight suffers from OSA, and vice versa as thin people can have OSA as well.
Narrow Airways-You could have inherited narrow airways. If you still have your tonsils and adenoids, they could become enlarged blocking your airway.
High Blood Pressure-People who have OSA often suffer from hypertension.
Nasal Congestion-Obstructive sleep apnea is twice as common in people who suffer from chronic nasal congestion.
Smoking-OSA is more likely in people who smoke.
Diabetes-If you are diabetic, you are in the high-risk category.
Sex-Men are more likely to have OSA than women are.
Family History-If someone in your family suffers from obstructive sleep apnea, you may have an increased risk.
Asthma-Studies indicate a link between OSA risk and asthma.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Complications
According to your dentist in Anaheim Hills, OSA is serious if left untreated. Because you wake up several times a night, it is impossible to get a good night’s sleep. The sudden blood oxygen level drops that happen with OSA can put a strain on your heart.
The more serious the disorder, the greater chance of heart disease or heart attack. Surgery can also be a problem as OSA can cause problems with general anesthesia and other medications as they relax your airways. This could cause your OSA to become more severe.
People with obstructive sleep apnea also complain of frequent urination, memory problems, mood swings, depression, and headaches.
The Smart OSA Solution
If you follow Dr. Ringers Blog, you will know that oral appliance therapy is an alternative to CPAP therapy and surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. As a preferred oral appliance therapy provider, Dr. Ringer has the experience to provide you with the oral appliance that best suits your needs.
Sleep apnea doesn’t have to change your life, and it won’t with oral appliance therapy.
5765 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Suite A, Anaheim, CA 92807
Office Hours: 8am to 5pm. OPEN FRIDAYS.
