Sleeping with someone who constantly snores and wakes you up gasping for breath is uncomfortable, but it’s also a health risk for the person suffering.

Known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea it’s a disorder that most people aren’t even aware of.

Dr. Jack Ringer is a preferred oral appliance therapy specialist and offers several solutions for obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is Common

While OSA is quite common, researchers aren’t sure what causes OSA. Your oral appliance therapy provider in Anaheim Hills explains that several factors could put you in the high-risk category.

1. Overweight-Being obese or even slightly overweight could lead to obstructive sleep apnea. This could be because there is fat around the neck making it difficult to breathe when the throat relaxes.
2. A Large Neck Size-Having a larger neck also puts you at risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
3. Being Male-Although women do suffer from OSA, especially menopausal and post menopausal women, the condition is more prominent in men.
4. Age-Age does factor in when it comes to obstructive sleep apnea. People over the age of 65 have a higher risk of suffering than others.
5. Medications-Certain over the counter and prescription drugs cause the back of the throat to relax. If you are suffering from OSA because of medications, talk to your doctor.
6. Alcohol Use-Sleep apnea is predominant in people who consume high levels of alcohol. Again, it is believed that the throat is so relaxed the person forgets to breathe.
7. Tobacco Use-Cigarette, pipe, cigar, and hookah pipe smoking can increase the risk of OSA while inflaming the upper airways. People who smoke are twice as likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.
8. Genetics-You Anaheim Hills oral appliance therapy expert agrees with the experts in that genetics play a part in obstructive sleep apnea. If your family has a history of it, you may want to schedule an appointment for a sleep study.

CPAP Therapy for OSA

While some doctors can’t stop talking about CPAP machines, granted, they have improved over the years; most machines are abandoned shortly after use because they are still loud and uncomfortable. People who suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea are touting the benefits of oral appliance therapy for OSA.

Dr. Jack Ringer is a preferred oral appliance therapy provider and is continually educating himself with the latest devices on the market. Just like the humble CPAP machine, oral appliances have improved over the years with amazing results for OSA sufferers.

Schedule an Appointment with a Specialist

If you have OSA or have recently been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, call and schedule an appointment with Dental Cosmetics in Anaheim Hills today.