OSA and Snoring Don’t Always Go Hand in Hand

Snoring isn’t always a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, but it can be.

If you have been told you are a chronic and loud snorer, or live with someone who is, schedule an appointment with your doctor who can refer you to a sleep specialist. This is especially important if you live alone as most symptoms of sleep apnea go unnoticed by the sufferer.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is More than Snoring

If you follow the Dental Cosmetics Anaheim Hills Blog, you will remember that obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA, causes depression, morning headaches, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and even heart problems.

According to Dr. Jack Ringer, past president and an Accredited Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, if left untreated, OSA can cause stroke, heart attack, and even death.

A Checkup for OSA Is Essential

Loud snoring, being overweight or consuming too much tobacco or alcohol can lead to obstructive sleep apnea. If you have a large neck size, are a male, or over the age of 65, you are also in the high-risk category for obstructive sleep apnea.

While it was once thought that OSA was only reserved for obese people and old men, the Mayo Clinic indicates that it reaches a much wider population. In other words, you don’t have to be overweight to have obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms

If you or someone you know snores loudly or wakes up abruptly to catch a breath, it could be OSA. People who wake in the middle of the night gasping for breath could be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

If you or someone you know wakes up with a dry or sore throat, lacks energy while awake or has almost fallen asleep at the wheel, OSA could be to blame.

People who suffer from morning headaches, neck aches and backaches, insomnia, and mood changes may also be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

If you are forgetful, have a decrease in libido or have become depressed, it’s time to see your doctor for a sleep study.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Solutions

People who have been diagnosed with OSA now have more treatments. While the continuous airway pressure device, or CPAP therapy, is the most common, it isn’t always the best solution.

OSA sufferers often abandon CPAP therapy after a few weeks because it isn’t the most comfortable apparatus. While the CPAP machine has certainly improved over the years, you still have to wear a mask and a tube that is connected to a machine.

Of course surgery is an option, but isn’t always the best one, because in some cases it does not work.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Mild and Moderate OSA

Your oral appliance therapy specialist Dr. Jack Ringer is a preferred oral appliance therapy device provider and will fit you with the best dental appliance for your needs. Not only will oral appliance therapy help you sleep better, it will also keep everyone else in bed at night.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, call and schedule a no obligation oral appliance therapy consultation with your Anaheim Hills dentist today.