Did you know that some studies show up to 25 million people in the United State suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? This disorder, while widespread, is often unfamiliar to people, even those who suffer from it! In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist will look at a few basic facts about sleep apnea.
What Causes OSA?
The disorder could be caused by multiple factors, including obesity, age (higher risks at 55 and older), neck circumference, deviated septum or allergy issues, and even excessive alcohol consumption. Regardless of the cause, the disorder means that as you rest, soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat become loosened and relaxed. They collapse and block airflow completely. You stop breathing until the brain registers a drop in oxygen and wakes you. While few remember these episodes, they happen several times a night and leave people sleep deprived, as their sleep cycle is constantly interrupted.
Do I Need Treatment?
You should be aware of the common symptoms, and let us know if you often experience one or more of them on a daily or nightly basis. You could find themselves snoring frequently, or waking up choking or gasping for air. Dry mouth in the mornings, headaches during the day, and exhaustion during waking hours are common too. You could suffer from moodiness, trouble staying awake behind the wheel, or issues concentrating during the daytime.
How Does OSA Impact My Health?
As we lose sleep, this increases the risk of depression. The impacts could also include a strained immune system, so you become sick more often. For others, on the long-term the cardiovascular health becomes compromised, which mean a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. To avoid these short- and long-term impacts, you need to seek treatment as soon as possible.
How Do I Stop OSA?
Frist, when you let us know about your symptoms, we will offer a sleep assessment and possible a home sleeper study to diagnose you with accuracy and precision. In some cases, a study in a lab setting may be necessary as well. After that, we can plan treatment, which often involves wearing a custom-made oral appliance as you rest. The appliance fits comfortably, replaces the need for a cumbersome CPAP machine, and helps you sleep (and breathe) without interruption the entire night. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville Is Ready to Treat OSA
At Smith Family Dentistry, we know what happens when a sleep disorder remains untreated. To learn more about preventing complications of poor rest, then talk to Dental Sleep Solutions of Greenville by contacting our office at 903-455-0516.