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Sleep Apnea Q & A
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea (also called obstructive sleep apnea or OSA) is a chronic condition that causes breathing to be briefly interrupted many times each night – sometimes dozens of times. Sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues located at the very back of the throat become relaxed and drop down into the airway, narrowing the airway or blocking it completely. It's more common among those who are overweight, as well as those with thick necks or narrow airways. It's also more common among people with diabetes and those with high blood pressure, and it tends to occur more often in people with a family history of the disease. Smoking and alcohol consumption can also contribute to the development of sleep apnea.
What kinds of problems can sleep apnea cause?
Sleep apnea has been lined with several major health issues, including:
heart attack and other cardiovascular issues
stroke
type 2 diabetes
obesity
depression and other mood disorders
high blood pressure
problems focusing or concentrating during the day
increased risk of automobile accidents and other serious accidents due to drowsiness
While some people with OSA snore, snort or gasp during sleep, other patients may experience very mild interruptions in breathing that don't cause snoring or other obvious indicators. For these patients, daytime sleepiness is often the only clue they may have to help diagnose their condition before it causes more serious medical issues.
What treatments does Design Dental Spa offer for sleep apnea?
We provide custom mouth guards that are worn during sleep to gently shift the lower jaw slightly forward, helping to keep the airway open so breathing is normal during sleep. Each guard is custom designed to help ensure a comfortable fit while sleeping so patients can breathe normally and get a good night's sleep.
