Snoring and Sleep Apnea
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition that can have a significant impact on the quality of life, placing unnecessary strain on relationships between bed partners, family and the work places. Common symptoms of OSA are:
Loud snoring
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Depression
Fatigue
Reduced resistance to infection
What causes OSA?
When the tongue is sucked completely against the back of the throat, the airway is blocked and breathing stops. Once that happens, the harder the sleeper tries to breathe, the tighter the airway seal becomes. The airway obstruction will not clear until the brain’s oxygen level falls low enough to partially awaken the sleeper. The tongue then returns to a more normal position, and the airway seal is broken – usually with a loud gasp. Regular snorers have a 33% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and 40-80% of stroke sufferers also suffer from OSA.
Treatment Options at Shimizu Family Dental
Our office offers treatment in the form of oral appliance therapy (OAT). This appliance is approved to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea, and it can offer a more convenient form of treatment as compared to CPAP. Please contact our office for more information or for a consultation regarding diagnosis and treatment.