Oral appliance therapy is your best defense if you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Also referred to as OSA, this condition affects millions of people all over the world.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Sophisticated-Smiles explains that OSA is a condition that causes the back of the throat to relax. So much so that it interrupts breathing. Some sufferers wake up as many as 30 times each hour unaware of the episode. Breathing cessation happens because the brain knows you are in trouble and wakes you up, usually with a gasp.
OSA Symptoms
- Loud Snoring However, Not Everyone Who Snores Has OSA
- Gasping for Breath during Sleep
- Morning Headaches
- Dry Mouth
- Breathing Cessation Witnessed by Another
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Irritability
- Moody
- Sleepy During the Day
- Difficulty Paying Attention
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risks
Excess Weight
According to licensed and preferred provider Dr. Angela Cameron people who are overweight to the point of obesity have a high risk of sleep apnea because of fat deposits around the airways causes breathing obstruction.
Neck Size
People with large necks, men larger than 18” and women larger than 16”, are in the high-risk category because of narrow airways.
Smaller airways
You may have inherited your small airways from a family member. People who have tonsils and adenoids are also in the high-risk category for OSA.
Being a Man
Men are three times as likely to have obstructive sleep apnea as women are. However, if a woman is overweight her risk increases. The risk is higher after menopause as well.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Older Adults
Your dentist in Johnson City explains that being older plays an important role in sleep apnea as people over the age of 65 are at a higher risk than younger people are.
Family History and OSA
If your dad or grandpa suffered from OSA your risk could be increased as well.
Alcohol, Tranquilizers and Sedatives
Because all of these substances relax your throat muscles, medications increase your chance of OSA.
Tobacco Smoking and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
People who smoke cigarettes, pipes, and cigars are three times more likely to suffer from OSA than those who have never taken a puff. Smoking increases fluid retention and inflammation in the upper airways.
Nasal Congestion
If you have problems breathing, whether it’s from allergies or an anatomical issue, you are twice as likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.
Medical Conditions
Type 2 Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, High Blood Pressure, and Congestive Heart Failure are just some of the medical conditions that can cause OSA.
Help for OSA Sufferers
While the most common therapy for OSA is CPAP therapy, there are other solutions as well such as dental oral appliance therapy from Sophisticated-Smiles.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
As a licensed and preferred dental oral appliance provider, Dr. Cameron in Johnson City offers comfortable retainers and mouth guards that are worn while you sleep. Oral Appliance Therapy prevents your throat from collapsing and obstructing your airways.
If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea oral appliance therapy could be the answer. Call and schedule a no obligation consultation with Sophisticated-Smiles today.
