Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical condition often typified by chronic loud snoring. Many cases of OSA go undiagnosed, and countless others have given up on intrusive CPAP therapy. A solution can be found at Life Smiles Dental Care in Phoenix.
Sleep apnea and your health
An episode of OSA begins with a few normal breaths as you drift into light sleep. At the back of the throat, soft tissues are also relaxing. Your airway becomes partially or completely blocked. Respiration is shallow, then ceases for a few seconds or minutes denying the brain and body of oxygen. The brain recognizes danger, sending a jolt of adrenaline. Your body jerks, and you snort or choke into wakefulness. After a few deep inhales, the cycle repeats. A severe apneic may have more than 30 events per hour, preventing deep regenerative sleep.
It might be easy to laugh off snoring, but it is much more difficult to ignore the health hazards of continual oxygen and sleep deprivation. Essential hormones that regulate healthy body function and cellular renewal are only released during deep REM sleep cycles.
OSA is linked to:
- High blood pressure.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- Obesity.
- Diabetes.
- Depression.
- Problems with mental focus.
- Daytime drowsiness.
- Vehicular and workplace accidents.
- TMJ disorders and bruxism.
How can a dentist help?
The first step is a sleep study, conducted by a physician, to diagnose and evaluate the severity of OSA. The doctor may recommend CPAP, which holds the airway open with a constant flow of air. It works well, if you can tolerate being tethered to a machine and wearing a face mask while you sleep.
Our dentists offer a discreet, comfortable alternative – oral appliance therapy. This device is about the size of an orthodontic retainer. It is custom fitted to your mouth, depressing the tongue and positioning the jaw slightly open and forward to maintain natural air flow. It is easy to insert, keep clean, and take along when you travel.
It is time to get a good night’s sleep. Call Life Smiles Dental Care in Phoenix at (602) 786-1876 to schedule a sleep apnea consultation.
