Obstructive sleep apnea can impact as many as 12 million people in the United States. But what causes sleep apnea to develop? How does this impact your health and ability to sleep? Understanding the factors behind OSA can help you make changes in your life to sleep better, or to know when you should see the dentist to discuss treatment options.
Common Factors
While sleep apnea can impact men and women of all age groups, including children, most patients with the disorder tend to be men 55 and older. Congestion, obesity, neck circumference, and excessive alcohol consumption all increase the risk of the disorder. The way we sleep can impact our risk as well. In fact, the doctor may also recommend changes to your sleeping habits to stop future episodes, such as waking up and going to bed at the same times every day, keeping the bedroom screen-free (no TVs, computers, and smartphones), and laying on your side instead of your back.
Apneic Episodes
A sleep apnea episode involves the tissues in the throat and the back of the mouth becoming too relaxed, collapsing and blocking airflow. Patients then stop breathing until the brain wakes them after registering a sudden lack of oxygen. These episodes can happen dozens of times an hour, hundreds of times a night, with patients having little to no memory of them.
What Happens Without Treatment?
Without treatment, these episodes can lead to sleep deprivation, exhaustion, a greater risk of depression, and a higher risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. If you recognize the warning signs, which can include chronic snoring, waking up gasping for air/choking, and daytime drowsiness, you should see the dentist as soon as possible.
Do You Need to See the Dentist?
At James Stewart, DDS, our team can find the cause of your disorder and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. Dr. Stewart and our compassionate staff serve patients of all ages from Livonia, MI, as well as Farmington Hills, Farmington, Plymouth, Northville, Novi, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Garden City, Westland, Redford, and the surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.
