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Sleep Apnea
It is imperative to see a dentist who understands sleep apnea. Our team is trained in sleep disorders and can help you go over all of your treatment options. With our help, you will have better quality sleep, more energy and motivation, increased alertness, and overall greater quality of life.
Sleep Apnea: A Breathing Disorder
The team at Mid-Wilshire Dental Care understands the potential severity of sleep apnea. Along with your medical doctors, we will help aid in your speedy diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that affects 22 million Americans. A person who has sleep apnea will repeatedly stop and start breathing while they are sleeping. Many people don’t even realize they have it and if left untreated, it can be a very serious condition.
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a patient will stop breathing anywhere from 30-50 times a night. There are three types of sleep apnea; Obstructive, Central, and Complex. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form, causes the muscles in your throat to block the air during sleep. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain doesn’t signal the muscles to breathe. Complex sleep apnea occurs when both obstructive and central sleep apneas have been treated and there are still breathing problems. Although there are different types of sleep apnea, the symptoms can be the same.
Some symptoms include: Snoring, acid reflux, high blood pressure, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, depression, mood swings, abrupt awakenings with gasping or choking, and nighttime sweating. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, depression, glaucoma, diabetes, chronic fatigue, and hypertension. Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a combination of studying symptoms and signs, testing, and overnight sleep monitoring by a specialist. There are a few treatments for sleep apnea, including a CPAP machine and other airway pressure devices, oral appliances, and surgery. If you have any symptoms of sleep apnea or think that you may be at risk, give us a call today at (323) 931-2000.
How Do I Know If I Am At Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Men are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea than women. Hormonal and anatomical differences contribute to a higher risk of airway obstruction during sleep in males.
Smoking significantly increases the risk of sleep apnea. It causes inflammation and fluid retention in the airway, making smokers up to three times more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
Being overweight increases your chances of sleep-disordered breathing. Fat deposits around the neck can narrow the airway, leading to interrupted breathing and reduced oxygen during sleep.
Genetics play a role in your sleep apnea risk. If close family members have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, your chances of developing the condition may be higher.
Chronic nasal congestion can lead to breathing problems at night. Difficulty breathing through your nose may contribute to the development or worsening of obstructive sleep apnea.
Adults over 60 are at greater risk of developing sleep apnea. As we age, throat muscles relax more during sleep, increasing the likelihood of airway collapse and interrupted breathing.
Certain ethnic groups may face higher sleep apnea risk. Studies show that African Americans under 35 are more likely to have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea compared to other populations.
“I was exhausted all of the time. My wife said I was snoring and it was really affecting both of our sleep. Then, one night I woke up gasping for air. I was terrified. I did a search online and thought that maybe this could be sleep apnea. I called Dr. Afar the next day. Well, I was right. It was sleep apnea. Dr. Afar helped me with an oral piece that helps me breathe better at night – and now, I’m sleeping like a baby!”
Patrick G.
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