Do you snore loudly or wake up gasping for air throughout the night?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a medical condition that affects not only your oral health but takes a toll on your emotional and physical well-being. Sleep is important to living a healthy, productive life. When interruptions to sleep patterns are frequent, the body can’t rest properly throughout the night, and you begin to experience side effects of sleep deprivation.
“Sleep is a health issue. Being alert, energetic, rested is important to your well being. We have great Sleep Solutions. Let me help you get Better Sleep”
—Dr. Vijay Patel
Patients who have obstructive sleep apnea commonly experience:
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Heart attacks
- Diabetes
- Chronic Fatigue
- Irritability
- Stroke
- Weight gain
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked while you sleep. This usually happens due to the collapse of soft tissue at the back of the throat. Other causes may include certain medications, nasal polyps, and/or sinusitis.
When you can’t breathe properly, it causes vibrations that cause snoring. Patients with sleep apnea often wake up to 500 times during the night, gasping for air as the body is repeatedly deprived of proper oxygen flow.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Several risk factors and signs indicate you may be experiencing sleep apnea. It is important to know that even some children can develop sleep apnea. Anyone who shows signs of the disorder should seek a screening and sleep test. Early diagnosis of sleep apnea can be life-saving.
If you notice that you snore loudly while asleep, you should seek a screening for sleep apnea. Snoring is the most prevalent indication of sleep apnea.
“I can stop your Snoring in. I specialize in helping patients achieve restful, snore free sleep and I can do the same for you!
Most snoring occurs when air pathways are blocked during sleep. Thus, it’s important to open the airway to allow more oxygen.”
—Dr. Vijay Patel
Other risk factors for sleep apnea include:
- Being of the male sex
- Being overweight
- Having a large neck circumference
- Snoring
- Over the age of 40
Treating Sleep Apnea
91% of patients who wear an Oral Appliance experience improved sleep quality.
Dr. Vijay Patel provides patients in Claremont, CA, with custom oral appliance therapy for stopping snoring and sleep apnea treatment. We fabricate a custom-fit oral appliance to adjust the jaw so the airway can remain open. The oral appliance opens restricted airways, and restores normal oxygen flow. Many patients experience immediate relief from morning headaches and fatigue.
“For many patients, a custom-fitted Oral Appliance prevents snoring. By gently advancing your lower jaw forward and creating an open airway for your throat, it eliminates the vibrations that cause snoring. “
—Dr. Vijay Patel
The oral appliance is discreet, effective, and small enough to fit in your personal bag for travel. We customize the device to your specific measurements so it fits comfortably and securely into your mouth. Best of all, oral appliance treatment for Sleep Apnea is FDA-cleared and comes with a 3-year warranty.
Oral appliance therapy is an effective alternative to the bulkier and more common CPAP machine. More practical and discreet, oral appliance therapy is a preferred treatment method for snoring and sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Leaving sleep apnea untreated can lead to serious health problems and even death. If you want to know more, read the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Does sleeping with the head elevated help with sleep apnea?
Some patients with sleep apnea find that sleeping with their heads elevated or on a pillow helps with pain. Sleeping with your head elevated helps open the airways and promotes better airflow. You should remain in the raised position for 10-20 minutes to allow your body time to adjust. Also, sleeping on your back allows better blood flow to your heart and lungs to improve your quality of sleep.
What foods cause sleep apnea?
Diet can play a role in obstructive sleep apnea. Some foods may cause your body to make more saliva or relax the muscles in your throat. This can make it harder to breathe at night and may worsen sleep apnea.
Foods that are high in fat and dairy can make sleep apnea worse. For example, foods high in fat and dairy produce excess mucus in the body. This extra mucus can block airways at night. Weight gain from foods high in fat and cholesterol can also cause sleep apnea.
How many apneas per hour is severe?
Severe sleep apnea occurs when a patient has more than 30 episodes per hour while asleep. Some patients may experience apneas up to 100 times per hour. Other patients with a less severe case may only experience them between 3 and 5 times per hour.
How does untreated sleep apnea affect overall health?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. It also increases the risk of accidents due to daytime fatigue and poor concentration. Over time, poor oxygen levels during sleep can strain the body and damage vital organs.
How does an oral appliance compare to a CPAP machine?
While a CPAP machine uses continuous airflow to keep your airway open, an oral appliance repositions the jaw and tongue to prevent collapse. Many patients find oral appliances more comfortable and easier to use consistently. They’re also quieter, portable, and require no electricity. A sleep appliance can be just as effective as CPAP for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
How long does it take to see results with oral appliance therapy?
Most patients notice improvements within the first week of use. You may experience deeper and more restful sleep after you begin treatment. You can also wake up feeling more refreshed. Snoring often decreases immediately.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
If you believe that you or someone you love has sleep apnea, contact Claremont Dental Institute. You can also call us at (909) 277-6919. Our dental care team can help you sleep better and improve your quality of life.