Sleep Apnea Threatens Your Overall Health

el paso sleep apnea

In our last blog, we looked at how snoring could impact your health and how an oral appliance can help. In today’s blog, we’re going to focus on a related disorder, and one that can strain your immune system and heart health. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists talk about treating issues like sleep apnea.

The Causes of Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea? The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the soft tissues on the rear of the mouth become too relaxed and collapse, cutting off airflow and causing people to stop breathing for a few seconds until the brain wakes them. While they may not remember waking each time, this interrupts the sleep cycle every time, so you feel exhausted the next day even if you assume you slept well. Factors behind the disorder vary, but could include a large neck circumference, sinus and allergy issues, deviated septum, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption. While this can impact all genders and teens and adults alike, men 55 and older are at an especially high risk.

OSA Symptoms

How do you know if you have OSA and need to seek treatment? You may encounter episodes of waking suddenly in the night choking or gasping for air. You may fund you snore frequently, and wake with dry mouth or headaches. Daytime exhaustion is common, as is irritability and difficulty staying focused on work or school. When one or more of these potential symptoms arise, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our team will conduct a detailed examination and diagnose the cause of your sleep issues. If you have OSA, then we have a noninvasive and comfortable solution with oral appliance therapy.

Health Impacts

You should seek treatment because the disorder strains your immune system, which leaves you vulnerable to illness. For others, this could also stress your cardiovascular system. This strain means a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke or heart attack. Don’t delay, talk to our team right away!

We Can Help!

Our team can create a custom oral appliance based on detailed digital images taken of your smile. The appliance will fit comfortably and be sworn as you sleep. Once in place, this device will gently shift your jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft issues, so you can breathe without complication. If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat sleep apnea, then contact our team today.

TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO, TX, ABOUT OSA

Our team wants to help you rest easy with oral appliance therapy. If you’re ready to treat your sleep disorder, then contact our Sunny Smiles location on N Zaragoza Rd in El Paso, TX at 915-849-9000.