Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. If you snore, you may have sleep apnea and it’s time you do something about it. Sleep apnea is prevalent in the United States, with an estimated 25 million Americans suffering from the disorder. But the vast majority of even severe cases are undiagnosed. Left untreated, it not only significantly diminishes quality of life, it can be disabling and even deadly.

At Edgewood Dental Care in Edgewood, KY, we have sleep apnea solutions that will get you (and your loved ones) sleeping soundly through the night once again. Call our office at 859-474-7830 or fill out our online form and we will help you schedule an appointment.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

If you have sleep apnea, you stop breathing during the night. While there are two main types, obstructive sleep apnea is by far the most common. Unlike central sleep apnea, which is caused by a failure of your brain to send proper signals to your muscles, obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a physical obstruction blocking your airway — often, a bit of tissue hanging down from the back of your throat.

People afflicted with sleep apnea stop breathing hundreds of times each night. This causes them to jolt awake so briefly they probably won’t even remember in the morning, but the cycle prevents them from reaching the deep sleep that’s so essential.

Consequences of Sleep Apnea

Snoring is just the start of it. Sleep apnea leads to many serious complications if left untreated.

  • Persistent fatigue
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Mood changes
  • Car and machinery accidents due to fatigue
  • High blood pressure and heart problems
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Liver problems
  • Metabolic syndrome

And remember: sleep apnea does not just affect the sufferer. Loud snoring can impede the ability of the partner to sleep, making them chronically sleep-deprived as well!

Who Is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Anyone can get obstructive sleep apnea, even children. But some people are at a higher risk. The condition is more likely if any of the following apply to you:

  • You are obese. People carrying excess weight may have fat deposits around the airway that block the airway.
  • You have a thick neck. People with thicker necks actually tend to have narrower airways.
  • You smoke. Smoking may cause inflammation and fluid retention in the airway, greatly increases your chances of having sleep apnea.
  • You drink alcohol or take certain drugs. Any substance that relaxes the muscles can lead to sleep apnea.
  • Sleep Apnea runs in your family. If you have relatives with the condition, your risk is increased.
  • You are older. Sleep apnea is more common in older people.
  • You are a man. Men are more likely to have sleep apnea than women.
  • You have enlarged tonsils or adenoids. These may obstruct the airway and are a common cause of sleep apnea in kids.

We Have a Sleep Apnea Solution

If you believe you suffer from sleep apnea, Edgewood Dental Care can make you a custom mouthguard that will keep your airway open through the night — and you sleeping soundly. Unlike a bulky CPAP machines, a mouthguard is small, unobtrusive, and portable. Call our Edgewood, KY office at 859-474-7830 or fill out our online form to request an appointment.