Has your partner ever complained about your snoring keeping them awake all night? Though people may snore for a variety of reasons, a dangerous condition exists called sleep apnea. It affects 22 million Americans and, if it isn’t treated, can block your airway while you sleep. Several factors increase your risk of sleep apnea and, if you snore, it’s essential to understand them.

What Increases the Risk of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is an obstructive disorder that closes off your air passage while you sleep. Many patients manifest symptoms of severe snoring, intermingled with fits of gasping and inability to breathe. The most frightening part about sleep apnea is, other than feeling unrested, most patients do not even realize their symptoms.

Additionally, patients who are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea have several indicators in common:

• Gender: Men are twice more likely to develop sleep apnea than women. 
• Weight: Overweight and obese patients are up to four times as likely to have the condition; fat in the throat area can constrict breathing.
• Age: The majority of sleep apnea patients are older adults.
• Lifestyle: Smoking inflames your throat, which can constrict your airway. Additionally, some drugs and alcohol relax throat muscles, causing breathing issues.
• Physical Ailments: If you suffer from allergies, sinus issues, or have a family history of the condition, you increase the possibility of developing it.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Part of treating sleep apnea is knowing your medical history and risk factors. Set up a consultation with an ear, nose, and throat specialist or a dentist who specializes in sleep dentistry to help you treat your breathing disorder. Though some patients opt for a continuous positive airway pressure machine, dentists can create a small customized oral appliance to promote better breathing that isn't noisy or uncomfortable. Either way, it’s critical for your health to seek treatment for this potentially deadly disorder.

In addition to general dentistry, Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS, assists patients struggling with sleep apnea with proven dentistry methods. Residents of Kailua-Kona, HI, trust him to help them slumber safely through state-of-the-art dental care techniques and appliances. If you have questions about how dentistry can treat your sleep apnea, schedule your appointment by calling (808) 322-0101 or visit online.

SaveSave