at Riverside Dental Group can assess symptoms to determine the cause of restless nights. Read on for some great information on this potentially dangerous condition.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that occurs when the soft tissues in your mouth or throat block your airway, while you try to sleep. Patients who suffer from OSA can stop breathing up to dozens of times each night. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes that an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from some kind of sleep disorder. The CDC considers this prevalence, and related consequences, a public health epidemic. The American Sleep Association (ASA) says that more men are afflicted with sleep apnea than women. According to these statistics one in 25 middle-aged men and one in 50 middle-aged women have OSA.
Symptoms of OSA
Some of the common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Waking abruptly
- Snoring
- Breathing cessation during sleep
- Choking or coughing
- Gasping for breath
Side Effects of OSA
There are many problems that can occur as a result of OSA. Patients have reported falling asleep while driving or operating dangerous machinery, critical errors and reduced productivity on the job, and tension in relationships.
Specific physical side effects that can be related to sleep apnea range from:
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Depression
- Irregular heartbeat
- Low attention span
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Increased risk for heart attack and stroke
Help for OSA from Riverside Dentists
If you have any questions or concerns about OSA, your Riverside dentists would be happy to see you for a consultation. We offer comprehensive dentistry for the whole family. If you are due for a dental checkup or cleaning, or you have any concerns, contact our 92506 dentist office at (951) 369-1001. We serve patients throughout Riverside County.
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