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Have you been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or do you suspect you might be in need of a sleep study to see if your breathing is stopping throughout the night? The Riverside dentists at Riverside Dental Group can improve your knowledge about sleep apnea and help you determine whether you should schedule a consultation for diagnosis and treatment.

Questions

Q1. True or False – There are two types of sleep apnea.

Q2. True or false – Among the diseases that are linked to OSA are heart disease, diabetes, and shingles.

Q3. True or false – Most patients find CPAP machines more comfortable than oral appliances as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

Q4. True or false – You are at a higher risk for sleep apnea if you are male.

Answers

A1. TRUE – Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results from the position you sleep in creating a blockage as soft tissues sink into your airway. OSA can be treated by certain dentists. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a condition of the brain and should be tended to by your general physician.

A2. FALSE – Heart disease and diabetes have both been linked to sleep apnea, but shingles has not.

A3. FALSE – CPAP machines may work well for some patients, but many people find the cumbersome, loud nature of this mask hooked to a machine to be distracting and interruptive to sleep. Oral appliances hold your lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, in a much less invasive way than CPAP (which is designed to keep a continuous flow of air even when you stop breathing).

A4. TRUE – Sleep apnea can affect anyone of any age, but predictors for higher risk include gender, age, and weight. Those patients who are over 40 or overweight are more likely to succumb to issues with OSA.

Visit your Riverside Dentists

Are you concerned about sleep apnea? Many people find that OSA is easily remedied with customized mouthguards. If you would like to arrange a consultation, call our 92504 dentist office at (951) 689-5031 for all of your comprehensive dental care needs.