Sleep is a time of rest for both the body and mind, but 18 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea do not find deep sleep or restful nights. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder thatinterrupts breathing at night in episodes lasting from ten seconds to minutes at a time, known as apneas. There are two categories of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. In obstructive sleep apnea, the soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxes and blocks the air passageway to the lungs, thereby stopping the respiratory system temporarily and lowering the oxygen levels in the blood and body. The second type of apnea is known as central sleep apnea and occurs when the brain fails to signal the respiratory system to breathe at night. Of the two types, obstructive sleep apnea is more common, occurring in 85% of sleep apnea cases. In 10% of cases, both types of apnea occur, meaning that central sleep apnea occurs in less than 5% of the population of sleep apnea suffering Americans.
Snoring, at times, suggests the condition of sleep apnea. When the soft tissue at the back of the throat relaxes, breathing causes vibrations in the back of the throat triggering both the sound associated with snoring and the blockage in the respiratory system that slows or stops breathing. Snoring and sleep apnea are most common in men over the age of forty who are overweight, but sleep apnea can even occur in children. Most individuals, who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, are unaware of the symptoms until a sleeping partner or loved one informs the person of symptoms from snoring or choking in sleep. To review more information concerning sleep apnea, and who the disorder affects, please click HERE.
Sleep apnea, if undiagnosed not only disrupts sleep but also creates dangerous health risks from higher blood pressure to an increase in the probability of heart attacks.
To identify and monitor sleep apnea, a sleeping study is administered with the protective care of physicians. After being diagnosed with sleep apnea, physicians and dentists now offer innovative techniques as solutions to apnea at night. One solution is a machine that continually pushes air into the respiratory system to keep the passageway open and maintain oxygen levels in the body. The CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, functions with either a nose or a mouth piece that ensures the constant movement of air. The CPAP, although effective, may seem invasive and can be a costly solution. Another technique, which is more financially affordable, is a mouthpiece or an oral appliance, often personalized by a dentist or orthodontist. The oral device projects the lower jaw forward and holds the tongue down during sleep in order to keep the airway open. Removable, the device comes out in the morning and can be washed and cleaned regularly. Although a physical adjustment, the mouthpiece provides sleep apnea sufferers with a solution to rest and better health.
Dr. Alexander Ash in his Studio City, California dental office offers various types of oral appliances for sleep apnea as a service to his patients suffering from this invasive sleep disorder. With great testimonials, Dr. Ash confirms his dental practice treats patients as a top priority and with the utmost care. For more information or to book an appointment today call .
Studio Dental Care serves patients in Encino, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and the greater Los Angeles area.
For press or information, please contact Dr. Alexander Ash at Studio Dental Care’s office at (818) 763-1444. Studio Dental Care’s website is http://www.studiodentalcare.com/ and their office is located at 12412 Ventura Blvd.,Studio City, CA 91604.