Obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA is a condition that affects millions of people in the United States. CPAP is the number one therapy, but there are other treatments such as oral appliance therapy.
Furthermore, people who suffer often wake up 30 times an hour resulting in a poor night’s sleep. As a result, people are constantly tired according to Xceptional Dental.
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
While there is no one cause for OSA, researchers believe there are some people who fall into a higher risk category. For example, a person who is overweight or obese is more likely to have OSA. However, not everyone who is obese suffers from OSA.
Below are some other risks to be aware of:
Thick Neck
Family History
Smoking
Heavy Drinking
Diabetes
Narrow Airway
Being Male
Having Tonsils and Adenoids
High Blood Pressure
Chronic Nasal Congestion
Asthma
Is OSA Dangerous?
Dr. Janette Larsen, a preferred provider of oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, explains that OSA can be dangerous and also life threatening if left untreated. In particular, obstructive sleep apnea can lead to:
Chronic Fatigue
Daytime Sleepiness
Loss of Libido
Cardiovascular Problems
Stroke
Heart Attack
Congestive Heart Failure
Difficulty Concentrating
Depression
Moodiness
Morning Headaches
Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
While there are other options for treatment, CPAP therapy in particular is the most common.
For example, other treatment therapies for OSA include oral appliance therapy and also, as a last resort, surgery.
CPAP Therapy for OSA
CPAP therapy has been used for decades as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. In spite of its success, it is usually abandoned after a few months. Firstly because it is uncomfortable. Secondly because it is cumbersome, hard to clean and difficult to travel with. Finally there is another option.
Oral Appliance Therapy from Xceptional Dental
Used as an alternative to CPAP therapy for OSA, Dr. Janette Larsen is a licensed and preferred oral appliance provider. If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy may be right for you as it is more comfortable and easier to live with than CPAP therapy.
If you would like to learn more about oral appliance therapy for OSA, call and schedule a consultation with Xceptional dental today.