Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that affects millions of people, many of whom don’t realize that they suffer from a sleep disorder. Traditional signs of sleep apnea include loud and/or frequent snoring, gasps for breath, and long pauses in breathing during the night. There are several risk factors for sleep apnea, which include:
- Having a large tongue
- Being overweight
- Having a small jawbone
- Being over 40
- Having a large neck
- Having large tonsils
At Paramus Dental and Implant Center in Rochelle Park, we treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway. When this occurs, the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, and then the sleep apnea sufferer briefly wakes up, gasping for air. This is called an “apnea” and it can occur hundreds of time in just one night. Many people don’t realize that this is happening and their sleep apnea is left untreated. However, when left untreated, sleep apnea has been linked to many serious health disorders, including:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Depression
- Heart failure
If you or a loved one snores or has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, contact Paramus Dental and Implant Center immediately to receive the care you need. We offer sleep apnea appliances that can help you get a good night’s rest and avoid the risks of sleep apnea.