What is Sleep Apnea?
The Greek word “apnea” literally means “without breath.”
There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed; of the three, obstructive is the most commonly seen. Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. It is very common, as common as adult diabetes, and affects more than twelve million Americans According to the National Institutes of Health. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but it can strike anyone at any age, even children. Because of the lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals, the vast majority remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences. Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, narcolepsy, and headaches. Success rates for sleep apnea dental appliances are through the roof. At Three Trees Dental, Dr. Gardner has had many happy patients that “wish I’d done this sooner”.
Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, narcolepsy, and headaches. If you notice that you or a loved one has difficulty breathing at night don’t wait; get a sleep study done. Then investigate options with your primary care provider and ask if a dental appliance from Three Trees Dental could be right for you.