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Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles and tissues surrounding the throat relax and cause the airway to collapse and block airflow into the lungs during sleep. The harder you try to breathe, the tighter the airway seals. This airway obstruction persists until the brain tells the body to wake up. Unconsciously, obstructive sleep apnea sufferers close their jaws and return the tongue and throat to a normal position.
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The sleep apnea cycle - falling asleep, jaw relaxing, airway collapsing, unconsciously awakening with a gasp, falling back asleep - can repeat itself 50 or more times per hour during the night. Blocked airways inhibit oxygen intake. During these periods of not breathing, the oxygen level in the blood falls. Persistant awakenings and low levels of oxygen (hypoxia) may cause excessive daytime sleepiness and mental confusion, in addition to serious health complications including weight gain, high blood pressure, morning headaches, heartburn, depression, sexual dysfunction, heart attack and stroke.
About 40% of people who snore have obstructive sleep apnea. Factors that may contribute to the condition include obesity, nasal obstruction, a large tongue, a narrow airway, and certain shapes of the jaw and palate. Fortunately, there are options available to effectively treat obstructive sleep apnea, including Oral Appliance Therapy, CPAP, and surgery.
Dr. Kitzmiller will perform a comprehensive assessment and then refer you to a sleep specialist to determine whether you have obstructive sleep apnea. Only a sleep physician can render an official sleep apnea diagnosis through an overnight evaluation called a polysomnography (PSG). As your sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Kitzmiller will coordinate your care with your physician and tailor a treatment plan to restore healthy breathing and restful slumber.
Call today to schedule your obstructive sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Kitzmiller. Our Milford dental office provides Milford/Loveland and the Greater Cincinnati area with personalized care for healthy living. |
