Sleep apnea is a common but serious disease wherein you do not breathe properly while you are sleeping. Not only can it affect your sleep patterns, but it could also put you at risk for serious health problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure.
Genetic predispositions and environmental factors are both contributing factors to sleep apnea. Even the weather can affect sleep apnea, especially if you are suffering from nasal allergies or sinus congestions.
Disproportions such as oversized tonsils or tongue or undersized jaws can increase your risk for sleep apnea. A deviated septum also puts you at risk. Males also tend to be more prone to sleep apnea than females; people over the age of 40 are a greater risk than younger folks.
There are two kinds of sleep apnea. One physically obstructs your airflow, while another is related to the signals that your brain sends to your body while you sleep (Central Sleep Apnea). If you do have Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA, the sleep doctor will discuss options with you. These options may include such things as Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) therapy treatments, oral appliance therapy, or surgery.
If you would like to meet with Dr. Groover and our team at Groover Family Dentistry for an oral examination, please call 912-354-9541 to schedule an appointment at our dentist office in Savannah, GA. Come on in to learn more about your options to get you breathing right and smiling big again!