Snoring can make for a bad night’s sleep, for you and your bed mate. Snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which you stop breathing as you sleep. Millions of people cope with it, and there is treatment available at Future of Dentistry.
First, a clarification: just because someone snores doesn’t mean they have sleep apnea. An accurate diagnosis is the first step in treating it.
People with OSA may stop and re-start breathing repeatedly through the night. This deprives the brain of oxygen. There is mounting evidence that untreated OSA puts you at risk of many serious conditions.
High Blood Pressure
Untreated sleep apnea is connected to high blood pressure. If you already have it, sleep apnea can make it worse. Sleep apnea can also make it harder to treat blood pressure with medication.
Heart Disease
People with OSA are more likely to have heart disease. The causes may be low oxygen and the stress of waking up often during the night. Strokes and atrial fibrillation are also connected to OSA.
Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep apnea is common among people with type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that blood sugar levels are higher among men and women with OSA. Obesity raises the risk for OSA and Type 2 diabetes. However, treatment for OSA can decrease blood sugar levels.
Treatment Option
One of the most common treatments for OSA is a device called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP for short. Unfortunately many patients find it cumbersome to wear at night. We’re happy to say there is an alternative.
At Future of Dentistry we treat sleep apnea with a custom oral device, worn like a mouthguard. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley find it far more comfortable than CPAP. We also offer complete general and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!
Contact Future Of Dentistry:
Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):
Future of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821
978-663-4303
Future of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826
978-957-1811
Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845
978-685-8313
Future of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880
781-245-2299