Sleep Apnea Treatments

Treat Your Sleep Apnea Today

Billions of people around the world are impacted by sleep apnea. Those with sleep apnea often complain of daytime sleepiness, headaches, and depression. The unfortunate part of this sleeping disorder is that many who are affected by it don't know they have it.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, contact Orange Coast Cosmetic Dentistry - Long Beach today. For over 30 years, our dental team has been helping individuals in the Long Beach, CA area find personalized solutions so they can breathe easier at night, get more rest, and feel better. Complimentary consultations are available for new patients and if you have PPO insurance, we'll gladly help you with any of the paperwork.

What Are Your Sleep Apnea Risk Factors?

Sleep apnea can affect anyone, even children. However, certain factors can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea.

Too Much Weight

Individuals who are overweight or obese are four times more likely to have sleep apnea. This is because fat deposits can obstruct breathing in the upper airways. Not everyone who is heavy develops sleep apnea.

Neck Size

Men who have a neck circumference larger than 17 inches and women who have a neck larger than 15 inches are at risk for sleep apnea as the fat deposits restrict the ability to breathe.

Narrow Airways

Those born with small airways have an increased risk of being affected by sleep apnea. If you still have your adenoids and tonsils and they become enlarged, your airways will narrow, making it difficult to breathe at night. This is common in children who suffer from sleep apnea. Adults who still have adenoids and tonsils may also be affected by sleep apnea.

Being Male

If you are a man, you are two times as likely to develop sleep apnea, however, overweight women and women in menopause are also at risk for sleep apnea.

Age

Although studies have yet to show a clear reason why, it seems that sleep apnea occurs more often in seniors than in any other age group.

Family History

Having a history of sleep apnea in your family can increase your risk.

Alcohol, Tranquilizers, Sedatives, and Smoking

Substances that relax the muscles in the back of the throat make it hard to breathe. If you take any medications or drink, you may be at risk for sleep apnea. If you've had a stroke, have a heart disorder, or use any type of narcotic pain medication, you could be at risk for sleep apnea.

To learn more about sleep apnea and how it may be impacting your life, turn to the sleep apnea experts at Orange Coast Cosmetic Dentistry - Long Beach. We create custom sleep apnea mouth guards that are designed to keep your airways open at night so you can breathe easily and get the high-quality rest you deserve. Call today to schedule an appointment with us.

Discover Your Type of Sleep Apnea

When the muscles in the back of the throat start to relax, it narrows your breathing passageway so much it is impossible to inhale. This signals your brain telling you to wake up so you can catch a breath. People with sleep apnea can wake up as many as 30 times every hour all night. Not only does this cause daytime sleepiness, but it can also impair your ability to lead a normal life. Sleep apnea can also be life-threatening.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The most common OSA happens when the throat muscles relax.

Central Sleep Apnea

Less common than OSA, CSA occurs when the brain isn’t sending the proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing.

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Emergent central sleep apnea is a combination of OSA and CSA.