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Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders & Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) are becoming more commonly diagnosed. SRBDs can be explained as interrupted air flow caused by tissues in the back of the throat closing as a person inhales and exhales during sleep. The result is typically recognized as snoring - which makes the lower jaw slip back and pushes the tongue in front of the airway. 

Obstructed Sleep Apnea (OSA) is often recognized as very loud and consistent snoring. When this occurs, the person may go without breathing for 10 seconds or MORE! It is dangerous because without being able to wake up, this person will suffer with the effects of low blood oxygen levels, particularly to the lungs. If you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you could be waking up almost once per minute! Your body's attempt to reset your breathing pattern does this for your protection, but it also causes your sleep to never reach a much needed deep and restful sleep.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is a less common form of Apnea that results in the muscles involved with breathing are not receiving the crucial brain signals to operate correctly. Some can suffer from a combination of both types of Apnea. 

Do you ever feel like even if you go to bed at a decent hour, you still can't get enough rest OR seem tired and worn out during the day?


Risk factors for different sleeping disorders range from (but are not limited to):
• More common in males than Females
• Adults 40+ years in age
• Obese People
• Smokers
• Alcohol Drinkers
• People who use sedatives or tranquilizers
• Genetic Family History
• People with Heart Disorders
• People with Neuromuscular Disorders 
• People who have had a stroke
​• People with Brain Tumors



There are some easy ways to determine if you are suffering from this by recognizing the symptoms. 
• Enlarged Tongue
• Enlarged tonsils/uvula
• Snoring
• Irritability
• Clumsiness
• Headaches in the morning
• Obesity
• Depression
• Decreased Sex Drive
• Not performing to your potential
• Diabetes
• Stomach Acid Regurgitation 
• High Blood Pressure
• Confusion
• Poor Memory
• Sleepy during the day
• Difficulty Falling Asleep
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​How Gateway Dental Care Can Help

Snoring and Sleep Apnea can often be treated by using a dental device that Gateway Dental Care offers. Oral Appliance Therapy often eliminates the snoring issue and eventually allowing you a full and satisfying nights sleep. We can custom fit this Oral Appliance.

In more serious cases, surgery might be the best way to correct the issue. We can refer you to a specialist of that's the case. In diagnosing these issues, a sleep study is typically needed to determine the type and severity of the sleeping disorder. 

Contact Gateway Dental Care now to get started on your future to a good nights sleep! 
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