RISK FACTORS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep. This can occur several times during your sleep cycle, and it is often accompanied by loud snoring or abrupt awakenings that have you choking or gasping for air.

If you or a loved one suffers from chronic snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, the Barrie dentists at Chapnick Dental Office may be able to recommend a custom treatment option to restore restful, healthy sleep. Please call us at (416) 568-0687 to schedule your sleep apnea assessment.

While anyone—regardless of age, gender or race—can develop obstructive sleep apnea, there are some factors that indicate a heightened risk for the condition. These risk factors include but are not limited to:

• Obesity
• Being male
• Having a large, thick neck
• Having high blood pressure
• Smoking
• Regular alcohol consumption or sedative use

If not treated, obstructive sleep apnea can increase your risk for severe medical problems including stroke, heart attack and hypertension. Fortunately, there are a number of comfortable and effective sleep apnea treatments available.

Many patients find success with the use of custom-made oral appliances. These devices are similar to sports mouthguards and worn while you sleep to help you maintain an open airway.

For additional information on sleep apnea, please see How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Diagnosed and Evaluated?

To learn more about sleep apnea testing and treatment, please contact Chapnick Dental Office. We welcome patients from the greater Barrie, Ontario, area.