OSA

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is known as OSA. It occurs when you have a blockage in your upper airway while you’re sleeping. This condition causes your chest muscles and diaphragm and chest muscles function harder to clear the obstructed airway and draw air into your lungs.

If you have OSA you may not be aware of it, but there are common symptoms that apply to you if you have it.

• Unusual feelings of dryness in your mouth upon waking in the morning
• A painful sensation in your throat upon waking in the morning
• Sleepiness during the day
• Fatigue during the day
• Morning headaches
• Sweating at night
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Sexual difficulties
• Snoring
• Waking to gasping or choking

Children also can have OSA (but it is most common among older men) and their symptoms can vary from the ones in the previous list. Due to the extensive affect that OSA can have on your life, it can cause significant physiological and psychological strain as well.

The good news is that OSA is a very treatable disorder. Through careful and correct diagnosis and treatment you may have relief from your OSA symptoms.

If suspect that you or a loved one has OSA, it’s time to book an appointment with Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. We offer a custom-designed oral appliance called Optisleep if you have a severe OSA and are unable or unwilling to tolerate CPAP therapy and/or surgery. This two-piece appliance is designed to keep your upper airway open to allow you to have a restful sleep each night.

Call Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today.