Sleep is one of the essential pillars of good health, yet millions of people suffer from a dangerous sleep disorder that often goes undiagnosed. It's called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and at Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus, we are committed to raising awareness about this condition and being your guide to healthier and happier sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is a huge root cause contributing to higher incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and dementia.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
OSA is a common yet serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops or decreases during sleep. This can happen hundreds of times in a night, leaving the sufferer gasping for breath. OSA affects more than 25 million adults in the United States, and astonishingly, about 75% of severe cases remain undiagnosed.
In cases of apnea, the airway is obstructed as the throat relaxes, causing the tongue to retreat into the airway due to factors such as its size and a narrow, high-vaulted palate that prevents it from residing where it should, atop the roof of the mouth, ultimately obstructing airflow and encouraging mouth breathing over nasal breathing.
Sleep Apnea and Its Hidden Dangers
The cessation or decrease in breathing during sleep leads to a drop in oxygen levels in the bloodstream. This drop puts stress on the entire body and leads to several systemic health issues, including but not limited to:
High blood pressure
Dementia
Diabetes
Hormonal disorders
Depression
Stroke
Asthma
Acid reflux
Weight gain
Heart failure
Increased risk of car accidents
Moreover, disrupted sleep doesn't just cause fatigue; it's associated with increased sympathetic nervous system activity and pro-inflammatory responses. Short-term consequences can include stress, pain, reduced quality of life, emotional distress, and cognitive and memory deficits.
Recognizing the severity of this condition, Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus offers sleep apnea screenings as part of our commitment to your comprehensive dental care. If left untreated, OSA can lead to severe health problems. That's why our screenings are vital to catching this disorder early and connecting patients with the proper care they need to restore healthy sleep patterns.
A Medical Condition with a Dental Solution!
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a medical condition, often with a dental solution! Our office now offers Vivos, an innovative and groundbreaking approach to treating various conditions related to the airway. The Vivos Method aims to address the underlying causes of airway-related conditions such as sleep apnea and snoring. Unlike traditional treatments that primarily manage the symptoms, Vivos airway orthotics seeks to greatly reduce symptoms and long term risks by addressing the root causes of these issues. Did you know? Bones in the human face can expand and remodel into our 70’s and beyond – this means we can improve our ability to breathe virtually at any age with this treatment! To learn more about Vivos, click here.
Conclusion: Wake Up to the Importance of Sleep Health
Whether it's the stress of daily life or joyous celebrations that keep us awake, we must understand that disrupted sleep is much more than an inconvenience–it's a health risk that needs proper attention and care.
Dr. McClatchie and the team at Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus is dedicated to not only treating dental health but also focusing on overall well-being. OSA is a condition that's too important to ignore. If you or someone you know may be at risk, please reach out to us. Together, we can work to ensure that sleep becomes a time of restoration and health, not a silent nightly battle.
Remember, sleep apnea is not just about snoring. It's about your overall health and well-being. Make an appointment with us today and let us help you sleep more soundly and live more healthily.
Our dental practice in Columbus, Ohio offers personalized complete health dental care, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry services. We strive to take a proactive and preventative approach to your health, optimizing your oral and whole-body health.
Schedule an appointment by calling us at (614) 412-0916