Dentist near Daly City offers treatments for obstructive sleep disorders
People in Daly City and across the Bay Area who are suffering from snoring or obstructive sleep apnea can turn to Dr. Leo Arellano and his skilled team for help. Obstructive sleep disorders are caused by obstruction of the airway, which can be caused by a number of conditions:
- Posturing of the jaw
- Increased body fat
- Enlarged tonsils
- Enlarged tongue
- Elongated soft palate
- Lax musculature
- Decreased tissue tone
The doctor and his team focus on helping patients manage snoring and obstructive sleep apnea conditions by recommending lifestyle changes and providing oral appliance therapy.
Snoring
Snoring affects nearly everyone at some point. The noise occurs when the airway is partially blocked and the tissues vibrate as the sleeper breathes in. It is usually just a slight annoyance; however, loud, chronic snoring can disrupt the sleeper as well as others in the household.
Studies have found nearly 40 percent of men and 24 percent of women habitually snore. It can cause the sleeper to wake up with a sore throat, a dry mouth, and sometimes, insufficient rest. Snoring can also be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious, potentially life-threatening condition.
Obstructive sleep apnea
This disorder causes the sleeper to stop breathing repeatedly. During sleep, the throat muscles relax, and the tongue can block the airway entirely as it falls back in the throat. This deprives all of the organs of necessary oxygen. As the brain senses the drop in the blood oxygen level, it signals for a release of adrenaline to prompt the body to resume breathing.
The repeated rushes of adrenaline, pauses in breathing, and drop in oxygen levels can occur hundreds of times per night and disrupt the vital organs. High blood pressure, an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks and other vascular disorders are associated with this condition.
A solution
Although a CPAP machine is an effective solution, patient compliance is low due to discomfort and inconvenience. Many habitual snorers and patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea can find relief using an oral appliance that resembles an orthodontic retainer. The simple device keeps the airway open by either supporting the jaw in a forward position or holding the tongue in place.
The doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and sedatives, in addition to regular exercise, and weight loss.
Call 415-881-4343 to schedule an appointment today.
