NW Calgary Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a dangerous condition that occurs when breathing is interrupted while you sleep. These stoppages or pauses in breathing can occur hundreds of times a night without you even realizing. If left untreated, it can pose a significant health risk to patients in the form of oxygen deprivation. Drastic problems can result from oxygen deprivation, including heart disease, increased risk of heart attack or stroke, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, and learning/memory problems. Continuous oxygen deprivation during sleep can also potentially decrease your lifespan by up to 15 years. Dentists often see the associated physical conditions of OSA, like the wear of your teeth from clenching and grinding, and the effects on your gum tissue and your jawbone in the mouth.

• Large tonsils or adenoids can obstruct your airway
• The shape of the head and neck may create a smaller than normal airway
• Being overweight or obese can constrict your airway
• Throat and tongue muscles relax more during sleep which can block your airway
• Snoring can cause the soft palate to become inflamed and swollen, which in turn can obstruct the airway
• Nasal congestion, nasal blockage, and nasal irritants can constrict your airway
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Other physical conditions, disorders and syndromes