Sleep Apnea

A sleep disorder, sleep apnea causes breathing interruptions multiple times during a typical sleep cycle and, if untreated, can pose serious health risks including heart attacks and stroke. Sleep apnea primarily occurs in two forms: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not properly instruct muscles to breathe and must be diagnosed and treated by a physician or neurologist.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

This most common form of sleep apnea results when throat muscles relax and partially block the airway. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea can include snoring, daytime drowsiness, abrupt arousal during sleep, dry mouth, insomnia, and sometimes high blood pressure. Treatment may involve both your physician and dentist. Snore Guard^® mouthpieces can help reposition the jaw to open the airway and prevent snoring. Continuous positive airway pressure (C-PAP) breathing devices can also aid breathing. In some cases, weight loss can reduce pressure and open the airway.