Obstructive sleep apnea affects approximately 25% of males and roughly 10% of women. Obstructive sleep apnea can affect people no matter their ages, including babies and children, but it is most common in people over 40 and those who are overweight. Specific physical characteristics and clinical aspects are typical in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Excessive weight, a big neck, and anatomical anomalies that reduce the diameter of the upper airway, such as nasal blockage, a low-hanging soft palate, swollen tonsils, or a tiny jaw with an overbite, are examples of these.
Some health-related conditions increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. They include:
Obesity
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
A family history of sleep apnea
Use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers
Smoking
Sleep apnea can also occur in people who have had surgery to remove their tonsils or adenoids. At Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our dental professionals have successfully treated sleep apnea in patients of all ages with a wide range of severity. If you think you may have sleep apnea, please call us for an appointment. We will work with your physician to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.