While sleep apnea occurs during any age, including 2% of children and up to 9% of adults, it’s most common for those over 40. It’s also four times more likely to occur for men than for women. Other risk factors include:
Being overweight: Excess weight or thicker necks with extra tissue can weigh your throat, causing airflow restrictions. Men with 17-inch necks and women with 16-inch necks are more likely to feel these repercussions.
Size of mouth/jaw: Having an enlarged tongue or small jaw
Having large tonsils and adenoids are common factors in child sleep apnea that your dentist can alleviate with removal surgery.
Sleeping position: Sleeping on your side can reduce obstruction of the passageway
Alcohol and sedative use: These relax the muscles, causing them to sag and block airflow
Nasal structure: Having a deviated septum or sinus or allergy concerns that obstruct the nasal passageway
However, while sleep apnea commonly consists of snoring, snoring doesn’t necessarily mean you have sleep apnea. For either condition, we provide customizable appliances that prevent the tongue from blocking the respiratory passageway by slightly sliding your lower jaw outward. As a result, your airway widens for better airflow.