# What You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea

- Tweet

If you’ve been told by a sleeping partner that your snoring is out of control and you’re now looking for some fast facts on sleep apnea, the following information about symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, risk factors, and complications should help you get started!

## The First Important Fact: You’re Not Alone!

There’s comfort in numbers, and when it comes to sleeping disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you might be comforted to learn that about 18 million Americans also have the condition. And even though the condition is usually more prevalent in individuals over the age of 50, it can affect individuals of all ages.

## Another Important Fact: OSA Can be Life-Threatening

Although obstructed sleep is a very common condition, it is not one to be taken lightly. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as heart attack and stroke. It can also have an impact on clear thinking which can translate to an increased risk of car accidents and poor work or school performance.

## Lifestyle Changes May Help Alleviate Certain Rick Factors

Because alcohol, smoking, excess body weight, and side sleeping can all have a negative impact on OSA, you may want to consider making lifestyle changes in these areas if you recognize your behavior in any of them. Even small changes can yield big rewards!

## New Treatment Method Offers Amazing Relief for Sleeping Disorders in Burlington

In the past, the only real treatments for sleep apnea were either Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, or surgery to modify a patient’s airway. There are concerns about both. First, CPAP machines can be noisy, cumbersome, unhygienic, and difficult to use when traveling. And surgery is of course very invasive by nature. But new treatment – a Mandibular Repositioning Device (MRD) – is proving an effective new therapy. The MRD is a custom-made oral appliance – very similar to a mouthguard – that is being used to treat mild to moderate OSA. And the best news about this treatment modality? It’s available from dentists like Center for Adult Dental Care who specialize in treating sleeping disorders in Billerica and Burlington.

## You Might Also Enjoy...

### What is a Dental PPO?

Finding a dentist can be a cumbersome process for anyone. For those who don’t understand how their insurance works from a coverage standpoint, it can lead one to avoid making the appointment altogether...

### Comparing Dental Bridges and Dental Implants

If you go to a general dentist who doesn’t work with implants, they may recommend that you replace a missing tooth with a fixed porcelain bridge. However, a periodontist may look at the same tooth replacement case and recommend a dental implant...

### How to Keep Your Teeth White

There are many tooth whitening methods available to you, ranging from do-it-yourself remedies to professionally administered bleaching at your dental office. Given the multitude of recommendations..

### How Invisalign® Clear Braces Help Create the Perfect Smile

Due to the way orthodontic care is depicted to the general public, many patients believe that traditional braces or Invisalign® clear aligners are the only options to achieve a beautifully straight smile...

### The Differences Between Contracted and Non-Contracted Benefits

Finding a suitable insurance plan that meets your budget while offering you the benefits you require can be a daunting task. Making sure your dentist is contracted under that plan is of equal importance...

### What Can You Expect Before, During, and After a Dental Implant Surgery?

In the initial planning and consultation stages, your dental surgeon will visually inspect the area in your mouth where the dental implant would go, should it be decided that you need one...