Sleep Apnea & Snoring

Sleep apnea isn't just an inconvenience, it can be a major health issue that comes with a lot of risks. Sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk in type 2 Diabetes, hypertension and stroke. You’re probably aware of the most common sleep apnea treatment: a CPAP machine, but did you know your dentist also offers solutions?

Types of Sleep Apnea

The term “sleep apnea” is an umbrella term that simply means the cessation of breathing during sleep. But there are three major types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea is when the signals from the brain to the muscles that control breathing work properly, but something obstructs the airway, causing the patient to stop breathing. The obstruction usually occurs when the muscles around the throat relax too much and cause the throat to close, which is often caused by obesity, issues with the tonsils or other health problems.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send a signal to the muscles that control breathing, which results in no effort to take a breath.

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Complex sleep apnea syndrome is also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea or mixed sleep apnea. This is when someone has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea is a common condition but, if left untreated, it has been associated with the development of various heart disorders and abnormal heart rhythms. For those with Type 2 diabetes, untreated sleep apnea can worsen glucose control. Here are some signs of sleep apnea to look out for:

• Loud snoring
• Exhaustion during the day
• Falling asleep before normal bedtime hours
• Feeling tired when waking up in the morning
• Waking up with a headache
• Failing to breathe during sleep
• Waking up often at night
• Experiencing acid reflux
• Having a history of high blood pressure

If you have experienced at least two of these, contact us at 904-731-2162 and speak with Dr. Bruce Kanehl.

Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea

• Lowers blood pressure
• Improves daytime energy and stamina
• Relieves excess stress on the heart and vascular system
• Reduces the potential risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart disease
• Prevents or delays the progression of diabetes
• Reduces diabetic complications
• Improves glucose control

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Dental Appliances

Dental appliances are proven to reduce or alleviate nighttime snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for those patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea and for those patients with severe sleep apnea who can’t or won’t wear their CPAP machine. Dental appliances are much more comfortable and convenient than CPAP machines.

Dentist Bruce Kanehl of Jacksonville, Florida has been making these dental appliances for his patients for over 20 years. Before having throat surgery or sleeping with a CPAP breathing machine, speak with Dr. Kanehl about trying a sleep apnea oral appliance.

Call us today at 904-731-2162 to schedule a FREE sleep apnea consultation.

Sleep Apnea Patient Testimonial

Sleep Apnea Terminology

• AASM = American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• AADSM = American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
• AHI = apnea-hypopnea index
• APAP = automatically adjusting positive airway pressure
• CompSAS = complex sleep apnea syndrome
• CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure
• OAT = Oral Appliance Therapy
• OSA = obstructive sleep apnea
• PAP = positive airway pressure
• PSG = polysomnography
• RDI = respiratory disturbance index

Snoring is Boring!

Have you heard our Snoring is Boring ads on local radio stations? Dr. Bruce Kanehl is the #1 recommended Sleep Apnea dentist in Northeast Florida, but news of our success in treating sleep apnea is reaching patients in Georgia, Louisiana, and even as far as New York! Dr. Kanehl has a proven track record in treating snoring and sleep apnea ranging from mild to severe.

Call us today at 904-731-2162 to schedule a FREE sleep apnea consultation.