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Dr. Judy Sturm & Associates is a place of comfort, care, and friendliness.  We look forward to welcoming you to our Dental Family.

Monday-Thursday: 8am to 6pm, Friday 8am-3pm 77 Bloor St W #1202, Toronto, ON M5S 1M2, Canada 416-967-4212 admin@yorkvillesmiles.com

Dr. Judy Sturm & Associates

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea Isn’t a Life Sentence

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Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition that doesn’t have to be. Also referred to as OSA the disorder is easily controlled without using CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.

What is OSA?

Your dentist in Yorkville explains that obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to wake up gasping for breath.

Unfortunately, people who live alone don’t realize they are suffering. Because the episodes are so quick, most have no idea that they stop breathing as many as 30 times every hour. Consequently, this easily adds up to hundreds of times every night.

OSA happens when the muscles in your throat relax closing up your airways. Because your brain knows you aren’t breathing, it quickly wakes you up so that your airways reopen.

If left untreated this is a potentially deadly condition. Thankfully, your dentist in Yorkville is licensed to diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea.

Causes of OSA

If you follow the Sturm & Associates Blog, you will know that being overweight is the number one reason people suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. However, it isn’t the only reason.

High Risk Category for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

  • People who are overweight
  • Men with an 18” or larger neck size
  • Women with a 16” or larger neck size
  • Men and women over 65
  • Smokers
  • Alcohol drinkers
  • People who have tonsils and adenoids
  • People with small airways

If you have a family history of OSA or take over the counter or prescription medications, you could also be at risk.

Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

CPAP therapy is the most often used solution for OSA, but isn’t always the best option and neither is surgery. Dental practices in Toronto are often preferred oral appliance therapy providers but are not licensed to diagnose the disorder. However, Sturm & Associates is.

In the past, patients relied on a doctor’s diagnosis before consulting with a dentist but not anymore. Your Yorkville dental team is equipped to diagnose and treat people who suffer from OSA.

According to Dr. Judy Sturm, you may not know you are suffering from OSA, especially if you sleep alone. Because the episodes happen so quickly, most people fall back to sleep immediately, only to be woken up again because of a lack of air.

Symptoms of OSA

  • People who snore although not everyone who snores has OSA
  • Trouble falling asleep
  • Morning neck and headaches
  • Depression
  • Waking up repeatedly gasping for breath
  • Attention problems
  • Dry Mouth when waking
  • Moodiness
  • Loss of sex drive

If you suspect you are suffering from OSA or your partner thinks you have an issue, call and schedule a consultation with Sturm & Associates. Your life really could depend on it.

Call for an OSA and oral appliance therapy appointment with your dentist in Toronto today.