A Major Health Risk: Untreated Sleep Apnea

Know your risks and treatment options

Anaheim, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/12/2014 --Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder with major health implications. Yet most people who have the condition are never diagnosed or treated. If more people knew the symptoms and the health risks, it is likely they would seek treatment.

Did you know?
- It is estimated that the average life span of a patient with untreated OSA is 58 years, much shorter than the average life span of 78 years for men and 83 years for women.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent sleep-breathing disturbance, affecting 24% of men and 9% of women in the general population.
- An estimated 82% of men and 92% of women with moderate-to severe OSA have not been diagnosed.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the repetitive obstruction of the upper airway during sleep time, often resulting in oxygen desaturation and frequent arousals from sleep. Symptoms include:

- snoring
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- unrefreshing sleep
- poor concentration
- fatigue

Left untreated, sleep apnea is truly a life threatening medical condition. Studies have shown that patients with OSA will have an increased incidence of:
- coronary artery diseases
- hypertension
- congestive heart failure
- cerebrovascular accidents
- gastroesophageal reflux disease
- weight gain
- diabetes

Some of the specialists who treat sleep apnea are dentists. At 7 Day Dental in Orange County, Dr. Frank Burrell has years of experience diagnosing and treating OSA patients. Dr. Burrell points out that patients who have OSA are also more likely to clench their jaws and grind their teeth while sleeping. The clenching and grinding syndrome is known as bruxism, and it causes further health problems.

Bruxism results in an unbalanced force overload placed on the teeth. This force overload does serious damage to the teeth, causing wearing away of the enamel, cracking and fracturing of the teeth. It also puts tremendous overload on the jaw muscles which in turn results in headache, head pain or jaw joint pain. For this reason, those who brux while sleeping should be tested for sleep apnea.

When Dr. Burrell treats someone with sleep apnea, he usually fits the patient with a special oral appliance worn while sleeping. Most people adapt to wearing it far more easily than a CPAP machine. The appliance also alleviates bruxism that is associated with sleep apnea.

About 7 Day Dental
7 Day Dental has 4 offices in Orange County. Its staff of doctors includes specialists in practically every field of dental care, including endodontics, oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry and more. In addition, 7 Day Dental welcomes walk-ins, and those in need of emergency treatment will find a dentist available every day, including weekends, 365 days a year. Complete information can be found on the website, www.7daydental.com.

Contact info:
7 Day Dental
7daydental@sbcglobal.net
2265 W. Lincoln Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92801
(866) 746-2111
http://www.7daydental.com

Media Relations Contact

Tol Bayo
7 Day Dental
866-746-2111
http://www.7daydental.com

View this press release online at: http://rwire.com/519342