Sleep apnea is an umbrella term for sleep disorders that impact your ability to breathe when you sleep. Though the different types of sleep apnea have different causes, they generally have the same effect: you will stop breathing intermittently throughout the night, often without even realizing it. Your body will wake itself up dozens of times to correct the problem; and even if you don't remember waking up, your quality of sleep is impacted and your health can go downhill.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much. Those muscles are responsible for keeping your airway open throughout the night, which allows you to breathe properly. When they relax due to OSA, your airway is obstructed or closed off. Your brain will wake you up because you aren't getting enough oxygen, which can happen dozens of times per hour while you're sleeping (even if you don't remember waking up throughout the night). 

There are several different signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. The most common symptom is feeling exhausted throughout the day because you've been waking up multiple times a night to catch your breath. 

Other common symptoms include:

• Snoring loudly
• Waking up gasping or choking for breath
• Morning dry mouth or sore throat
• Headaches
• Poor memory or concentration
• Exhaustion
• Sudden mood changes, depression, or anxiety
• High blood pressure
• Low sex drive

If you or a loved one is experiencing the above symptoms, call Breath of Life Dental at (301) 818-2653 to schedule your consultation today!

Certain conditions increase your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. These include:

• Obesity
• A naturally smaller airway
• Family history
• Age (more common in adults)
• Gender (more common in men)
• Smoking 
• Use of sedatives or alcohol

Even if you do not have obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Maryam Seifi can advise you on steps you can take to prevent this condition and maintain your health. Call Breath of Life Dental at (301) 818-2653 to schedule your consultation today!

It is important for your health and quality of life to get your obstructive sleep apnea treated as soon as possible. Delaying your treatment can lead to serious medical conditions, including: 

• Reduced liver function
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Increased risk of heart disease

Don't wait until the problem gets worse! Call Breath of Life Dental at (301) 818-2653 to schedule your consultation today!

Oral appliance therapy is a noninvasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). At Breath of Life Dental, Dr. Maryam Seifi will help you pick the oral appliance best suited to your needs. There are three types: 

• Oral mandibular advancement devices, which gently pushes your mandible (jaw) forward
• Tongue retaining devices, which gently press down on your tongue to keep it clear of your airway
• The Vivos oral appliance, which gradually alters the shape of your jaw and/or palate to increase your airway permanently

Oral appliance therapy is a simple treatment. All you have to do is wear the oral appliance, which looks similar to a mouthguard or retainer, when you go to sleep at night. The oral appliance will help to keep your jaw or tongue in the proper position so your airway remains open all night. You can even use oral appliance therapy for snoring!

And if you choose the Vivos oral appliance, you will only have to wear it for 12-24 months with proper use, after which you will be able to breathe on your own at night without the device!

Ready to get started? Call Breath of Life Dental at (301) 818-2653 to schedule your consultation for oral appliance therapy today!

Oral appliance treatment is a safe, noninvasive way to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. The oral appliance will correct the position of your jaw or tongue to give your airway more space when you sleep. There are no drugs, surgeries, or implants involved with this sleep apnea treatment method. All you need to do is wear the oral appliance to bed to get the deep, restful sleep you deserve!

Call Breath of Life Dental at (301) 818-2653 to schedule your consultation for oral appliance therapy today!