If you suffer from obesity, you put yourself at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. There are two different types of sleep apnea, but the one that is most common in obese individuals is obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when breathing repeatedly stops for 10 or more seconds during sleep. If your partner is disturbed by your loud snoring or has told you that you stop breathing in the middle of the night, it might be time to visit with Dr. Charles Crouch of Summit Dental Group for a consultation.
Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in obese individuals because it is believed that the airway of the obese person becomes obstructed by large tonsils, enlarged tongue, and increased fat in the neck, all pressing on the airway when the throat muscles are relaxed during sleep. Studies show that men with a neck circumference of 17 inches or greater, and women with a neck circumference of 16 inches or greater are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Regardless of age (and weight), untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.
If you suspect you have a tooth that may need to be extracted, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.summitdentalgroupllc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Charles Crouch of Summit Dental Group call our Fort Worth, TX, office at 817-294-8505, or our Grand Prairie, TX, office at 972-695-2310.
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