Smoking with Sleep Apnea

Smoking cigarettes will exacerbate any respiratory condition, and it is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should come visit us at Alta Loma Dental Care for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea with a snore guard, but quitting smoking is up to you!

Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the flow of air to the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea like a snore guard or CPAP machine, but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.

Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!

To learn more about sleep apnea and the treatments we provide, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of apnea that is caused by an obstruction of the airway. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when something partly or completely blocks the upper airway during slumber. This causes the diaphragm and chest to work harder to open the airway and pull air into the lungs. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care.

If you wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air, this is a serious cause for concern. You should seek treatment if you or your partner experience excessive daytime drowsiness, loud snoring, awakening with a dry mouth or a sore throat, and/or drastic mood changes. People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea may not be aware that their sleep is being interrupted.

If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Sleep apnea is something that can affect everyone. While this is true, there are also risk factors that can increase your risk or make sleep apnea symptoms worse. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we treat sleep apnea. Keep reading for more information obstructive sleep apnea and its risk factors.

Sleep apnea is hereditary. This means it can be passed down from parent to child. Though sleep apnea is often found in older men who are overweight, it can affect anyone regardless of their gender, age, or size. It can even affect babies and children.

Some factors that increase your risk of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Being overweight


• Being male


• Being older


• Smoking


• Use of alcohol or sedatives

While these factors can certainly increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea and worsen symptoms, sleep apnea is not limited to those factors. As mentioned before, men, women, and children of all ages and sizes can have sleep apnea. Often it is caused by the way your airway is structured. Extra soft tissue or a narrow airway can be enough to cause the disturbance. If you are at risk, it is important to cut out factors that you can control like tobacco and alcohol.

It is important to treat sleep apnea for a good night’s sleep and the health of your entire body. To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com.