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Sleep Apnea Specialist

Curtis Contro, DDS, MS -  - Orthodontist

Contro Orthodontics

Curtis Contro, DDS, MS

Orthodontist located in Cupertino, CA & Palo Alto, CA

Over 100 million people worldwide suffer from sleep apnea, a very serious sleep condition that has severe health effects. If obstructive sleep apnea is preventing you from getting the rest you need, schedule a visit with Curtis Contro, DDS, MS, at Contro Orthodontics in Cupertino, California. Dr. Contro can provide you with high-quality and state-of-the-art solutions that can treat your sleep apnea. Book your appointment by calling the office or using the online booking tool.

Sleep Apnea Q&A

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that leaves you unable to breathe for extended periods of time throughout the night. It’s caused by an obstruction to your airway, such as a tongue that’s too large or soft tissue in the back of your throat that relaxes too much and covers up your airway. 

These periods of breathlessness can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes and can occur up to hundreds of times over the course of a night, during which time your body is deprived of necessary oxygen.

How can you tell if I have sleep apnea?

The best way to diagnose sleep apnea is with a sleep test, but there are a few telltale signs that Dr. Contro might be able to notice when he’s examining you. 

People who have sleep apnea frequently snore, which causes irritation and redness in your throat. Dr. Contro can usually tell from looking in your throat if you exhibit signs of snoring. 

Many people who suffer from sleep apnea also grind their teeth. Dr. Contro can tell if you’re grinding your teeth by examining whether your tooth surfaces are unnaturally worn down. 

What are the risk factors for sleep apnea?

You’re more likely to suffer from sleep apnea if you’re:

  • Older
  • Overweight
  • Sleep on your back
  • Have large tonsils or adenoids
  • Have a large tongue
  • Have a small jaw
  • Suffer from high blood pressure
  • Smoke

Sleep apnea also tends to run in families. If somebody in your family suffers from sleep apnea, you might be at a higher risk of developing it.

What can happen if I leave my sleep apnea untreated?

Sleep apnea deprives your body of essential oxygen, which can lead to a number of health problems, including:

  • Headaches
  • Worsening ADHD
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Heart failure
  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Drowsiness and irritability throughout the day

Sleep apnea also makes it difficult to get the rest that you need at night, which can impair your performance in work and school and puts you at a higher risk of suffering an accident in the workplace or in your car. 

How do you treat sleep apnea?

If you suffer from sleep apnea, Dr. Contro can make you a custom-fitted mouthguard to help you breathe better while you sleep. Your mouthguard is made from an impression of your bite, so it fits snugly on your teeth and lays comfortably in your mouth. 

A mouthguard for sleep apnea is designed to slightly push your lower jaw forward, which helps to open up your airway and help your body get oxygen. 

To learn more about how Contro Orthodontics can improve your sleep apnea, schedule a visit today by calling the office or booking online.