We are devoted to high-quality dental care at Furumoto Dentistry. Dr. Michael Furumoto has helped countless people as a family dentist in Diamond Bar. Why not make yourself one of them?
Myth #1: Kids Can't Have Sleep Apnea
Some people don't think that sleep apnea can occur in kids, but an estimated 3% of children are affected by this condition. Somewhere between 10 and 20% of kids who snore have sleep apnea. It's a serious medical concern that can impact children of every age group, so it's important to talk to a medical professional if you notice that your child snores.
Myth #2: You Have to Be Obese
It's not necessarily the case that only people who are obese can have sleep apnea. Even if you're within the normal weight range or are just barely considered overweight by medical standards, sleep apnea can still come into your life.
There are certain anatomical traits that may make you more susceptible to the condition as well. If your tonsils are large or your jaw is small, there's a higher likelihood that you'll experience sleep apnea at some point in your life. The condition also tends to happen to people who have a significant overbite, large neck or recessed chin.
Myth #3: Snoring Always Means Sleep Apnea
Snoring is one of the most well-known symptoms of sleep apnea, but it's not always a cause for alarm if someone snores at night from time to time. This is particularly true if they still wake up feeling well-rested.
Typically with sleep apnea symptoms, the individual's breathing is interrupted during sleep multiple times per night. This causes them to snore regularly and feel deprived of sleep during the day.
Myth #4: Sleep Apnea Sufferers Always Snore
As many as 20% of sleep apnea patients don't snore at all, so it's important not to use this as the only indicator of whether or not someone suffers from this condition.
There are other things to look out for, such as if you gasp for air, choke or if your breathing is particularly labored at night. Some other commonly overlooked sleep apnea symptoms include headaches when you wake up, dry mouth and raspy throat.
One of the best ways to know for sure that you have sleep apnea is if someone else sees that you're not breathing while you're asleep. Once someone has witnessed your sleep apnea, it's hard to avoid the fact that it's really happening. Luckily, we have treatment plans that will work for you. Call us today.
Some people think sleep apnea is something that mainly or exclusively affects men, which is one reason why the condition is often underdiagnosed in women. Symptoms in women may not be the same as in men with sleep apnea. Women tend to be more likely to experience insomnia, headaches, disturbance in mood, fatigue, and low energy.
Contact Furumoto Dentistry today. Dr. Michael Furumoto is a family dentist in Diamond Bar you can count on. We're located at 21660 E. Copley Dr. #200.