Welcome and thank you for visiting our blog. As a dentist, evaluating a patient’s oral health goes beyond teeth and gums. Examining the airway is also a very important aspect to any dental visit. There are many tell tale signs in oral anatomy that may lead to the discovery of sleep apnea, which is why I discuss my observations with my patients so that the symptoms and risks associated with sleep apnea are well understood. Sleep apnea has gained tremendous attention over the last few years as it has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, depression, and many more medical issues.
Sleep apnea is a common disorder. It is estimated that at least ten million Americans are undiagnosed. Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty staying asleep, and intermittent pauses in breathing during sleep.
This is why I take screening my patients for sleep apnea so seriously: Being diagnosed and seeking treatment can literally save your life.
The gold standard for treating sleep apnea is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), but many people cannot tolerate wearing the mask or do not respond well to the treatment. Once diagnosed by a physician and if CPAP intolerant, an oral appliance can be worn to manage sleep apnea. As a dentist, I evaluate the patient’s dentition to see if he or she is a candidate for oral appliance therapy, fabricate the device, help the patient titrate the device, and work with the treating physician, corresponding after each appointment. Oral appliance therapy is an alternative to CPAP but can also be used in conjunction with other treatment methods.
Seeking help if you believe you might be at risk for sleep apnea is the most important thing you can do. If you have a bed partner, ask him or her if you snore or stop breathing and gasp for air at night. Take the Sleep Apnea Self Test (commonly referred to as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and discuss your results with your physician. Ask your dentist about your airway and if your anatomy reflects that of someone who may be at risk.
I look forward to sharing more information on the blog. Check back for posts, resources, videos, and much more!
