Do you snore?
On the end of the sleep disordered breathing spectrum, upper airway resistance is very common with nighttime snoring being the largest sign of upper airway resistance or sleep apnea. People often start with upper airway resistance and progress to the most serious sleep apnea overtime. Moderate sleep apnea is equivalent to smoking one pack of cigarettes a day on the cardiovascular system.
As upper airway resistance and sleep apnea have a number of oral manifestations, Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus is perfectly positioned to screen for sleep apnea. We offer home testing in the office and work with local sleep specialists for treatment if necessary.
Why is my dentist concerned about my sleep?
As there are a number of oral manifestations of sleep apnea and upper airway resistance, Dr. Barbara McClatchie and your entire dental team are in the perfect position to assess and monitor your risk for sleep apnea. Some of the oral signs of sleep apnea include:
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Bruxism
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Scalloped or large tongue
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Enlarged uvula
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Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth
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Narrow palate
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Dry mouth
Obstructive Sleep Apnea can take 10-15 years off your life! Stop guessing and start testing!
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common chronic disorder that disrupts breathing during sleep. More than 25 million adults in the United States are believed to have moderate to severe sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most undiagnosed medical condition, with an average of 75% of severe cases being undiagnosed in this country. Patients with OSA temporarily stop or decrease their breathing (apnea or hypoxia respectively) repeatedly during sleep. This cessation or decrease in breathing is the result of repetitive partial or complete obstruction of the airway, caused by narrowing of the respiratory passages. These breathing disruptions can awaken or prevent deep, restful sleep, leaving you at greater risk to developing other major underlying health issues such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, hormonal disorders, depression, stroke, asthma, acid reflux, weight gain, heart failure, cognitive decline, and car accidents. At Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus, your hygiene team will start the screening process by asking you a series of questions, to see if you might be at risk.
As featured on the TODAY Show
3 signs you need to see a sleep specialist
"Ongoing sleep problems could have severe consequences. Sleep plays a critical role in our memory. Exciting research is also unpacking the relationship between sleep each and every night and potentially our risk for Alzheimer's Disease and dementia in the longer term."
Some symptoms of sleep apnea include:
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Excessive daytime sleepiness
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Loud snoring
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Witnessed apneas
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Restless sleep and awakenings
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Nocturne
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Unrefreshing sleep
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Nocturnal/early morning chest pain
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Sexual dysfunction
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Morning headache
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Cognitive problems
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Depression
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a medical condition, often with a dental solution! We screen all our patients for sleep apnea, offer at home testing, and if necessary work with a local sleep specialist to get tested and on a path to treatment. For mild or moderate sleep apnea, a mandibular advancement appliance created by Dr. McClatchie could be the solution, versus a CPAP machine.