01/20/2021
Did You Know?
In the USA alone, it is estimated that 22 million people experience some form of sleep apnea, with 25% of middle aged-men and 9% of middle-aged women suffering from the condition.
Seemingly minor sleep apnea symptoms such as snoring and sore throats are common to other, less concerning conditions and develop gradually, making them easy to dismiss. In fact, many studies suggest that sleep apnea is underdiagnosed with around 80% going unreported. Of course, the condition is all the deadlier for this. Sleep Apnea absolutely is a serious condition known to cause many long-lasting health issues that could impact the people around you, and, in severe cases, potentially life-threatening such as coronary disease and cancer.
As dentists, you are in the unique position of being at the front lines of defense for helping patients like these, as you have the unrestricted access to their airways that few other medical professionals have.
While they’re in the dental chair, have your team look for:
Acid Reflux Disease
During apneic episodes, stomach acid often times lurches forward into the throat and mouth. The backflow of acid from the stomach to esophagus can reach the larynx, causing a choking a coughing sensation that disrupts sleep. As with many symptoms, the regular use of CPAP saw almost immediate relief of GERD. It’s generally recommended that those with nighttime GERD symptoms get screened for OSA.
