dentalblogs.com

On Google Alerts today, a PRWEB release tells us that Dr. David Binder of Manhattan has devoted his practice to treating snoring and sleep apnea. Another release shares that www.SnoringIsntSexy.com is “the web’s fastest growing source of information on dentistry’s responsibility in the recognition and management of snoring and sleep apnea.” The company is launching open discussion forums, “Let’s Talk,” for doctors and patients.

As an informative resource, The Consumer Guide on Dentistry, www.yourdentistryguide.com, introduces patients to the concept of dentists treating OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). For dentists who are serious about OSA treatment, The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine is an organization to keep dentists plugged into sleep medicine research, developments, and treatments. Other organizations exist, and a Google search will tell you all you need to know.

Check out this YouTube video that explains what a patient can expect with a sleep study for diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea by a dentist. It covers CPAP and oral appliances, as well as surgery.

If you don’t currently promote snoring and sleep apnea therapy, maybe you should. Twelve million Americans have sleep apnea, and many more snore.

Estimates show that only 16% of sleep apnea sufferers are diagnosed. The truth is, sleep apnea can increase a person’s risk for serious daytime accidents while driving or operating equipment. In addition, sleep apnea suffers are at higher risk for heart problems, sudden heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, depression, and sexual dysfunction. Kids with sleep apnea may wet the bed. Overweight people are more likely to have OSA, as well.

Many dentists now work with sleep labs for sleep disorder diagnosis. Then, for OSA patients who do not want to use or cannot tolerate a CPAP, these dentists often prescribe an oral sleep appliance, like SomnoMed or Silent Nite. These appliances hold the mouth in a position so that soft tissues cannot collapse during a sleep session. Airflow isn’t restricted, and as a result, some patients can finally sleep soundly. Many brands and styles of sleepguards or snoreguards are available – some over the counter. For more info and a comprehensive list of sleep apnea appliances, search for “sleep apnea” in the search bar on the left.