SNORING – IT’S NOTHING TO YAWN ABOUT (affordable dentist beavercreek/dentist greene county

affordable dentist beavercreek/dentist greene county

“Do I snore?”  “Do I have sleep apnea?”  Maybe your family knows the answers to these questions.  Recently, Dr. Hodge attended a seminar in Rochester, New York:  Contemporary Solutions in Dental Sleep Medicine.  She is very excited to be able to assist patients and their physicians in diagnosing and treating this problem – a problem that can pose significant risks to health and well-being.

It is estimated that 87 million people snore in America – that’s two thirds of the population.  It’s an even bigger problem when you consider secondary snoring, and the effect that can have on spouses, and other family members who have to listen.  Snoring disrupts sleep which can cause depression, irritability, sexual dysfunction, learning and memory difficulties, and falling asleep while working or driving.  Snoring and sleep apnea should be treated as quickly as possible.

WHAT CAUSES SNORING AND SLEEP APNEA?

Snoring and sleep apnea occur when the soft tissue structures of the upper airway collapse onto themselves.  The snoring sound is caused by the vibration of these tissues.  The complete closure of the airway causing the individual to stop breathing is called an “Apnea Event.”  The causal factors may be:

• Structural – A narrow jaw, a large tongue, enlarged tonsils, enlarged adenoids, a thick soft palate, small nasal valves, or a crooked septum.
• Outside causes –   Allergies, over consumption of alcohol, sedatives, smoking, disruption of normal sleep patterns or decreased lung capacity (can be caused by obsesity.)

SOME SCARY STATISTICS:

• 67% of the general population snores.
• 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea.
• 85% of people who have suffered a stroke have obstructive sleep apnea.
• 30% of the hypertensive population has sleep apnea.
• 44% of ED patients have obstructive sleep apnea.
• Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality 5 times.
• Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure.

 If you experience interruptions of deep sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, grinding of your teeth, headaches, and complaints of snoring from family members, WE CAN HELP.  Call our office at 937-429-3880 or email us to make an appointment for a consultation.

A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP AND A HEALTHIER LIFE ARE POSSIBLE

WE CAN HELP!

(Reprinted in part from information obtained from Steven Lambert, DDS, Diplomate, ABDSM and Sleep Joy International, LLC.)

affordable dentist beavercreek/dentist greene county