Sleep Apnea; Ask Your Dentist

Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that happens when your regular breathing is interrupted during sleep. Snoring is common among patients with sleep apnea, but not all snorers have sleep apnea.

Stefano Dental can help with sleep apnea. It's important to get a proper diagnosis.

Here are some risk factors of sleep apnea:

• over 40
• overweight
• with large tonsils, large tongue or small jaw
• with a family history of sleep apnea
• with a nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies or sinus problems.

With proper intervention, you can treat sleep apnea by adjusting your sleep or not sleeping on your back; trying different oral devices that help your airways, or check with your doctor about air pressure device that will help improve air flow.

If none of these provide relief--some patients seek out surgery to help eliminate an obstruction. Sometimes tonsils might have to be removed.

Be sure to talk to your physician or dentist about how to evaluate and treat your sleep apnea.

Many people suffer from poor sleep or interrupted sleep with sleep apnea. Many don't realize that their sleep is getting compromised daily from untreated sleep apnea.

When you go in for your bi-yearly dental cleanings, ask your doctor about sleep apnea. Not all snorers have sleep apnea--but if it's something that's affecting your life--be sure to check it out.

It can be a simple procedure or device that can alleviate symptoms--and you'll feel more rested as well.