Light snoring is no more than an occasional inconvenient habit. But chronic, heavy, loud snoring may signal a condition called obstructive sleep apnea which is frequently associated with hypertension, stroke and cardiopulmonary problems. Dentist are often the first health care provider to identify sleep apnea because its salient signs and symptoms often are recognizable in the dental office.
I have specifically trained in sleep medicine to work with my patients and their primary care physicians to diagnose a sleep disorder. Most people who have sleep apnea - a special type off snoring in which oxygen intake is actually halted for several seconds - do not realize the harmful side effects that it can have. Poor supply of oxygen to the brain, heart problems, high blood pressure, and increased risk for tooth decay all go hand in hand. Children can be affected too - studies show upwards of 20% of all children exhibit snoring and severe tooth grinding (sleep bruxism). Clinical symptoms of untreated sleep disorders may include excessive daytime sleepiness, failure to thrive, bed wetting, behavioral problems and other symptoms. It is critical to you, your spouse or your child's health to be diagnosed! Wouldn't you like ot greet every day again feeling rested and re-energized? Call the office to schedule a consultation.
