According to the AADSM (American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine) blog, sleep experts estimate that 80 to 90 percent of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients are undiagnosed and consequently untreated. 80 to 90 percent is an overwhelmingly high percentage of people who suffer while sleeping at night. Many of these people do not even realize that they have a problem. They are unaware of waking up throughout the night just to breathe. It is usually a bed partner that often detects problems associated with OSA due to loud snoring that generally accompanies the breathing disorder.
Because most dentists often see patients on a regular basis, they have the capability to screen patients for sleep apnea. There are many successful ways to test for being at risk for OSA. Ask your dentist to screen you for OSA, and if necessary recommend a sleep physician for diagnosis and treatment.
If you wake up tired, irritable, and feeling tired in the morning, then ask to be tested for OSA at your next dental appointment. It could mean a future of a full night's sleep, and a restful morning.
Read more on Dentist Norman Blumenstock and his experience with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
