Do you snore or know someone who snores?
Snoring can oftentimes be a source of embarrassment or aggravation, but did you know that 60 to 80-percent of snorers will test positive for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with a sleep study?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a life-threatening disease that some experts estimate affects 17-percent of the U.S. population. Sleep apnea is characterized by the periodic cessation of breathing at night, resulting in a decrease in blood oxygen saturation and ultimately cardiovascular disease.
Stroke, heart attack, depression, erectile dysfunction, acid reflux, and even early death are all associated with OSA. Unfortunately, it is one of the most under-diagnosed health issues in our country. The reason it is considered a new and emerging science is because of its serious health implications. Much awareness is being raised by health professionals.
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect adults, either. Children can be particularly affected by this disease, leading to ADHD, bed wetting, stunted growth, and up to a 10 point drop in IQ.
Interestingly, a study was conducted in Finland which showed that the biggest risk factor for children with sleep-disordered breathing was the way the upper and lower teeth fit together and their facial forms. Narrow faces, weak upper and lower jaws, high arched palates, and severely crowded teeth were more likely to pose a risk for sleep breathing disorders.
The dental profession is particularly attuned to this health crisis because OSA is a disease related to head and neck anatomy. There is also a 60 to 70-percent connection between jaw joint dysfunction — known as TMD — and OSA. This puts qualified dentists who are trained in the area of dental sleep medicine in the perfect position to help screen and refer for the diagnosis of OSA, and to offer treatment solutions and possibly even prevention for children.
There is a common misconception that OSA is only a disease of the obese, but this is because obesity is a risk factor for OSA. In informative times with unparalleled access to information, common misconceptions should hopefully become a thing of the past with regards to our health. If you, or someone you know may be dealing with the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea such as headaches, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, snoring, choking at night, or have a child that exhibits behavioral issues like ADD/ADHD, bed wetting, or poor sleeping habits, your dentist may be able to help!
– Dr. Max Ebrahimian & Dr. Ariana Ebrahimian – a father daughter team at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry. 5 Erba Lane, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 Call 831-438-4411 for questions.
