Posted on July 1, 2015

Do you feel chronically drowsy and fatigued? Is your brain a foggy mess? It sounds like you aren’t getting enough sleep! Time to see your dentist!

You could be one of the estimated 18 million Americans suffering from sleep apnea, a disorder defined by sleeping pauses throughout the night. Those with obstructive sleep apnea may experience over 30 sleep pauses lasting a few seconds to a few minutes every hour! This results in shallow and disturbed sleep night after night. Sleep is a critical component to health and well-being, and those with sleep apnea are at an increased risk for a number of ailments, including:

• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Depression
• Hypertension

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or suspect you might have it, your dentist may be able to help you by prescribing an Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).  Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway collapses or is blocked while you sleep. The OAT shifts the lower jaw forward, which will keep your airway open throughout the night allowing you to stay in deep, restful sleep.

Not every dentist can prescribe an OAT. If you live in the San Francisco area, schedule an appointment with Dr. Skoulas at Antigone Skoulas, DDS And Associates to discuss your sleep apnea and whether an OAT is an appropriate solution for you.