questions to ask

As dentists, we have a close and consistent relationship with our patients.  We see most of our adult patients at least twice annually, updating their medical histories each visit. 

With just a few additional questions, we can gather enough information about their sleep to potentially change their life. 

Snoring is not just an irritant to others; it is also an indication of possible sleep-breathing related problems.  Obstructive sleep apnea can cause daytime sleepiness, resulting in poor performance and lack of energy at work and home and the risk of serious vehicular accidents.  It is also a factor in cardiovascular disease, stroke and high blood pressure, and is being investigated as a contributing factor in other health problems such as GERD,depression, atrial fibrillation and diabetes.  

A history of waking repeatedly, gasping for air, waking non-refreshed, or feeling unable to get up in the morning, especially with a bed partner witnessing these events, is a cause for referral to their primary physician, a sleep medicine physician, a sleep clinic or this office.  Any person who presents with a history of high blood pressure and/or distressed breathing during sleep, snoring and a neck size larger than 17 inches has an increased probability of being diagnosed with sleep apnea.

The simple questions “do you snore” and "have you been told that you stop breathing while you are asleep" on a health history may start a conversation that could improve the quality and length of your patient’s life.