Rochester Hills dentist helps sleep apnea patients understand sleep disorder myths and facts

It must be surprising to do a web search on sleep apnea and suddenly find yourself on a dentist’s webpage! You’re probably wondering how a sleep disorder and dentistry are connected. There are a lot of myths out there about what exactly sleep apnea is and how to stop someone from snoring. Dr. John L. Aurelia, DDS, PLLC, serving Rochester Hills, MI, and the surrounding areas, wants you to understand the facts about what sleep apnea is, the danger of believing myths about it, how it is treated, and how he can help you if you suffer from it.

What sleep apnea is:

This sleep disorder is both common and serious. It occurs during sleep and causes untreated patients to stop breathing multiple times a night. This cessation of breathing causes a lack of oxygen delivered to the brain and body. Airway blockage causes obstructive sleep apnea. The blockage is caused by the collapse of the soft tissue in the back of the throat during sleep, or the tongue falling back in the throat. Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening, waking up feeling fatigued, insomnia, memory loss, stopped breathing while sleeping as observed by others around you, morning headaches, irritability, and more.

Facts about sleep apnea:

• According to the National Sleep Foundation, 18 million Americans have it.
• At least 9 percent of women and 24 percent of men are affected by it.
• As many as 80 percent of sleep apnea sufferers go undiagnosed.
• Because of some of the effects of sleep apnea, such as depression and fatigue, mimic other conditions, it can be misdiagnosed.
• Untreated apnea can be a contributing factor in heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, major depression, and other serious conditions.

Myths about sleep apnea:

• Everyone who snores has it: While snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, it doesn’t mean everyone who snores has it. In fact, not every person with sleep apnea snores.
• Sleep apnea is an elderly person’s disorder: Not true! It can affect anyone of any age, including children.
• CPAP machines are the only treatment for sleep apnea: This is not true. Other treatments include surgery, lifestyle changes, and oral appliances that assist in keeping airways open by stopping tissue or tongue collapse during sleep.

How Drs. Aurelia and Khoury can help you:

We are dedicated to helping patients lead healthy and happy lives. Because of this, we have received education and training in treating sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea. If you have a diagnosis of sleep apnea, or think you may have it, we can help! We use oral appliance therapy to help you live life free of sleep apnea symptoms. The appliance is custom designed to work specifically to keep your airway open throughout the entire night of sleep.

Advantages to oral appliance therapy:

Unlike CPAP machines, dental oral appliances are easy to use, easy to transport, and make no noise. They fit easily into purses or carry-on bags, meaning trips are not a hassle. You simply slip the mouth guard in and enjoy restful, productive sleep!

Begin the journey to a restful night’s sleep! Call us to schedule your appointment to find out more about how we can help. (248) 243-6044.

Dr. John Aurelia | Dr. Dina Khoury
Connect with John L. Aurelia, DDS on Linkedin.

Experience dentistry with a difference at the office of John L. Aurelia, DDS. With our friendly staff and warm atmosphere, we ensure that your comfort and wellbeing take priority.

Dr. John L. Aurelia received his BA degrees in Biology, Business and Economics from the Kalamazoo College, MI and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy. He’s keen on continuous education and has followed courses in cosmetic dentistry, implants, and occlusion at places like the Dawson Academy for Advanced Continuing Dental Education and Pankey Institute. He’s a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, and American and Michigan Dental Associations. He has participated in many humanitarian missions.

Having graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Dr. Dina Khoury served Veterans during her residency at the VA Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. She has been in private practice for two decades and is passionate about cosmetic dentistry.