OSA AND YOUR PRACTICE

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a lifelong condition that can lead to serious life threatening cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. In Ireland, 90% of cases of OSA are believed to be undiagnosed.

OSA affects men, women and children. Common symptoms include snoring, daytime fatigue, frequent napping, and lack of concentration. Signs in the dental exam include bruxism, tooth wear, obesity, high blood pressure and above 16″ neck circumference.

Children are often overlooked and should be considered if having ongoing issues with difficulty concentrating, challenging behaviours, bed wetting, night waking and falling asleep in school.

Dentists play a key role in risk factor assessment and screening for OSA. Early diagnosis and intervention can have a significant impact on quality of life and prevention of life threatening diseases.

If you are a dentist and would like detailed information on risk assessment and screening, join the ISDSM today.

OSA in the News

Mar 13th 2020 - bbc.com - Up to two-year wait for sleep apnoea treatment

Jan 10th 2020 - bbc.com - Fatty tongues could be main driver of sleep apnoea

Feb 12th 2019 - sciencedaily.com - Obstructive sleep apnea linked to inflammation, organ dysfunction

Mar 17th 2018 - theguardian.com - Sleep apnoea: surge in number of children admitted to hospital

Oct 6th 2014 – thejournal.ie – The medical condition that makes driving “incredibly dangerous”… Thousands of us could have it

Oct 6th 2014 – irishtimes.com – Sleep apnoea sufferers seven times more likely to fall asleep at wheel

Feb 12th 2014 – irishtimes.com – Sleep disorder that’ll take your breath away

April 20th 2013 – thejournal.ie – 100,000 Irish have sleep apnea – but thousands more undiagnosed