Sleeptember

People suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can count on quality care at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring. We are providers of custom-fitted oral appliances that keep peoples’ airways open at night. But sleep apnea is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions, which is why the American Sleep Apnea Association has launched the Sleeptember campaign to raise awareness of it.
OSA is a potentially life-threatening condition. When people have it, their throat tissue sags into their airway when they’re asleep, causing them to be taken out of deep sleep throughout the night. In the short-term, they may have a harder time waking up if they stop breathing and will feel tired the next day. In the long-term, they are at increased risk for heart disease and depression. Sleep apnea is also a major factor in vehicular accidents and is often the cause of nighttime teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.
Snoring is one of the most significant red flags for sleep apnea. Other signs are lax eyelids and inexplicable fatigue. Patients can visit a sleep center for a diagnosis. If they test positive, we’ll work with their care team to fabricate a night guard that will protect them from bruxism and keep their jaw in a position that is less likely to cause an obstruction.
David Bishop, DDS, Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, DDS, and Alicia Reynolds, DDS, operate Bishop & Bishop Dental at 8757 Georgia Ave, Suite 810, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. To set up an appointment, call 301-608-9270 or visit Bishop Dental and fill out a contact sheet.