To our patients,

 

According to new studies, patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could be at increased risk of adverse outcomes for Covid-191, including death2. If you experience any of the common symptoms of OSA listed below. I encourage you to contact our office to schedule an OSA screening exam today.

 

Common Symptoms of OSA include:

• Loud or frequent snoring

• Silent pauses in breathing during sleep

• Choking of gasping sounds during sleep

• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

• Waking in the morning and not feeling refreshed

• Insomnia

• Morning headaches

• Waking during the night to go to the bathroom

• Difficulty concentrating

• Memory loss

• Decreased sexual desire

• Irritability

 

As a Qualified Dentist, certified by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), I have the training to screen, treat, and manage OSA using oral appliance therapy (OAT). Although Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) therapy is commonly the first-line treatment for sleep apnea, the AADSM recently published a position statement declaring that OAT is an appropriate first-line therapy to treat sleep apnea without increasing the risk of spreading Covid-193. As a member of the AADSM, and an experienced provider of OAT, I support this position. As we all navigate these uncertain times, I am here to help you stay healthy. If you have concerns about OSA, please reach out to our office.

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Thank you,

David A. Dischler, DDS, MAGD, AADSM

480-443-7444 or 602-859-3103

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1. Miller MA, Cappuccio FP, A systematic review of Covid-19 and obstructive sleep apnea, Sleep Medicine Reviews, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101382

2. Cade BE, Dashti HS, Hassen SM, Redline S, Karlson EW, Sleep Apnea and Covid-19 Mortality and Hospitalization. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2020 Sep 18. https://doi.10.1164/rccm.202026-2252LE

3. Schwartz D, Addy N, Levine M, Smith H. Oral appliance therapy should be prescribed as a first-line therapy for OSA during Covid-19 pandemic. J Dent Sleep Med. 2020;7(3). http://dx.doi.org/10.1533/jdsm.7138