A major undiagnosed cause of being overtired, overweight, pre-diabetic or just plain down might just be obstructive sleep apnea.

It is estimated that perhaps 50% of all Americans suffer from some level of interrupted sleep due to inability to breathe regularly during the night.

There are many causes, but good dentists will always see you in a holistic manner while making treatment recommendations based upon that view.

There are plenty of oral signs that you may be suffering from sleep apnea — a compromised airway due to enlarged tonsils, a smaller airway at the back of your throat, an enlarged tongue for example.

We make sure to examine this area every time you come in.

If indeed, we find that you may have one or more symptoms of sleep apnea, we may consult with your physician and/or advise you to get a sleep test so we can help assess your true risk and recommend possible action(s).

Don’t fall prey to those who recommend a sleep apnea device without receiving a sleep study first.

Who knows, your oral signs may point to a potential sleep apnea problem, when in fact, you may not have sleep apnea at all.

Get that sleep test first!