Stop Snores and Avoid the Big C through a Dentist in Rockville, MD

Sleep apnea, a condition characterized by lapses in breathing while sleeping, is often associated with unbearable noises in bed, particularly snoring. The disorder is also known to raise risks of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and stroke. In his article for Everyday Health, Dr. Robert Rosenberg, DO, talks about one other illness added to the list of sleep apnea-induced risks:

"Several recent studies have demonstrated an increased risk of premature death in those with sleep apnea, implicating several different possible reasons. Cancer and cardiovascular effects have been among the leading candidates.

In this month’s issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, another paper once again points out this relationship. The report is a 20-year follow-up of all causes of mortality in 400 residents in the Western Australian town of Busselton, making it part of the Busselton Health Study Cohort done at the University of Sydney."

Marylanders have reason to be cautious about the Big C in any form. The state Center for Cancer Prevention and Control reports that at least 24,000 residents are diagnosed with the illness every year.

Considering that there are at least 18 million Americans who have some form of sleep apnea, the study results reflect a possibly significant health risk in the population. When you or a loved one is having episodes of sleep apnea, it is best to immediately seek treatment from a reputable dentist in Rockville, MD like Dr. Maryam Seifi. What has a dentist got to do with sleep apnea, you may ask?

Unknown to some people, a trusted Rockville dentist such as Dr. Maryam Seifi can recommend habit changes that would help relieve patients of the symptoms of sleep apnea, and, in turn, could prevent its life-threatening consequences. One of the more effective solutions the dentist can recommend is wearing a custom-made oral device that prevents the tongue from blocking the airway, allowing for clearer breathing.

Sleep study researchers believe that the respiratory obstructions associated with sleep apnea contribute to the growth of tumor cells. Sleep apnea is classified into mild, moderate, or severe cases, which have different frequencies of respiratory obstructions per hour. Severe cases have at least 15 obstructions per hour.

According to the study, mild sleep apnea carries no cancer risk, but the odds go up 2.5 times for people with moderate or severe sleep apnea. Studies further show that treatment of the condition, either by a sleep specialist alone or with the help of a dental practitioner, can decrease the risk of cancer.

It’s disturbing to know that an annoying but seemingly harmless snoring habit may actually be contributing to the development of a terminal illness. Fortunately, early solutions from a trusted dentist  can help minimize the risks.

(Source: Why Sleep Apnea Might Raise Your Cancer Risk, Everyday Health)