Take Our Sleep Apnea Quiz

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! We wanted to share with you this Sleep Apnea quiz on our web site. If you haven't already, answer each of these questions and give us a call if you have any questions!

If you think you or someone you know may suffer from sleep apnea, answer the following four screening questions and take the Epworth Sleepiness Test. If you answer yes to 2 or more of these screening questions and score a 10 or greater on the Epworth, please call our office and talk to a member of our Dental Sleep Medicine Team regarding your score and a plan for your proper diagnosis and treatment options.

* Do you snore on most nights?
* Has anyone reported that you stop breathing or gasp in your sleep?
* Is your neck size large (men 17 inches/women 16 inches or greater)
* Have you had, or are you currently being treated for high blood pressure?

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale

How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations? Rate on a scale of 0 being no chance of dozing, and 3 being a high chance of dozing, then add up your total.

1. Sitting and reading
2. Watching TV
3. Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g. a theater or a meeting)
4. As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break
5. Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit
6. Sitting and talking to someone
7. Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol
8. In a car while stopped for a few minutes in traffic

Call Dr. Kitzmiller today to discuss your symptoms and the steps involved in the accurate identification, diagnosis, and treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Our Milford dental office services the Milford/Loveland and Greater Cincinnati area with personalized care for healthy living.

Hope this helps!

Cincinnati Cosmetic Dentist Timothy Kitzmiller Providing an Out of This World Dental Experience

We are a preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dental practice located in Milford, OH. We also focus on dental sleep medicine and sleep apnea treatment, for which Dr. Kitzmiller has extensive training and experience. Call to schedule an appointment at our modern office, and see how Dr. Kitzmiller keeps Milford smiling!

You can also visit our web site for more information about our practice, and the treatments we offer

Sleep Disorders and Treatment Options in Cincinnati

Sleep disorders are fairly common, with around 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder, and some of these progressing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms, and as it worsens it can lead to full airway blockage while you sleep, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.

There are several different approaches to sleep apnea treatment, including:

• Surgery to the jaws or airway tissue to open the airway. This is typically only used in the most severe cases.
• Continuous airway pressure therapy which involves a mask and machine (CPAP machine) to keep your throat muscles and tissue open while sleeping
• Oral appliance therapy, a less intrusive method involving a customized oral device that positions your jaw in a favorable position to keep your airway open while you sleep.

If you suspect that you may suffer from a sleep disorder or sleep apnea, give us a call at 513-334-0217. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.

--Dr. Timothy J. Kitzmiller, DDS