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Your evening drink might disrupt your patient’s sleep more than you realize. Ultimately, affecting your treatment success.

In this More Than Teeth edition, we delve into alcohol's hidden impact on sleep, sleep apnea, and what to share with your patients about the bottle. (With the studies to back)

In today’s edition:

• Alcohol vs Sleep

  • Alcohol and the sleeping brain

  • Alcohol’s impact on sleep apnea

  • Alcohol’s effect on sleep quality

• 10 Misconceptions from Dentists about Starting in DSM [debunked]

5-Minute read today👇

Clinical Corner

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Key Takeaways 

1/ Alcohol and The Sleeping Brain

What Happened and Why It Matters: While many see alcohol as a way to relax, its relationship with sleep is more complicated. A recent study reveals that while alcohol can help people fall asleep faster, it disrupts sleep later in the night. This isn't a one-off event. Chronic alcohol use leads to ongoing sleep issues, which continue even when one abstains. For those in recovery, these sleep problems can act as triggers for relapse. The takeaway? Alcohol’s sedative effects are short-lived, but its influence on sleep can be long-lasting, especially for those recovering from dependence.

Key Takeaways for Dental Sleep Specialists:

1. Immediate Impact: Alcohol speeds up sleep onset but can disturb sleep later on.

2. Long-Term Effects: Regular alcohol use can lead to significant sleep disturbances.

3. After Abstaining: Sleep issues remain, often manifesting as insomnia. Addressing these could be key to preventing relapses.

4. On Treatment: Managing sleep disorders might aid in recovery and decrease relapse chances.

5. The Big Picture: The alcohol-sleep connection requires more exploration. Factors like genetics and potential brain changes can't be ignored.

2/ The Rundown: Alcohol's Impact on Sleep Apnea

That evening drink might be more disruptive to your sleep than you think. A deep dive into a recent meta-analysis reveals some sobering news about alcohol and sleep apnea.

🔍 The Findings & Their Significance: After reviewing studies from 1985 to 2015, a clear pattern emerged from 21 key studies: higher alcohol consumption boosts the risk of sleep apnoea by a notable 25%. This trend holds true across various studies and is especially pronounced in Low and Middle-Income Countries.

🛌 Key Takeaways for Dental Sleep Specialists:

1. Informed Decisions: It's essential for patients to understand the 25% increased risk tied to alcohol consumption.

2. Geographical Differences: Those in lower-income countries may face a greater risk.

3. Treatment Approach: Reducing alcohol can be an effective strategy in managing sleep apnea.

3/ Alcohol's Impact on Sleep Quality

Unwinding with a drink might seem appealing, but a recent study suggests a potential sleep trade-off for those evening sips.

🔍 The Study & Its Significance: Researchers studied 393 individuals (234 men and 159 women) and discovered noteworthy correlations. For men, higher Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Korean revised version (AUDIT-KR) scores correlated with poorer sleep quality. The ties were evident in subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep disturbances. For women, the focus shifted to a connection between daytime dysfunction and AUDIT-KR scores.

💡 Takeaways for Dental Sleep Specialists:

1. Tailored Consultations: Consider discussing potential sleep disruptions with men showing higher AUDIT-KR scores.

2. Targeted Therapies: The study underscores the importance of specific therapies, especially concerning disturbances and daytime dysfunction.

3. Gender Differences: Alcohol's effects on sleep quality differ between men and women. Individualized approaches can help.

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Looking Closer at Dental Sleep Medicine: The Untapped Potential Awaits

In today's dynamic world of dentistry, standing out is crucial. We've all heard about Invisalign, implants, and DSO takeovers. So, what's the next big thing on the horizon? 🚀

Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM): An astounding 70M Americans grapple with sleep disorders. Of these, 30M suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), with a concerning 24M remaining undiagnosed. DSM is the golden opportunity to enhance patient well-being and significantly grow your revenue.

Why are more dentists not taking the plunge? Time to debunk some myths:

1️⃣ Misconceptions Abound: Some perceive DSM as just another fleeting trend. In reality, it’s a discipline founded on addressing genuine health concerns and filling a notable service gap. Dentists will find that many of their existing skills, such as taking oral impressions and chair-side communication can be seamlessly transitioned to benefit DSM.

2️⃣ Concerned about High Costs? Rethink That!: One might assume that entering DSM demands a hefty investment in specialized equipment. Surprisingly, a majority of your current tools are already apt for the task. Partnerships with companies like Apex Dental Sleep, Nexus, Vivos, or Prosomnus can further simplify and make this transition more cost-effective.

3️⃣ Worries of Time Commitment: A common misconception is that DSM demands an exhaustive time investment. However, integrating as little as 5 extra hours a week into your practice can yield significant dividends.

4️⃣ Seeking Community Support: The DSM community, while in its nascent stages, is vibrant and continuously expanding. It's a welcoming space where newcomers can interact with seasoned professionals, exchange insights, and grow together.

5️⃣ Apprehensions about Sales: The beauty of DSM is that it's not centered around aggressive sales pitches. Patients are already aware of their ailments and are actively seeking solutions. With the right training and approach, you'll be facilitating their journey to better health.

6️⃣ Uncertainties about Patient Acquisition: With a whopping 24M potential patients yet to be diagnosed, the field is rife with opportunity. A focused approach, coupled with awareness campaigns, ensures a consistent inflow of patients.

7️⃣ Perceived Growth Barriers: Embracing DSM early on offers a unique advantage. Not only does it position you as a trailblazer, but it also enables you to utilize specialized programs to enhance your expertise and outreach.

8️⃣ Navigating Billing Complexities: The prospect of handling intricate billing processes can be daunting. But, by partnering with professional billing services, these challenges become manageable, ensuring you focus on what you do best.

9️⃣ The Perspective on Competition: Finding another sleep dentist operating nearby? Instead of viewing this as a setback, consider it an opportunity to differentiate, innovate, and tailor your services to cater uniquely to your patient community.

🔟 Harmonizing with Sleep Doctors: DSM is not about rivalry but about collaboration. By fostering strong ties with sleep specialists, you pave the way for a holistic approach to patient care and mutual growth.

Feeling invigorated? DSM is not just a possibility; it's a calling. Immerse yourself, be the change, and etch a legacy in dental healthcare. For comprehensive insights and resources, venture deeper into the domain!

Something Sweet

🍭Stuff so sweet you might get a cavity..

“82% of people admitted to lying to their dental professional”😬

Miscellaneous

😅P.S. … I forgot something

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