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Good Morning. Welcome to the 200+ new More Than Teeth readers this week!

Our readers look at more than teeth in their practices and treat a life-treating condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). We are glad you are here to get 1% better this week!

In Today’s Edition:

• Allergies & OSA - Adults

• Allergies & OSA in Young Patients

• Educating Patients About Allergies and OSA

• Strengthening Physician Referral Relationships

• Cheaper CE!

• I Slept With My Mouth Shut for 30 Days

5-minute read today👇

Clinical Corner

🥼Use the clinical corner as your secret weapon to impress your colleagues and patients!

Key Takeaways🔑

1/ Allergies & OSA - Adults

Insightful Analysis:

We now know that allergies, notably allergic rhinitis, significantly impact Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This research is important for understanding how environmental factors and OSA are connected. It shows that allergic diseases are not just minor problems, but they play a big role in causing and making OSA worse.

Clinical Significance:

It goes beyond traditional risk factors, spotlighting allergies as key players in OSA's pathophysiology. The study reports that individuals with allergic rhinitis are 1.8 times more likely to develop moderate or severe OSA. This information improves patient diagnosis and treatment by considering their environment and allergies. It emphasizes the importance of considering overall environmental health in managing OSA for better patient care.

Quick Points:

• Allergies Meet OSA: People with allergic rhinitis have a higher shot at facing moderate or severe OSA. This connection is a big deal for us in figuring out both what's going on and how to help our patients better.

• The Pollution Factor: More pollution, more problems. It turns out, things like fine particulate matter ramp up allergy symptoms, which in turn, fuel OSA issues. It's a reminder that cleaner air might just help in managing OSA.

• Treatment Tweaks: The study suggests that tackling allergic conditions with treatments like mometasone nasal sprays or montelukast pills could ease OSA symptoms. It's an exciting avenue for us to explore in our treatment plans.

2/ Allergies & OSA in Young Patients

Insightful Analysis:

Let's now talk about allergies and OSA in younger people. A study shows how allergic rhinitis (AR) affects the development and severity of OSA in younger patients. The age difference between these studies is important in determining how we should treat patients with AR.

Clinical Significance:

This study is particularly relevant for those of us in dental sleep medicine who work with younger patients. It uncovers a striking correlation:

• High Risk of OSA in AR Patients: Young adults with allergic rhinitis have a significantly increased risk - a staggering 12.3 times higher - of suffering from OSA compared to their non-allergic counterparts. This finding underscores the need for heightened vigilance and proactive management strategies in young adults exhibiting allergy symptoms.

• Identifying Allergy-Driven OSA Symptoms: The study highlights sneezing, rhinorrhea (runny nose), and nasal congestion as common indicators in young patients with OSA. These symptoms can serve as red flags, prompting further investigation into potential OSA, particularly in patients known to have allergic rhinitis.

3/ Educating Patients About Allergies and OSA

Why Refer Your Patients an Allergist?

• Fall Allergies Timing: Inform patients that fall allergies typically start in mid-August and last until the first couple of frosts. Ragweed is a common culprit during late summer and fall, alongside other pollens and mold spores.

• Differentiating Allergies: Emphasize the importance of identifying whether symptoms are due to specific pollens or mold spores, as this can influence treatment approaches.

Common Symptoms of Hay Fever

• Primary Symptoms: Hay fever primarily affects the nose, causing runny nose, sneezing, and itching. It's important to inform patients that hay fever can also cause itchy eyes, watering eyes, bloodshot eyes, and itching in the ears and throat.

How Can Symptoms be Treated?

• Starting Point: Suggest beginning with over-the-counter antihistamines, especially non-sedating types. Explain that these can be effective for mild symptoms.

• Seeking Professional Advice: For severe or persistent symptoms, recommend consulting a healthcare professional, as they can provide additional treatment options.

Who Should My OSA Patient See?

• Role of an Allergist: Allergists have specialized knowledge about what allergens are prevalent at different times of the year. They can conduct specific evaluations, like skin testing, to identify allergens and tailor treatments.

• For Difficult Symptoms: Advise patients with hard-to-control symptoms to see an allergist for a comprehensive evaluation and targeted treatment plan.

Are There Other Ways to Find Relief?

• Allergy Shots or Immunotherapy: Highlight that allergy shots and immunotherapy are not just symptomatic treatments; they can modify the disease course by actually making a person less allergic. This is a significant long-term treatment option for patients with severe allergies.

Business of Sleep

📈Better businesses = more lives saved!

8 Tips for Strengthening Referrals in Dental Sleep Medicine

As a dental sleep professional, building and maintaining positive relationships with physicians is crucial for your practice's success. Here are eight practical tips to enhance your referral network, ensuring a steady flow of patients and a thriving business.

1. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

• Networking Starts with a Step: Don't get trapped in the monotony of daily routines. Allocate time every few months to step out and connect with local physician groups. Introduce your practice and leave your contact info - it's a great way to stay visible and accessible.

2. The Power of Networking

• Building Connections: Networking isn't just about maintaining existing relationships; it's about forging new ones. Attend events, reach out for meals, or simply chat in hospital lounges. Remember, the effort you put into networking directly influences your referral base.

3. The Art of Following Up

• Maintain Communication: Always follow up on referrals. Whether it's a quick email, call, or text, keeping in touch shows that you value the referral and are committed to providing the best care. Utilize all-in-one software solutions to streamline this process.

4. Keeping the Connection Alive

• Beyond Business: A simple 'thank you' goes a long way. Regularly reach out to your network with personal gestures like calls, handwritten notes, or even seasonal greetings. This personal touch can significantly strengthen your professional relationships.

5. Seek and Value Feedback

• Continuous Improvement: Hire a liaison or send out surveys to gather feedback from your referral network. Direct calls can also lead to more meaningful insights. Feedback is a powerful tool for enhancing your services and strengthening referral relationships.

6. Market Yourself Effectively

• Your Brand Matters: Never stop marketing yourself. At networking events, confidently present your expertise and personality. Utilize digital spaces to enhance your visibility and make the most of your affiliations with health networks or hospitals.

7. Embrace Modern Technology

• Tech-savvy Approach: Adopt and embrace EHR technology. It not only streamlines care coordination but also demonstrates to your referral network that you are up-to-date and efficient, making their job of referring patients to you easier.

8. Simplify the Referral Process

• Ease of Referral: Choose an EHR system that fits your needs. Opt for platforms that allow easy communication and sharing of patient files. A smooth, efficient referral process is key to maintaining a strong network.

By implementing these strategies, you can build a robust referral network that benefits your practice and enhances patient care in dental sleep medicine. Remember, strong relationships are the backbone of a successful practice.

Something Sweet

🍭Stuff so sweet you might get a cavity..

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Miscellaneous

😅P.S. … I forgot something

Mouth taping has a mixed bag of supporters and detractors. In a future edition of More Than Teeth we will be diving into the science!