In the May 2019 edition of Dental Economics, Dr. Ashley Spooner, a respected dental professional, draws attention to a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of patient health in her article titled “Wake Up: Sleep could be making your patients sick.” With a keen focus on the intersection of dentistry and sleep medicine, Dr. Spooner sheds light on the profound impact of sleep disorders on overall health and well-being, urging dental practitioners to recognize and address this critical issue.
Through her insightful exploration, Dr. Spooner underscores the pivotal role of sleep in maintaining optimal health, emphasizing its influence on systemic functions ranging from cardiovascular health to cognitive function. Against the backdrop of rising awareness about the prevalence of sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Dr. Spooner highlights the imperative for dental professionals to proactively assess and address these conditions in their patients.
Central to Dr. Spooner’s narrative is the recognition of dentists as frontline providers in the identification and management of sleep-related issues. Leveraging their unique position within the healthcare landscape, dental practitioners are well-positioned to screen for signs and symptoms of sleep disorders during routine dental visits, thereby facilitating early detection and intervention.
Furthermore, Dr. Spooner delves into the myriad ways in which sleep disorders can manifest within the oral cavity, such as through bruxism, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and oral breathing patterns. By elucidating these oral manifestations, Dr. Spooner empowers dental professionals to recognize potential indicators of underlying sleep disturbances and collaborate effectively with sleep medicine specialists for comprehensive patient care.
In essence, Dr. Ashley Spooner’s article serves as a wake-up call for dental practitioners, urging them to broaden their scope of practice to encompass sleep medicine and its implications for patient health. By raising awareness about the link between sleep and systemic health, Dr. Spooner’s article catalyzes a paradigm shift in dental practice, emphasizing the importance of holistic patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration in promoting overall well-being.
