SLEEP APNEA

Dr. Nathan J. Flesher, his wife Becca, and their son Gavin.

When he saw how his friends’ parents were changing lives as dentists, Dr. Nathan knew right away he had discovered his calling. A “plan B” wasn’t part of his vocabulary. 

A Uniontown, PA native, Dr. Nathan first earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemistry before achieving his DMD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2014. He followed God’s calling, which guided him to the Christian Medical and Dental Association placement program. One of his most significant accomplishments was commissioning as an officer in the Army National Guard Dental Corps. He joined in 2013, just before starting his dental studies, when he discovered a scholarship opportunity. He remains involved, using his skills and knowledge to promote and restore the dental health of the nation’s honorable service members. A staunch supporter of these brave soldiers, Dr. Nathan takes great pride in helping them care for their oral health. Whenever he spots a solider who hasn’t yet realized the importance of a healthy smile, he will spend a few extra moments with them – a truly life-changing interaction. 

When he’s not helping patients achieve the smile of their dreams, Dr. Nathan loves spending time with his beautiful wife, Becca. They were high school sweethearts and married at the age of 20. Becca is passionate about helping others as a registered nurse. Together, they have a young son, Gavin James, and French bulldog, Hank. Dr. Nathan stays physically active by exercising and exploring the outdoors. Other pastimes include traveling, shooting, sporting clays (clay pigeon shooting), reading, and sharing his knowledge with others. Since helping other people is integral to his life’s mission, Dr. Nathan also helps out at his church and volunteers for Beautiful Feet Ministries. Each month, he provides free dentistry for the homeless and less fortunate. He’s an active member of several dental organizations and … he’s a self-confessed nerd who loves technology. 

Strategies for snoring and sleep apnea

You probably have a parent or grandparent who remembers a weird and wonderful contraption from the 1930s that claimed to analyze your personality by the bumps on your head. The contraption was based on the science of Franz Joseph Gall who in the eighteenth century mapped out these bumps and developed the first complete theory of cerebral localization. He called it phrenology from phrenos (mind) and logos (study).

The present met the past when Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry completed a two-part orthodontic study to determine a craniofacial risk index for snoring, including fourteen face and head measures based on measurements from 25 different parts of the face. One conclusion: a round-shaped head can be a predictor of snoring. Other studies have suggested that long, narrow faces encourage mouth breathing, contributing to sleep apnea.

Chronic snoring and sleep apnea are characterized by the blockage of the air passage during sleep, and can cause a person to stop breathing for several seconds many times a night. Sleep apnea can lead to cardiovascular problems or accidents due to inattention from sleep deprivation.

If you have a problem with snoring or believe you may suffer from sleep apnea, give us a call – we have strategies to help you!