The Leaf-Chronicle profiles Clarksville dentist Dr. Jennifer Cornell of Back 2 Basics Dentistry.

“Since that first patient, I now routinely ask my patients about their sleep patterns. The process begins with having a sleep study conducted where breathing is observed and monitored,” she said. “The results of the study assist in designing the appropriate treatment plan.”

According to Cornell, several traits of sleep apnea are shared by many patients. Men are twice as likely to have the chronic condition, and smokers are three times more likely to have sleep apnea. People who are overweight have a higher risk as well as those who frequently battle nasal congestion and have narrow airways.