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Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder. A person with sleep apnea will stop breathing while they sleep and leads to a lack of oxygen in the brain and the rest of the body. This lack of oxygen causes the brain to wake up the body to breathe before allowing it to go back to sleep. Most will not remember this the next morning, but it can happen hundreds of times a night and prevent one from ever reaching deep, restful sleep.
There are two kinds of sleep apnea:
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common of the two and is caused by the airway being blocked. This usually happens when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses while sleeping.
Central sleep apnea is caused by the brain failing to signal the muscles to breathe.
Symptoms may include chronic snoring, fatigue, depression, headaches, insomnia, forgetfulness, diminished sex drive, dry throat, high blood pressure, forgetfulness, irritability, sleep-deprived partners, heart failure, arrhythmia, or drowsy driving.
Sleep apnea may be caused by several things such as smaller airways, being overweight, an overbite, smoking, alcohol, allergies, and family history.
Custom made oral appliances help keep the airway open all night long, allowing the body to get a full night’s rest. They fit like sports or orthodontic retainers and are much more convenient and comfortable than a traditional CPAP. Oral appliances are ideal for anyone with mild to moderate sleep disorders. Moderate to severe sleep disorders usually require a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) that is much bulkier than oral appliances.
Sleep studies have traditionally been done in sleep study centers, but in recent years, accurate home sleep studies have been developed. Patients receive the home study kit in our office, take it home, wear it while they sleep, and bring it back the next day. The results are then downloaded, read by a sleep apnea professional, and a diagnosis is declared.
Only care for the teeth you want to keep! Excellent personal dental hygiene is crucial for every mouth to prevent decay. There are a couple of very simple steps to take morning and night that will keep those teeth healthy and strong.
Brush: Teeth brushing should happen at least twice a day. A thorough cleaning tends to take about 2 minutes. Be sure to use short strokes with the brush and to go over every angle of each tooth. Brush your tongue too to avoid bad breath! Tip: spit, but don’t rinse after brushing because it rinses off the fluoride from the toothpaste which then allows for a greater risk of tooth decay. Some people prefer an electric toothbrush if they struggle to brush correctly. Be sure to replace the toothbrush every 3-4 months because worn-out toothbrushes will not do a proper job of cleaning those pearly whites.
Floss: Flossing should be done at least once a day. Guide the floss between your teeth and GENTLY move it up and down between every tooth. Be sure to go beneath the gum line and rub the floss along the side of each tooth (don’t forget the back side of your last tooth). Do not re-use a piece of dental floss.
Rinse: The most important thing to remember is that mouthwash is not a replacement for regular brushing or flossing. It is known to help freshen breath, whiten teeth, prevent cavities, and prevent plaque buildup. When using mouthwash, it is recommended that you swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute and this spit it out. Do not rinse out your mouth afterward to allow it to work effectively.
Proper dental hygiene is important to keep that smile looking good every day, but studies show that oral health affects the rest of the body as well. The American Dental Association recommends that you come in for check-ups and cleanings every six months unless otherwise directed by the dentist.
Brushing every morning and night is a good thing for teeth, but a thorough cleaning done by a professional is necessary to clean off stubborn tartar and surface stains. These regular cleanings help cardiovascular health, diabetic health, prevents periodontal disease and lowers inflammation. Regular exams, x-rays, and cleanings come with many health benefits that should never be ignored.
We offer two different types of x-rays in our office: digital x-rays and 3-dimensional x-rays (CT). Digital X-Rays give us a clear digital image of your teeth, while 3D X-Rays gives us more in-depth crystal clear images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan. X-rays help us to better see what is going on inside every mouth to prevent decay, diagnose problems, and treat your teeth.