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Build Stronger Teeth

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Build Stronger Teeth

Everyone knows the basics of good dental care. Brush your teeth after every meal, floss every day, see your dentist at least twice a year. It sounds simple. But what if you still don’t have strong, healthy teeth? Weak enamel can be a genetic weakness, or it can be caused by other conditions, like Celiac disease. I’ve always had weak enamel, so I started looking into ways that I could increase the strength of my teeth, and found that dietary changes could make a big difference. I started this blog to share my experience, and to talk about other ways you can make your teeth stronger and healthier. There are lots of things that you can do to improve your dental health. You just have to find them.

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Talking To Your Dentist About Sleep Apnea

30 May 2023
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Your dentist can play a crucial role in managing sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. Dentists can provide certain interventions that help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. 

Signs of Sleep Apnea

  • Feeling excessively tired or fatigued during the day, even after a full night's sleep.
  • Frequent and loud snoring is often associated with sleep apnea.
  • People with sleep apnea may abruptly awaken from sleep with a choking or gasping sensation.
  • Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep are a significant indicator of sleep apnea. 
  • Sleep apnea can lead to morning headaches or a feeling of dullness upon waking up.
  • Sleep apnea can affect cognitive function, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and overall mental sharpness.
  • Sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can lead to irritability, mood swings, and even depression.
  • Sleep apnea can contribute to the production of excess urine at night, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom.
  • Sleep apnea can cause a decrease in sexual drive and erectile dysfunction in men.

Ways Dentists Can Help with Sleep Apnea

Oral Appliance Therapy

Dentists can custom-fit and prescribe oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) or dental splints. These devices are worn during sleep and help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw and tongue forward. By maintaining proper alignment, they prevent airway obstruction and reduce snoring and sleep apnea episodes. Dentists with expertise in dental sleep medicine can assess your specific needs and create personalized oral appliances.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Alternatives 

CPAP is a common treatment for sleep apnea that involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a constant flow of air pressure to keep the airway open. However, some patients find CPAP uncomfortable or have difficulty adjusting to it. In such cases, dentists can offer alternative therapies like oral appliance therapy as a more tolerable option.

Evaluation and Referral

Dentists can identify signs of sleep apnea during routine dental examinations. These signs may include worn teeth, a scalloped tongue, or a large tongue. If a dentist suspects sleep apnea, they can refer the patient to a sleep specialist or a medical professional for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Collaborative Care

Dentists often work in collaboration with sleep medicine specialists, pulmonologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in managing sleep apnea. 

Severe cases of sleep apnea may require more intensive interventions, such as CPAP therapy or surgical options. Dentists will assess your condition and work alongside other healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs. 

For more info, contact a local dentist.