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Bethesda Center for Dental Sleep Medicine & TMJ Therapy Blog

Reclined Rest: Does Slumbering Upright Alleviate Sleep Apnea?

February 12, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 6:50 pm
Brown recliner surrounded by candles and plants

Have you been feeling chronically fatigued throughout the day regardless of how much rest you got the night before? If so, you might be suffering from sleep apnea. This condition pauses and restarts your breathing at night which interrupts your sleep cycles. When this happens consistently, it can influence your body, mind, and emotions in addition to your oral health.

Fortunately, you don’t have to live with the symptoms forever. There are several ways you can combat the effects of sleep apnea. For example, it’s commonly believed that sleeping in a reclined position can help alleviate symptoms. If you’re curious to know more, keep reading to learn about how this can help!

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Waking Up for Two: The Effects of Sleep Apnea on Pregnancy

December 15, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 2:54 pm
A pregnant woman sleeping on her back with sleep apnea

Pregnancy is a miracle of life for a healthy couple looking to start a family. However, there are sometimes complications that arise as the mother-to-be sees an increase in hormone levels across her body. One of the many effects of these shifting hormones is sleep disruption, especially sleep apnea. But how does this condition affect mothers and babies?

Keep reading to learn more about the condition and how your dentist may be able to help.

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Can Sleep Apnea Affect My Life Expectancy?

October 5, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 7:23 pm
a person snoring while asleep in a bed

Every night, sleep apnea disturbs the sleep of numerous patients all around the world—but did you know that it affects more than just sleep? Believe it or not, it can cause a patient all sorts of grief! Continue reading below to learn more from your trusted sleep dentist about sleep apnea and how if left untreated, it can lead to some pretty serious health issues that affect far more than your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

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Dangers of Not Treating TMJ Disorders

August 8, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 11:05 pm

Human skull and TMJ wooden letters on blue counterIf you suffer from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, life isn’t always easy. You can experience recurring jaw pain. Your joint can click, pop, or grate when opening and closing your mouth. In some situations, your jaw may even lock into one position. Although symptoms can come and go, they aren’t anything to ignore. It’s best to contact a TMJ specialist. Here are just a few of the risks associated with untreated TMJ disorders.

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A Closer Look at Mouth Breathing vs. Nasal Breathing

May 5, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 5:19 am
a patient sleeping with their mouth open

Breathing is a pretty fundamental aspect of our lives, yet it’s also something we often take for granted. We’re often unaware of the way we breathe, whether it’s through our nose or mouth—but did you know that being mindful of your breathing habits can actually have a profound impact on your overall well-being? Keep reading to learn a little more from your trusted sleep dentist about some of the differences between nasal breathing vs. mouth breathing, along with how SomniFix, a unique sleep aid, can help to optimize your breathing during sleep and contribute to better-quality rest.  

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The Connection Between Sleep Apnea & Brain Health

February 28, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 7:31 am
a visual of a woman sleeping and her brain waves

Getting enough good quality sleep is essential to your health. Unfortunately, having constructive sleep apnea can greatly impact your ability to do this. This medical condition is when a partial or complete blockage of the upper airway causes breathing interruptions while sleeping. It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and that 80% of people are not even aware they have it. Even worse, it can cause many health issues, even with your brain. Read on to learn more about the connection between sleep apnea and brain health…and how your dentist can help!

 

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Gift Your Partner a Good Night’s Sleep for Valentine’s Day!

January 31, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 5:03 am
heart neon sign

Does your partner suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? It’s a common disorder that causes breathing to stop repeatedly throughout the night. One of the hallmark symptoms is chronic snoring, which can keep you from getting much-needed sleep as well. Fortunately, continuous airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for the disorder. If your partner uses or could benefit from CPAP therapy, there are gift ideas that would be a perfect addition to their life. Read on to learn from a sleep apnea dentist how you both can get a good night’s sleep on Valentine’s Day and beyond!

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Why Are Celebrities Talking About Sleep Apnea?

November 22, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 1:49 am

Comparison of normal airway and sleep apneaYou’ve probably seen many of your favorite celebrities talking about their struggles with sleep apnea, like Rosie O’Donnell, William Shatner, and Reggie White. While it might seem like cases of sleep apnea are on the rise, the growing number of diagnoses is attributed to better public awareness. Celebrities are sharing their stories to encourage people with symptoms of sleep apnea to seek help from a medical professional because 80% of cases aren’t diagnosed. A bad night’s rest isn’t the only complication of sleep apnea. You could face potentially life-threatening health risks. Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of untreated sleep apnea.

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Can Sleep Apnea Cause Gum Disease?

November 12, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — apneabethesda @ 1:40 am

Model of mouth with gum diseaseIf you’ve recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your physician discussed the risks of not treating the condition, like heart disease, sleep deprivation, and depression; however, those aren’t the only dangers. According to a study published by the Sleep Research Society, sleep apnea can increase your risk of gum disease, which is linked to tooth loss and several health concerns. Although sleep apnea and gum disease are two very different conditions, here’s what you need to know about their connection to keep your mouth and body healthy.

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How is Sleep Apnea Connected to Depression?

October 17, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 5:33 pm
Woman with sleep apnea and depression at foot of bed

Depression is a distressingly common mental disorder that affects around one in every 20 adults around the world. The condition has many possible risk factors, and studies suggest that one potentially major contributor is sleep apnea. How can a sleep disorder be related to depression? And what can you do to address both problems? Here’s what you need to know.

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