Alpharetta Dentist: Diagnosing Snoring Causes

snoring and sleep apnea solutions

Snoring may single a more significant problem, i.e. sleep apnea or afib. By itself its not harmful and can interrupt the sleep of you and your partner.  Then it becomes harmful as it relates to the rest the body needs every night.  The noise comes from the vibration of the soft tissue in the throat. A little self-diagnosis might be of help in determining the cause of your problem.  The following are some causes to look for:

1. Allergies may interfere with your respiratory tract.  Obviously, you need to stay away from known allergens or you might need to take preventative medicines.
2. Overweight is one of the contributing factors of snoring. Losing some weight may help reduce the fatty tissue in your airway and the pushing of your abdomen on your lungs.
3. Avoid taking certain medicines such as antihistamines and sedatives before going to bed as they can encourage you to snore.
4. Consider avoiding dairy products before bedtime. They can increase mucus build-up in your throat, which may lead to snoring.
5. Smoking can cause snoring. It irritates the tissues in the throat and creates congestion in some tissues of the respiratory system. Among other reasons like oral and lung cancer, quit smoking if you want to stop snoring.
6. Elevate your head when sleeping.  This can be accomplished by raising the headboard end of the bed, sleep on a firm mattress and utilize additional pillows to support your neck and prevent obstructions to your airway.

If you have run through these little helpful tips and you are still snoring, you might break down and ask our dentist for help.  If we can be of assistance please feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation.  We are conveniently located at Roswell Road and I-285.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/sandy-springs-dentist-snoring-solutions/

https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/dentist-sandy-springs-sleep-apnea-treatment/

Dentist Sandy Springs: Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing, during sleep. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you know it’s more than your sleep that is affected by your snoring.

Disruptions in sleep can be caused by a variety of issues, from teeth grinding (bruxism) to night terrors. When a person suffers from difficulty in sleeping with no obvious cause, it is referred to as insomnia.[1]  Additional health issues may also include:

•  Heart problems
• Strokes
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes

While you sleep, your throat relaxes. This relaxation allows the tongue and soft palate to collapse and block your airway. Eventually, your airflow stops. When your oxygen level drops, your brain moves out of deep sleep and signals you to wake up. The airway contracts, opens and the obstruction in your throat clears. Airflow starts again, usually with a loud gasp. You fall back into a deep sleep and the process starts all over again.

It’s the combination of low oxygen levels and interrupted sleep that is the major contributor to most of the problems associated with sleep apnea.  Estimates are if left untreated sleep apnea can shorten the average life span by 5 to 10 years.

Treatments for sleep disorders generally can be grouped into four categories:

•  behavioral/ psychotherapeutic treatments
• rehabilitation/management
• medications
• other somatic treatments

Many people who suffer from sleep apnea will be told to wear a CPAP (continuing positive airway pressure) machine, designed to create a continuum of positive airway pressure while you sleep. Unfortunately, the CPAP mask is uncomfortable which often results in discontinued use.

SO, WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT?

To help those with sleep apnea we recommend a snore appliance (oral appliance therapy). The oral appliance is a custom-made mouthpiece that shifts the lower jaw forward, opening up the airway. OAT is usually successful in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.[2]   Professionally fitted, it prevents the tongue, soft palate and the jaw from blocking your airway while you sleep, thus reducing snoring and the dangerous effects of sleep apnea.

If you or someone you know are having issues with snoring please make an appointment with our dentist for help.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

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[1] Hirshkowitz, Max (2004). “Chapter 10, Neuropsychiatric Aspects of Sleep and Sleep Disorders (pp 315-340)”. In Stuart C. Yudofsky and Robert E. Hales, editors (Google Books preview includes entire chapter 10). Essentials of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences (4 ed.). Arlington, Virginia, USA: American Psychiatric Publishing. Retrieved 2009-12-06. “…insomnia is a symptom. It is neither a disease nor a specific condition. (from p. 322)”

[2] Machado MA, Juliano L, Taga M, de Carvalho LB, do Prado LB, do Prado GF (December 2007). “Titratable mandibular repositioner appliances for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: are they an option?”. Sleep & Breathing 11 (4): 225–31.

Related articles

• Sleep apnea-dementia link revealed in new study (cbsnews.com)
• CPAP Machine And MAD Mouthpiece Best For Obstructive Sleep Apnea (medicalnewstoday.com)
• Screening for Sleep Apnea (everydayhealth.com)
• What You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea (everydayhealth.com)

Dentist Sandy Springs: Dental Health and Your Sleep

Your dental health can impact your quality of sleep.  Your dental health and sleep are connected.  A 2018 Japanese study in Health examined 51 participants who were age 55 or older, and they found a direct correlation between poor oral health and poor quality of sleep. [1]

And the opposite may occur also, i.e. the quality of sleep can affect your dental health.  A 2016 study in Clinical Oral Investigations examined 42,539 people and found that individuals with self-reported sleep disorders were at an increased risk of gingival (gum) inflammation.[2] Evidently, gum inflammation can be caused by non-restorative sleep, which may cause the body to release inflammatory hormones.

Additionally, a 2017 study in Clujul Medical suggests that flossing may actually help improve sleep.[3] Chujul researchers examined 230 dental students and found that while those with poor dental health were more prone to sleep issues and fatigue, participants who flossed daily had good sleep and more energy.

These are only a few of the issues related to good oral health and your sleep.  There are more.  So give us a call to discuss your sleep issues and let us try and resolve them.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

And

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] Sato, M et al. Relationship among Health Related Quality of Life, Quality of Sleep, and Oral Health Condition. Health. Feb 2018

[2] Carra, M et al. Sleep disorders and oral health: a cross-sectional study. Clinical Oral Investigations. May 13, 2016

[3] Asawa, K et al. Influence of sleep disturbance, fatigue, vitality on oral health and academic performance in Indian dental students. Clujul Medical. Jul 15, 2017

Sandy Springs Dentist Near Me: Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing, during sleep. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you know it’s more than your sleep that is affected by your snoring.

Disruptions in sleep can be caused by a variety of issues, from teeth grinding (bruxism) to night terrors. When a person suffers from difficulty in sleeping with no obvious cause, it is referred to as insomnia.[1]  Additional health issues may also include:

·        Heart problems

·        Strokes

·        High blood pressure

·        Diabetes

While you sleep, your throat relaxes. This relaxation allows the tongue and soft palate to collapse and block your airway. Eventually, your airflow stops. When your oxygen level drops, your brain moves out of deep sleep and signals you to wake up. The airway contracts, opens and the obstruction in your throat clears. Airflow starts again, usually with a loud gasp. You fall back into a deep sleep and the process starts all over again.

It’s the combination of low oxygen levels and interrupted sleep that is the major contributor to most of the problems associated with sleep apnea.  Estimates are if left untreated sleep apnea can shorten the average life span by 5 to 10 years.

Treatments for sleep disorders generally can be grouped into four categories:

·        behavioral/ psychotherapeutic treatments

·        rehabilitation/management

·        medications

·        other somatic treatments

 

Many people who suffer from sleep apnea will be told to wear a CPAP (continuing positive airway pressure) machine, designed to create a continuum of positive airway pressure while you sleep. Unfortunately, the CPAP mask is uncomfortable which often results in discontinued use.

 SO, WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE?

To help those with sleep apnea we recommend a snore appliance (oral appliance therapy). The oral appliance is a custom-made mouthpiece that shifts the lower jaw forward, opening up the airway. OAT is usually successful in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.[2] 

 Professionally fitted, it prevents the tongue, soft palate and the jaw from blocking your airway while you sleep, thus reducing snoring and the dangerous effects of sleep apnea.

 If you or someone you know are having issues with snoring please make an appointment with our dentist for help.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

• ·    Sleep apnea-dementia link revealed in new study (cbsnews.com)
• ·    CPAP Machine And MAD Mouthpiece Best For Obstructive Sleep Apnea (medicalnewstoday.com)
• ·    Screening for Sleep Apnea (everydayhealth.com)
• ·    What You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea (everydayhealth.com)

 

---

[1] Hirshkowitz, Max (2004). “Chapter 10, Neuropsychiatric Aspects of Sleep and Sleep Disorders (pp 315-340)”. In Stuart C. Yudofsky and Robert E. Hales, editors (Google Books preview includes entire chapter 10). Essentials of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences (4 ed.). Arlington, Virginia, USA: American Psychiatric Publishing. Retrieved 2009-12-06. “…insomnia is a symptom. It is neither a disease nor a specific condition. (from p. 322)”

[2] Machado MA, Juliano L, Taga M, de Carvalho LB, do Prado LB, do Prado GF (December 2007). “Titratable mandibular repositioner appliances for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: are they an option?”. Sleep & Breathing 11 (4): 225–31.

Cancer Linked to Sleep Apnea

Two new studies have found that people with sleep apnea[1], a common disorder that causes snoring, fatigue and dangerous pauses in breathing at night, have a higher risk of cancer.[2] The new research marks the first time that sleep apnea has been linked to cancer in humans.

Dr. Joseph Golish, the former chief of sleep medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, said that the cancer link may not prove to be as strong as the well-documented relationship between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease, “but until disproven, it would be one more reason to get your apnea treated or to get it diagnosed if you think you might have it.”

Though many cases go undiagnosed, the condition is a top concern because it deprives your body of oxygen at night that usually coincides with cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, and now cancer. According to Dr. Golish, for the first time there appears to be a very solid association.

The researchers found that the more severe a person’s breathing problems at night, the greater the likelihood of dying from cancer. People with moderate apnea were found to die of cancer at a rate double that of people without disordered breathing at night, while those in the severe category died at a rate 4.8 times that of those without the sleep disorder.

Many cases of sleep apnea can be treated with a dental devise that we custom design to your mouth.  If you’re a candidate or have an interest in sleep apnea device, please contact our team for a consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

[1] In one of the studies, researchers in Spain followed thousands of patients at sleep clinics and found that those with the most severe forms of sleep apnea had a 65 percent greater risk of developing cancer of any kind. The second study, of about 1,500 government workers in Wisconsin, showed that those with the most breathing abnormalities at night had five times the rate of dying from cancer as people without the sleep disorder.

[2] The studies were observational, and other, unknown factors may account for the correlation between sleep apnea and cancer.

 

Alpharetta Dentist: Snoring Solutions

Snoring can be a real problem, not only for the person who snores, but for the partner and other family members who live with the snorer.  However, there are affordable and effective dentist-prescribed solutions for a more restful night’s sleep.   These affordable devices are flexible, thin and comfortable mouth guard looking devices with documented clinical success in mitigating or even preventing the disruptive, unhealthy effects of snoring and sleep apnea.

These devices position the lower jaw forward using connectors that are attached to upper and lower mouth pieces known as trays.  These trays are comprised of a soft inner layer with a hard outer layer that is durable and should be BPA-free[1].  The appliance is designed to advance the mandible such that the bite is opened to reduce the restriction of airflow during sleep.

If you would like a consultation please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/dentist-sandy-springs-sleep-apnea-treatment/

 

---

[1] Make sure you ask for a BPA free devise, such as the one manufactured by Glidewell systems.

Dentist Dunwoody: Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing, during sleep. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you know it’s more than your sleep that is affected by your snoring.

Disruptions in sleep can be caused by a variety of issues, from Afib, to teeth grinding (bruxism) to night terrors. When a person suffers from difficulty in sleeping with no obvious cause, it is referred to as insomnia.[1]  Additional health issues may also include:

• Heart problems – Afib
• Strokes – from Afib
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes

While you sleep, your throat relaxes. This relaxation allows the tongue and soft palate to collapse and block your airway. Eventually, your airflow stops. When your oxygen level drops, your brain moves out of deep sleep and signals you to wake up. The airway contracts, opens and the obstruction in your throat clears. Airflow starts again, usually with a loud gasp. You fall back into a deep sleep and the process starts all over again.

It’s the combination of low oxygen levels and interrupted sleep that is the major contributor to most of the problems associated with sleep apnea.  Estimates are if left untreated sleep apnea can shorten the average life span by 5 to 10 years.

Treatments for sleep disorders generally can be grouped into four categories:

• behavioral/ psychotherapeutic treatments
• rehabilitation/management
• medications
• other somatic treatments – like dentist provided sleep devices

Many people who suffer from sleep apnea will be told to wear a CPAP (continuing positive airway pressure) machine, designed to create a continuum of positive airway pressure while you sleep. Unfortunately, the CPAP mask is uncomfortable which often results in discontinued use.

SO, WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE?

To help those with sleep apnea we recommend a snore appliance (oral appliance therapy). The oral appliance is a custom-made mouthpiece that shifts the lower jaw forward, opening up the airway. OAT is usually successful in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.[2]  Professionally fitted, it prevents the tongue, soft palate and the jaw from blocking your airway while you sleep, thus reducing snoring and the dangerous effects of sleep apnea.

If you or someone you know is having issues with snoring and most likely sleep apnea please make an appointment with our office for help.  We’ve been successfully helping patients for years.

 

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

• Sleep apnea-dementia link revealed in new study (cbsnews.com)
• CPAP Machine And MAD Mouthpiece Best For Obstructive Sleep Apnea (medicalnewstoday.com)
• Screening for Sleep Apnea (everydayhealth.com)
• What You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea (everydayhealth.com)

 

---

[1] Hirshkowitz, Max (2004). “Chapter 10, Neuropsychiatric Aspects of Sleep and Sleep Disorders (pp 315-340)”. In Stuart C. Yudofsky and Robert E. Hales, editors (Google Books preview includes entire chapter 10). Essentials of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences (4 ed.). Arlington, Virginia, USA: American Psychiatric Publishing. Retrieved 2009-12-06. “…insomnia is a symptom. It is neither a disease nor a specific condition. (from p. 322)”

[2] Machado MA, Juliano L, Taga M, de Carvalho LB, do Prado LB, do Prado GF (December 2007). “Titratable mandibular repositioner appliances for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: are they an option?”. Sleep & Breathing 11 (4): 225–31.

Dentist Sandy Springs: Diagnosing Snoring Causes

Although snoring is not harmful it can interrupt the sleep of you and your partner.  Then it becomes harmful as it relates to the rest the body needs every night.  The noise comes from the vibration of the soft tissue in the throat. A little self-diagnosis might be of help in determining the cause of your problem.  The following are some causes to look for:

1. Allergies may interfere with your respiratory tract.  Obviously, you need to stay away from known allergens or you might need to take preventative medicines.
2. Overweight is one of the contributing factors of snoring. Losing some weight may help reduce the fatty tissue in your airway and the pushing of your abdomen on your lungs.
3. Avoid taking certain medicines such as antihistamines and sedatives before going to bed as they can encourage you to snore.
4. Consider avoiding dairy products before bedtime. They can increase mucus build-up in your throat, which may lead to snoring.
5. Smoking can cause snoring. It irritates the tissues in the throat and creates congestion in some tissues of the respiratory system. Among other reasons like oral and lung cancer, quit smoking if you want to stop snoring.
6. Elevate your head when sleeping.  This can be accomplished by raising the headboard end of the bed, sleep on a firm mattress and utilize additional pillows to support your neck and prevent obstructions to your airway.

If you have run through these little helpful tips and you are still snoring, you might break down and ask your dentist for help.  If we can be of assistance please feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/sandy-springs-dentist-snoring-solutions/

https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/dentist-sandy-springs-sleep-apnea-treatment/

Sandy Springs Dentist: Snoring Solutions

Snoring can be a real problem, not only for the person who snores, but for the partner and other family members who live with the snorer.  However, there are affordable and effective dentist-prescribed solutions for a more restful night’s sleep.   These affordable devices are flexible, thin and comfortable mouth guard looking devices with documented clinical success in mitigating or even preventing the disruptive, unhealthy effects of snoring and sleep apnea.

These devices position the lower jaw forward using connectors that are attached to upper and lower mouth pieces known as trays.  These trays are comprised of a soft inner layer with a hard outer layer that is durable and should BPA-free[1].  The appliance is designed to advance the mandible such that the bite is opened to reduce the restriction of airflow during sleep.

If you would like a consultation please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/dentist-sandy-springs-sleep-apnea-treatment/

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[1] Make sure you ask for a BPA free devise, such as the one manufactured by Glidwell systems.