Dentists can notice the signs for sleep apnea, since you may complain of headaches, dry mouth (mouth breathing while sleeping) or lethargy. You also see your dentist more often than the doctor, usually every six months or at the least every year for your checkup and professional cleaning. Be open with your dentist and talk with him or her about any symptoms you’re experiencing.

Your dentist is trained to notice the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea—and if you’re breathing through your mouth while sleeping, dry mouth could create an increased risk for cavities and even gum disease. If your dentist thinks you may be suffering from sleep apnea, he or she will recommend a sleep medicine specialist to diagnose you.

Treatment at the Dentist Office

Treatment for sleep apnea can’t happen until you get diagnosed with this sleep disorder. Once you have a confirmed diagnosis, your dentist can actually help treat your sleep apnea! Depending on your type of sleep apnea, an oral appliance may help. Oral appliances reposition the jaw and tongue to improve airflow. They’re easy to wear, removable, and only worn while you sleep.

Sleep apnea oral appliances are covered by many insurance companies as essential treatment for sleep apnea. They help to keep your upper airway open and therefore prevent the collapse of your airway while you sleep, which can cause you to stop breathing. Your dentist has undergone training to recognize symptoms of sleep apnea as well as to treat it. Talk to your health care professionals about your symptoms!

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

It’s important to know the risk factors as well as the symptoms of sleep apnea to determine if you’re at risk and if you are, when to seek a professional diagnosis of your condition. The risk factors for sleep apnea include:

 Being overweight or obese

 Age (older adults experience sleep apnea more often)

 Alcohol use or abuse

 Smoking

 Being a man (men are twice as likely to experience sleep apnea)

The symptoms of sleep apnea range from snoring, dry mouth, and fatigue during the day to irritability, a dull headache, or awakening during the night short of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor to see if a sleep apnea oral appliance could help alleviate your symptoms!

Sleep apnea is considered a serious sleeping disorder that can increase your risk of death and lead to other serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and atrial fibrillation (AFIB). Talk to your dentist about any symptoms you’re experiencing, and ask if he or she can recommend a sleep specialist. Sleep apnea can be treated by your dentist, so don’t ignore the signs!

The post Waking Up Exhausted? Sleep Apnea Could Be the Cause appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Make dental health your New Years Resolution in 2016. Keeping on top of your dental health is as easy as scheduling checkups, brushing and flossing appropriately, and choosing the right foods. Follow these tips for keeping your smile healthy in 2016!

Schedule Regular Checkups

If you don’t have a regular dentist yet, now’s the time to find one. Even if you aren’t keen on scheduling regular checkups, having a dentist that you trust in the event of a problem or emergency can make all the difference for your dental care. Let’s not forget that regular checkups can help prevent problems before they happen. Your dentist can often spot problem areas that will go ignored until a more major problem is imminent.

It’s a good idea to schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months. Your dentist may advise that you only need to stop in for yearly checkups if you’re on top of your dental health at home, or he or she may suggest that you need to come in every few months. It all depends on your unique smile and if you have any existing dental health problems. Remember, visiting a dentist twice a year can prevent problems, encourage oral health, and even save your smile!

Brush Properly, Floss More

Brushing your teeth prevents the buildup of plaque, removes bacteria, and keeps your smile looking great. However, brushing doesn’t count for much if you aren’t doing it properly. If you tend to brush your teeth hard, you may actually be wearing away the protective enamel that covers your tooth and its roots. Once this is gone, it can’t be replaced. Proper brushing involves soft, swift strokes that focus on small areas at a time. Talk with your dentist about how to properly brush your teeth.Flossing is also important to keep your smile looking its best. Food is easily trapped in between teeth, and over time, this can even cause infections, gingivitis, and chronic bad breath. Yuck! No matter which flossing tools work best for you, be sure to use them. It’s ideal to floss at least once a day. Ask your dentist how you can make flossing easy!

Optimize Your Diet

You’ve heard that sugar isn’t good for teeth—but it’s not the only corrosive substance out there. Other foods and beverages such as alcohol, soda, juice, coffee, dried fruits, citrus fruits, and starchy snacks like potato chips can damage your teeth. Even dairy can be corrosive to the teeth due to its acidic nature. Do you have to stop eating or drinking all these things? No! The point is that by keeping up with brushing and flossing, you can help keep your mouth healthy. Also by choosing healthy foods to snack on throughout the day such as carrots, apples, and celery. Keep sugars and starches to a minimum!

Taking care of your dental health is easier than you think. By making your dental health your New Years Resolution, you can ensure your smile stays healthy for life. Schedule a checkup with your dentist, keep brushing and flossing, and reach for carrot sticks instead of lollipops. Happy New Year!

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