Tag: Dentist in Glen Burnie MD

Sleep Dentist Near Me | Can Sleep Apnea Ruin Your Relationship?

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When you can’t get soothing, natural, uninterrupted sleep, it can affect all aspects of your life. Sleep disorders and a lack of restful sleep can negatively impact your energy levels, concentration, focus, memory, processing skills, even your emotional composure. In short, a lack of sleep can wreak havoc on a person’s physical and emotional well-being, jeopardizing the stability of their personal and professional lives.

Sleep apnea, a condition in which the throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airways and causing a person to intermittently stop breathing, is a unique case of unrestful sleep. This is because it doesn’t just affect the sufferer—who often feels tired even after a full night’s sleep—but also his or her partner. The partner of someone with sleep apnea must endure the loud rumbling rhythms of snoring all night long, in some cases every night of the week. The condition can also influence the relationship itself in a host of complicated ways.

Repressed or Pent-Up Frustration

People with sleep apnea don’t just snore. They breathe heavily, loudly gasp for air, and often wake up throughout the night. Having to endure this auditory roller coaster every single evening is enough to get on anyone’s nerves. Partners of individuals suffering from sleep apnea may feel frustrated that their significant other’s condition is negatively affecting their own sleep and general well-being.

Intimacy

Sleep apnea robs sufferers and their partners of more than just sleep, though. Recent research has shown that it is strongly correlated with sexual and erectile dysfunction. A 2009 study found that of the 401 men it surveyed that had sleep apnea, fully 70 percent also experienced erectile dysfunction. Another paper, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, looked at the sexual functioning of middle-aged women who had sleep apnea and those who didn’t. The researchers found that women with the condition reported much higher levels of sexual dysfunction. That kind of damaged or diminished intimacy can, in turn, put profound strains on the rest of the relationship.

Daily Communications

People who don’t get restful sleep because of sleep apnea are often fatigued, foggy, and unfocused during the day. This can leave them less than fully present with their significant others, negatively impacting dialogue and lines of communication. If there’s one feature of relationships that almost everyone agrees is absolutely vital to enduring over the long haul, it’s consistent communication. A person whose mind and body is riddled by sleep apnea’s toxic effects will struggle to consistently achieve that.

Our office can help you overcome sleep apnea and all of its negative effects. Schedule an appointment today to get started.

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | What Men Should Know About Sleep Apnea

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Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | What Men Should Know About Sleep Apnea

It is estimated that nearly 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Of those millions, only about 20% of them seek out treatment.

While sleep apnea can affect anyone, male patients make up ⅔ of reported cases. With the danger high for men, it’s important to know the risks and why you should get help from our expert team.

Symptoms

  • General Fatigue – Everyone has sleepy days. But constant, overwhelming fatigue is a common symptom of sleep apnea in men. Irregular breathing patterns during the night can leave you feeling exhausted during the day.
  • Loud Snoring – Sleep apnea related snoring is loud, persistent and irregular. You may snore so loudly that you wake yourself up, if your sleeping partner doesn’t wake you first. Silent moments aren’t necessarily any better, as they mean you’re not breathing at all.
  • Morning Headaches – If you find yourself experiencing intense headaches in the morning that fade away as they day goes on, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. As you struggle to breathe during the night, your brain can become starved for oxygen, resulting in a headache. As you resume your normal breathing patterns during the day, your oxygen levels increase and the pain goes away.

Risky Business

Now that we all know some of the symptoms of sleep apnea, it may seem like a minor inconvenience at most. Here are a few more heavy hitting ways that sleep apnea can impact your health.

  1. Hypoxia at night is known to cause a decreased testosterone level, low sperm count, and erectile dysfunction.
  2. Sleep apnea can increase blood pressure and your risk of heart disease, the number one cause of death for men in the United States.
  3.  More than 40 percent of people with obstructive OSA had some depressive symptoms.

None of these dangerous effects should be slept on. Men of every age, regardless of their health can experience the symptoms of sleep apnea and should consult with their medical professional if they think something may be wrong. Contact our office to schedule your next appointment.

Sleep Apnea in Glen Burnie MD | Sleep Apnea and Mental Health

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Sleep Apnea Near Me

Glen Burnie Sleep ApneaWhen you think of mental health, sleeping problems might not be the first thing to come to mind. However, recent studies have shown a surprising relationship between sleep disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia and mental health. Learn more about the effects in our article.

What is Mental Health?

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes mental health as a state of well-being that allows an individual to fully realize their potential, cope with typical stresses, and contribute to society. Mental health is often compromised through disorders such as depression, substance addictions, or PTSD – but did you know that research has shown that sleeping problems can also play a role?

Poor Sleep

Inadequate or poor sleep has been shown to have a correlation with a higher risk for mental health issues, according to recent studies. For example, people suffering from insomnia are almost ten times more likely than normal sleepers to suffer from clinical depression. While the exact reasons for this relationship are still a mystery, researchers have discovered that poor sleep can alter the neurotransmitters or stress hormones that regulate emotion – and mental health.

Mental Health and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious medical disorder where nightly breathing is stopped for several seconds at a time. Because of its detrimental effects on the quality of your sleep, it can also pose problems for mental health. Obstructive sleep apnea has been shown to lead to symptoms such as mood changes, irritability, and depression. It can also exacerbate existing psychiatric disturbances such as anxiety or panic disorder.

While sleep apnea can play a role in weakening mental health, it is also treatable. By tackling sleep apnea with proper treatment, you can limit its effects. As an active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Paul Miller has the experience to bring you relief and a good night’s sleep if you suffer from sleep apnea. Contact our team to schedule a consultation today.

Phone: (410) 760-4445

Glen Burnie Sleep Apnea | Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep

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Sleep Specialist Near Me

glen burnie sleep apneaIf you have sleep apnea, you know how valuable – and elusive – a good night’s sleep can be. Poor rest can impact every part of your life, from mood and appearance to weakening your immune system, and even changing your hormonal balance. If you are having trouble getting the sleep you need, here are some strategies that can help.

Develop a Routine

Turn off any electronics a full hour before you plan on sleeping. Try engaging in a relaxing activity before bed, such as a bubble bath or light reading in a comfortable spot on the couch. Create a set time to sleep and wake and stick to that as much as possible, even on weekends. Contrary to popular belief, sleeping in on the weekend does not “make up” for lost sleep, but can actually make sleep more difficult.

Optimize your Sleep

Due to the effects of brain chemistry on sleep, it can be helpful to strengthen your mind’s association between bed and sleep. Limit time spent bed reading or watching TV. Try limiting the amount of light in your bedroom. Your body’s internal clock can be affected by light levels, and a dim bedroom can help signal time for sleep. Use blackout curtains or a sleeping mask to see if you sleep better when your eyes are shielded from outside light.

Limit Consumption

Don’t eat within 2 or 3 hours of when you intend to sleep. Avoid nicotine, caffeine, or stimulating activities such as watching action movies or balancing a checkbook. Your digestion and heart rate can make it more difficult for you to fall asleep when they are more active.

Recognizing the causes and effects of poor sleep can help you understand what steps to take to fix them. If you have questions about poor sleep or dealing with sleep apnea, contact our office.

Paul R. Miller, DDS of Glen Burnie
7711 Quarterfield Rd., Suite C-1, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
(410) 760-4445

 

Glen Burnie Sleep Apnea | 11 Interesting and Useful Facts About Sleep Apnea

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Sleep Apnea Glen Burnie

Sleep apnea is commonly ignored by people throughout the United States. This stems from a lack of understanding and information about the disorder. Below we have curated a list of eleven interesting and useful facts about sleep apnea that will help you determine if you should visit a doctor.

There are three different types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep
Apnea, and Complex Sleep Apnea.

OSA, when left untreated, can lead to high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, stroke,
depression and many other cardiovascular problems.

Sleep apnea is linked to type 2 diabetes.

Sleep apnea is a common factor in many accidents involving cars and heavy machinery.

OSA affects people in every age group.

Besides the CPAP machine, there are many options to treating sleep apnea including weight
loss, oral appliances, not sleeping on your back, and certain lifestyle changes.

Studies estimate that around 80% of people who have sleep apnea are left undiagnosed.

Snoring and feeling excessively sleepy during the day are the two main signs of sleep apnea.
Other symptoms may include morning headaches, mood swings, trouble focusing, and dry
mouth.

Increased risk factors for sleep apnea include being male, overweight, smoking, and excessive
use of alcohol.

Sleep apnea tends to be hereditary but can be combatted with lifestyle and environmental
changes.

There are many different medical procedures that can be done to cure sleep apnea, we can help provide a treatment plan that best suits you.

If you are wondering if you have sleep apnea, contact our office today for more information or to schedule your sleep apnea consultation.

Paul R. Miller, D.D.S.
Quarterfield Dental Arts

Phone: (410) 760-4445

Sleep Specialist Near Me | Weight and Sleep Apnea

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Sleep Apnea Chesapeake

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition that is unfortunately often overlooked. Patients suffering from sleep apnea stop breathing for short amounts of time regularly through the night. Not only can this cause you to miss out on a restful night’s sleep, but the long-term ramifications of oxygen deprivation can also have a serious impact on your organs, cardiovascular system, and overall health.

While anyone can suffer from sleep apnea, there are some factors that put you at a much higher risk of developing it. The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea for adults is obesity. If you’re overweight, it’s likely that you will be carrying excess fat around the neck and chest. This fatty tissue can weigh down and constrict the airway, limiting your ability to breath regularly when laying down.

Considering that the majority of US adults are now overweight or obese, there’s a good chance that the prevalence of sleep apnea will continue to increase. While losing weight is obviously the easiest and most effective way to relieve obesity-induced sleep apnea, there are a few other treatment options available to patients so relief for their sleep apnea doesn’t have to wait. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines use forced air to keep your airway open throughout the night and ensure that you’re still able to breath regularly. Similarly, airway orthotic appliances can be worn that allow your breathing to be unobstructed.

While these treatments can be hugely beneficial in relieving sleep apnea, the most effective solution is to address the cause. For individuals suffering from obesity-induced sleep apnea, losing excess weight can free up the airway and offer permanent relief. Additionally, a healthier lifestyle will offer a number of well-documented additional health benefits including improved cardiovascular health, lowered risk of stroke and certain cancers, and improved overall quality of life.

If you’re suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, consider whether weight loss could help resolve it. In the meantime, contact our team to learn more about the short-term treatment options that could help save your life.

Paul R. Miller, D.D.S.
Quarterfield Dental Arts

7711 Quarterfield Road
Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Phone: (410) 760-4445

The Benefits of Utilizing an Oral Device in Treatment of OSA | Sleep Apnea

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Sleep Dentist Near Me

For many with severe sleep apnea, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the only option. While CPAP has been proven as an effective solution to OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), it is not the only option.

Continuous open airway therapy is an alternative to CPAP. Unlike CPAP, which utilizes pressure to open the airway, this method utilizes an oral appliance to gently, mechanically open the airway. It can be extremely effective for mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea.

When providing your custom oral appliance, we will work with you to help you get medical reimbursement of your device. Many patients falsely assume an oral appliance can only be covered by dental health benefits. With proper documentation, our team has been able to help many patients receive the needed care and utilize their existing health coverage.

Unlike the CPAP machine, a custom oral appliance does not require electricity. This becomes very convenient when traveling. Also, if you lose power, you will not become victim to a failed device.

Many patients become CPAP intolerant because of the machine’s noise. Others feel restricted by a CPAP and are too uncomfortable while wearing their device to fall into a restful slumber. If you’ve struggled with CPAP therapy compliance, an oral appliance may be an ideal alternative.

When wearing an oral appliance, you will still have the ability to make noise and communicate. Your senses are not dulled or restricted, allowing you to move freely, get comfortable and sleep. If you are considering an alternative to a CPAP machine, contact us today.

Dentist in Glen Burnie | Sleep Apnea: Is It Keeping You Up at Night?

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21601 Dentist

glen burnieSleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing and shallow breaths during sleep. Undiagnosed sleep apnea can lead to many health complications. Determine when to seek treatment by considering the symptoms below.

Loud and Chronic Snoring

Sleep apnea is a very common disorder that often goes undiagnosed. The most obvious sign of sleep apnea is loud and chronic snoring. You may be told by someone that you have been snoring excessively. Snoring is a sign that your breathing has stopped or becomes obstructed.

Breathing Patterns  

Pauses in breathing during sleep is a sign of sleep apnea. Shallow and paused breathing is caused by a restricted airway. If you or someone close to you notices that your breathing pauses while you sleep, consider seeking help. A lack of oxygen is a result of paused breathing and can lead to serious health issues.

Daytime Drowsiness & Headaches

Signs and symptoms may appear throughout the day. If you have excessive daytime drowsiness that leads to falling asleep during activities, that may be a sign of sleep apnea. This may be especially dangerous if it occurs while operating a vehicle. Headaches can also occur throughout the day along with daytime drowsiness. Frequent headaches when you wake up could be indicative of breathing problems throughout the night. If you experience daytime drowsiness and headaches it may be time to talk to our team about sleep apnea treatment.

Irritability

A lack of sleep can cause changes to your mood, making you more prone to being irritable and short-tempered. Long term effects include depression and increased anxiety. If you believe that you are experiencing a mood change due to a lack of sleep, speak with our team about what you have been experiencing.

Any one of these signs or symptoms can be discussed and treated by our team. Allowing these symptoms to go untreated can lead to health complications such as heart failure, diabetes, stroke, and heart attacks.

Contact our team to schedule a consultation today.

7711 Quarterfield Rd., Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
(410) 760-4445

Dentist in 21061 | Dentistry – Past, Present, and Future

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Dentist in Glen Burnie MD

glen burnie childrens sleep apnea dentist“Tooth worms” are the cause of tooth decay. That was the headline of a Sumerian text from around 5,000 B.C.E. Fortunately, the dental industry has evolved since then and we know “tooth worms” don’t exist. Here’s how dentistry has evolved into the comfortable, safe, and beneficial science of today.

In the Beginning

Did you know that the ancient Egyptians had designated doctors for teeth? Evidence has been uncovered suggesting the Chinese used acupuncture to treat pain associated with tooth decay as early as 2700 B.C.E.

Additionally, in 500 B.C.E., Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote of treating teeth and oral diseases by using sterilization procedures and red-hot wires. They also spoke of using these red-hot wires to stabilize jaw fractures and bind loose teeth.

The Visionary Thoughts of the 1600s-1700s

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the 1600s and 1700s were a gold mine of innovation in the dental world. In 1695, Charles Allen published the first ever English dental textbook entitled The Operator of Teeth. In the book, he advises using a homemade toothpaste from powdered coal, rose-water, and “dragon’s blood” to keep teeth clean and white. Allen also suggests using dog’s teeth for transplants and even references wisdom teeth in his book.

In the 18th century, Pierre Fauchard was well ahead of his time in the medical practice when his master work The Surgeon Dentist was published. For the first time, dentistry was described as a modern profession. Some notable highlights in the book include sugar being the cause of dental caries (cavities), braces being used to correct teeth position, and the concept of a dentist’s chair light.

The Progressive 1800s

The discoveries and inventions of the 1800s were significant. In 1816, Auguste Taveau developed the first form of dental fillings made out of silver coins and mercury. In 1840, Horace Wells demonstrated the use of nitrous oxide to sedate patients and Thomas Morton employed the use of ether anesthesia for surgery.

That same year, Horace Hayden and Chapin Harris boosted modern dentistry by opening the first dental school, inventing the modern doctorate of dental surgery, and starting the first dental society. By the end of the 1800’s, porcelain inlays, the first mechanized dental drill, and the toothpaste tube had all been invented.

Scientific Advancement of the 1900s

The scientific development of the 1900s gave birth to some amazing advancements in the dental industry. Electric drills became available due to the invention of electricity. In 1907, precision case fillings made by a “lost wax” casting machine was invented to fill cavities, and Novocain was introduced into US dental offices.

In 1955, Michael Buonocore described the method of tooth bonding to repair cracked enamel on teeth. Years later, the first fully-reclining dental chair is introduced to put patients and dentists at ease.  By the 1990s, “invisible” braces were introduced, along with the first at-home tooth bleaching system.

What Will the Future of Dentistry Hold?

Today, dental professionals are investigating the links between oral health and overall health. The use of gene-mediated therapeutics to alter the genetic structure of teeth to increase resistance to tooth decay is receiving attention. Some researchers believe that there may be a way to grow a new tooth structure around weakened enamel. Only time will tell what the future of dentistry will bring, but our office is dedicated to seeking the most effective modern technologies as they arise.

Schedule your visit to our office and experience what modern dentistry can do for you.

Quarterfield Dental Arts

Dentist Glen Burnie MD | 5 Interesting Dental Facts

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Dentist Glen Burnie

sleep apnea dentist in glen burnieDid you know your oral health can impact your overall health? We’ve compiled a list of 5 tidbits about your teeth and oral health.

Say Cheese

Cheese has been found to promote dental health by helping prevent tooth decay. The calcium and phosphorus found in cheese help neutralizes acid in the mouth. Acid can create dental erosion, which can cause decay that may require filling. Cheese creates a protective film around teeth and helps remineralize the enamel.

Keep Smiling

Your smile can make a difference. Studies have found that 50% of people consider a smile the first facial feature they notice. One study found that 88% of us remember people with beautiful smiles whenever we meet new people. This means attractive smiles are key to being more noticeable and remembered.

Toothbrush Time

Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush at least once every three months. You should get a new toothbrush after recovering from any sort of viral infection, flu, or cold. You are more likely to be re-infected if these bacteria implant themselves on the bristles.

You’re Unique

In your lifetime, you only get two sets of teeth— baby teeth and permanent teeth. It is important to take proper care of your permanent teeth. Did you know that no two people have precisely the same set of teeth? Your teeth are as unique as a fingerprint. This is the reason teeth are used by investigators for identification. Your tongue also has a unique print, though it is not commonly recorded.

F.Y.I on Floss

Floss is a lot more useful than you may think. If you skip out on your daily flossing, you can miss cleaning up to 40% of your tooth surfaces. Flossing can also help prevent gum disease by removing plaque near the gum line. Floss has other alternative creative uses. The next time you are looking for a fun holiday project, grab some dental floss and a handful of cereal to string for the tree. Floss works well for repairing a bead necklace too!

Bonus Fact: Health professionals are rated among the most trusted people in the U.S so make sure to call our dentist and make an appointment today!

Quarterfield Dental Arts
Dr. Paul Miller