Tag: Glen Burnie Dentist

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea | Can My Sleep Apnea Get Worse?

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Living with sleep apnea can be a nightly struggle for you and your sleep partner. In addition to feeling tired throughout the next day, your lack of quality sleep can contribute to health problems like heart disease and high blood pressure. 

While some people address their sleep apnea right away, others simply “deal with it” and struggle to cope with the effects. Fortunately, treatment for sleep apnea has never been more convenient or accessible. Today there are a variety of different options available that allow you to take control of your sleep and your health. 

If you’re still contemplating whether or not to seek treatment, it’s important to understand that when ignored, your sleep apnea symptoms may become worse. There are also multiple factors that can contribute to your symptoms becoming more severe:

Recent Illness

Illness can play a significant role in your quality of sleep. Symptoms such as a stuffy nose can contribute to airway blockage, complicating existing cases of obstructive sleep apnea. Swollen tonsils can also restrict your oxygen intake. Because your immune system is working harder than normal to recover, the lack of restful sleep can strain your body further, making it more difficult to bounce back from your illness. There is a proven connection between diabetes, cardiovascular disease and sleep apnea so don’t let prolonged symptoms go untreated.

Seasonal Weather Changes

The weather and seasonal allergies may also play a role in the severity of your sleep apnea. For instance, a lack of humidity in the air during winter can cause some people to struggle more with breathing and sleeping comfortably. A simple solution may be to put a humidifier in your bedroom or to cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when you’re out in a cold climate. 

Changes in Body Weight

Weight gain is a major contributing factor for many who suffer from sleep apnea. When we gain weight, the tissue around our airway increases, making snoring or disruptions in breathing worse.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), over 50% of people with sleep apnea are overweight. New studies even suggest that sleep apnea can lead to weight gain. Finding the right balance of a proper diet and exercise routine can help improve your sleep.

If you or your partner are finding it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, contact Chesapeake Sleep Center today to schedule a consultation and exam. 

 

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: (410) 760-4445
7711 Quarterfield Rd., Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | You Deserve a Good Night’s Sleep

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Everyone needs 7-8 hours of rest at the end of the day, but people with sleep apnea often struggle to get a good night’s sleep on a regular basis. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs as repetitive episodes of complete or partial upper airway blockage during sleep. Episodes, or pauses in breathing, may happen anywhere from 5-100 times per hour, depending on the individual. More than 30-40 breathing interruptions as you sleep is considered severe and is cause for concern. 

It’s estimated that as many as 50 million Americans have some form of sleep apnea. Left untreated, sleeping disorders can contribute to other dangerous health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke. If you think you may have sleep apnea, we can help.

Customized Sleep Solutions

Like any medical disorder, treatment for sleep apnea is based on the underlying factors and severity of the condition. Depending on whether your case is mild or severe, treatment recommendations will vary. In mild cases, the best treatment may be a special mouthpiece or oral appliance to naturally maintain an open airway. In more severe cases, continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP therapy may be indicated. CPAP devices deliver forced air through a tube and a mask or nosepiece to deliver steady oxygen flow while you sleep. 

Lifestyle Changes Can Help with Sleep Apnea

Being overweight can cause an accumulation of fatty tissue around the neck, potentially obstructing your breathing and contributing to sleep apnea. For this reason, your doctor might recommend a combination of dietary changes and exercise to help you lose weight. This alone can significantly improve and often completely eliminate sleep disorders. In some cases, surgery may be required. 

If you’re experiencing snoring or other signs of obstructive sleep apnea, we can complete a brief screening in our office to determine whether treatment is necessary. Contact Chesapeake Sleep Center today to take control of your health and start sleeping better at night. We’re happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: (410) 760-4445
7711 Quarterfield Rd., Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

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Sleep apnea is a type of breathing disorder that’s characterized by a recurring pattern of fatigue, snoring, and disrupted breathing while you’re sleeping. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment Glen Burnie MDSleep Apnea Treatment Glen Burnie MD

While there are several types of sleep apnea, one of the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This type of sleep disordered breathing occurs when your throat muscles and soft tissues at the back of your mouth intermittently relax, seal against one another, and block your airway while you’re sleeping. Some of the most common symptoms of OSA are snoring and teeth grinding. Additionally, individuals with undiagnosed OSA may experience:

  • Shortness of breath 
  • Sudden waking
  • Dry mouth or a sore throat in the morning
  • Insomnia and difficulty staying asleep
  • Waking up with headaches 
  • Feeling fatigued

Identifying Risk Factors

OSA is a common condition in the United States, as it’s estimated that 26 percent of adults between the ages of 30 and 70 years have some form of sleep apnea.1 In terms of risk factors, some are genetic/hereditary, while others are the result of age and lifestyle choices. Each of the following conditions can increase your risk of developing OSA:

  • Obesity 
  • Family history of OSA 
  • A small or narrow jaw
  • Enlarged tonsils
  • Hypothyroidism 
  • Large neck circumference
  • Alcohol consumption at bedtime

Understanding Your Treatment Options 

If you suspect you have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, the first thing you will want to do is schedule an evaluation for testing and diagnosis. Today, sleep studies can be completed in the convenience of your own home. Depending on your specific diagnosis, your treatment may involve a CPAP machine (a device that’s worn at night to force oxygen intake  using positive airway pressure.) Alternatively, your sleep specialist might prescribe an oral sleep appliance. Sleep mouthguards are designed to keep your lower jaw in a position that naturally opens your airway. Oral appliances are less cumbersome and more discreet than wearing a CPAP.

Don’t Put Your Treatment Off Another Day

Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic health condition that impacts everything from your job performance and blood pressure to your attitude and energy level. Left untreated, sleeping disorders can put you at risk for a number of associated health complications, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. There’s also the danger of falling asleep while you’re driving or at work. 

If you or someone you love has symptoms of snoring or sleep apnea, contact our office today to schedule an evaluation. It could save their life!

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | How To End a Sleep Divorce

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Every night, a significant percentage of couples across the country struggle with their partner’s disruptive snoring habit. If you or your partner are losing sleep because of consistent snoring, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. This sleep-disordered breathing condition leaves some couples with no choice but to turn to a “sleep divorce” in an effort to salvage a level of nightly rest. 

Sleep Dentist Near Me

A sleep divorce occurs when couples can no longer share the same bed or bedroom because of disruptive sleeping habits. Having a separate space to sleep may result in a better night’s rest, but it doesn’t address the disruption itself.

As sleep medicine technology becomes more advanced, there are more effective options available to address issues related to snoring and sleep apnea. These interceptive solutions help both partners achieve the quality sleep they need and deserve. Getting help from a sleep dentistry provider can help you end your sleep divorce with something as simple as a custom dental sleep apnea appliance. 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder where a person may experience interrupted breathing or may stop breathing altogether.  While frequent snoring is one of the most recognizable symptoms, other warning signs include fatigue, depression, enlarged tonsils, a large neck circumference, worn/flat teeth, and weight gain. 

Sleep apnea can be more dangerous than it may seem. It is directly linked to an increased risk of serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and fatigue throughout the day. if you or your partner are struggling to get quality, restful sleep because of existing sleep apnea, it’s best to treat the issue from a functional and overall health approach. 

What Are the Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea?

All sleep apnea therapies start with an initial consultation with a health professional (such as a dentist or sleep physician) to assess specific warning signs and symptoms. While more severe cases of sleep apnea are treated with surgery or a CPAP machine, more common treatment includes custom-fitted oral sleep appliances. Dental sleep appliances position your jaw in a slightly forward manner, reducing soft tissue blockage at the back of your throat. This naturally increases airflow during sleep, reducing or eliminating snoring.

If you or your partner are living through or considering a sleep divorce due to snoring, it is best to treat the problem at the source. Contact our office today to schedule your sleep apnea screening and consultation and get back to restful sleep again.

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | Alternatives To CPAP

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Sleep apnea can make gaining the benefits of a good night’s rest into a daily struggle. The struggles of sleep apnea can also affect your family or partner who may struggle to find rest due to your snoring. Sleep apnea is a disorder that 50-70 million people in the US deal with every day. While snoring can be a nuisance while trying to sleep, sleep apnea can have larger health implications in life, so treatment can be very important.  A common treatment for more severe cases of sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP therapy includes a machine connected to a breathing mask to provide proper airflow during sleep. CPAP therapy can have some users feeling uncomfortable or claustrophobic while wearing the mask, amongst other problems. Learn about some alternatives to CPAP and how they can benefit you.

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances are a common sleep apnea treatment option for milder cases that require less care and effort in comparison to the CPAP. Appliances such as mouthguards help hold the tongue in place or ease the jaw forward, helping to keep the airway free and open during sleep. These appliances are smaller and require less routine care to use.

Oral Surgery

Some people can have sleep apnea due to more genetic conditions. Some individuals are born with big tonsils or extra tissue in their throat and may have trouble breathing while they sleep. Some other issues may involve the tongue, jaw or soft palate. Oral surgery can give a patient the permanent changes to their anatomy to allow them to naturally breathe easier during sleep.

Positional Therapy

Positioning during sleep can potentially contribute to sleep apnea by making breathing more difficult. Sleeping on your stomach or your side could make you less likely to experience sleep apnea. Some sleep apnea devices attached to your waist or back can help keep you from lying on your back and reduce your symptoms of sleep apnea.

Other options for mild and severe cases of sleep apnea treatment on a more personal level exist, such as changes in lifestyle. Weight loss can reduce or remove symptoms of sleep apnea if handled properly. CPAP therapy may not be for everyone dealing with sleep apnea, but other options do exist. If you have any questions about sleep apnea or want to schedule a consultation, contact Chesapeake Sleep Center today.

Chesapeake Sleep Center

Phone: (410) 729-6794 Email: prmdds@aol.com

Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment | Improve Your Sleep to Improve Your Life

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Most people can agree that lack of quality sleep can lead to a less fulfilling life. You may have trouble falling asleep or you may struggle with being woken up several times during the night. You may have learned coping mechanisms such as a daily cup of coffee to get you up and running. Occasional lack of sleep is common and our bodies can often compensate with little or no noticeable setbacks. However, when your body continually loses sleep over an extended period of time, you can suffer more severe repercussions.

A consistent lack of quality sleep, or reduced amount of nightly sleep, is known as sleep

deprivation. This is typically characterized by daytime sleepiness-such as yawning,

clumsiness, fatigue and moodiness or irritability. Surprisingly, caffeine consumption in

the form of coffee, sodas or teas may do more harm than good. This stimulant can in fact, make it more difficult to fall asleep at night. The next morning is usually followed by

increased caffeine intake to combat the persistent issue.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults average 7 hours of sleep each

night. Much like food, water and air, sleep is essential for our bodies. We need it to

repair and regenerate our basic bodily functions. Compromising this crucial process can

have unintended consequences that impact your mood, memory and health.

Cognitive Issues

Our ability to process space and coordinate our body is dependent upon sleep.

Sleep deprivation not only gives way to clumsiness, but also puts us at greater risk

for depression, anxiety, irritability, forgetfulness and fuzzy thinking. Many motor

vehicle accidents can often be attributed to a lack of sleep by the operator. New

studies have now also linked sleep disorders with dementia.

Diabetes

Proper sleep is essential for maintaining proper insulin sensitivity and blood sugar

control. With a lack of sleep, our body produces less insulin after we eat. In fact,

more cortisol is produced which makes it more difficult for insulin to do its job. As a

result, too much glucose remains in our bloodstreams making us more prone to

developing Type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Issues

When we sleep, our blood pressure decreases. Not being able to sleep means that

our blood pressure stays higher longer. In essence, high blood pressure leads to a

greater risk of heart disease and stroke.

Weight Gain/Loss

Hormones that regulate appetite and glucose metabolism could be disrupted

because of sleep deprivation. Leptin, which serves as an appetite suppressant, is

decreased. People also become more prone to eating starchy foods. Research has

shown that adults have a 50% higher risk of developing obesity.

Growth (Hormones)

The human growth hormone (HGH) is a complex protein secreted from the pituitary

gland and is responsible for growth, energy and mood. Sleep and exercise help

promote surges in this hormone that ultimately promotes a healthy metabolism,

enhances your body’s physical performance. Low levels of HGH will cause

depression and lack of energy.

Immune System Weakens

A consistent lack of sleep weakens your body’s ability to build up its immune system.

Not only do you become more susceptible to fighting off illnesses, but the recovery

period becomes longer as well. A 2010 study revealed that people who sleep less

than six hours every night are more than 30% more likely to develop colorectal

cancer.

If you are experiencing trouble sleeping or other sleep issues related to sleep apnea, contact our Sleep Apnea dentist today for a consultation. Chesapeake Sleep Center offers custom oral appliance therapy. It can often drastically improve your quality of sleep and quality of life.

Chesapeake Sleep Center

Phone: (410) 729-6794 Email: prmdds@aol.com

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 Dentist | The Dangers of Grinding

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Dentist in Glen Burnie, MD

Dentist in 21061Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, is a habit many get into without even realizing it. Grinding your teeth can be damaging for several reasons. If you or your child have been struggling with teeth grinding, make an appointment to see us. We will assess the damage to the teeth, as well as assist you in addressing solutions. Here’s what you need to know about teeth grinding.

Why Do We Grind Our Teeth?

Teeth grinding does not have a single cause. Instead, it can occur for several different reasons. Stress and anxiety, an improper bite, and sleep disorders are all potential causes. If your teeth are not aligned properly, they can rub against each other while you bite or chew. Many people grind their teeth without even realizing what they are doing.

The Journal of the American Dental Association found that smoking and alcohol result in an increase in teeth grinding. In fact, smokers and people who drink alcohol were found to be twice as likely to experience bruxism as those who do not have these behaviors.

What Grinding Does Your Teeth

Grinding wears down your teeth causing damage, increased sensitivity, and even loosening teeth. Teeth are like bones. They can crack or fracture, and grinding has been known to cause both issues. Your teeth can also be flattened from constantly rubbing against one another. Grinding not only damages your teeth, but it leaves you more susceptible to other complications in the future, as well. Beyond your teeth, grinding can lead to jaw pain and headaches. If you wake up with a sore, tired jaw on frequent occasions, this could be a sign that you grind or clench your teeth throughout the night.

What We Can Do

If grinding is an issue for you, make an appointment to see us. First, we will assess the extent of the damage that may have already occurred due to grinding. We will then work with you to identify a solution that will keep your teeth strong and healthy. In some cases, we may recommend wearing a mouth guard at night to prevent your teeth from pressing against one another. Though it can be challenging, if your grinding is caused by stress, the top priority will be to find ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Stress is a more common cause for adults than children. The primary cause of grinding in children is improper alignment.

If grinding your teeth has become an issue, please do not wait until it leads to sensitivity and pain. Schedule an appointment to see us for an evaluation and treatment plan. Our professional dental team will work with you to address the cause of your grinding, and determine a solution that will protect your teeth from any further damage.

For more information on keeping your teeth strong and healthy, please contact our office. We look forward to assisting you!

Glen Burnie Sleep Apnea Doctor | Why You Should Talk to the Dentist About Snoring

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Sleep Apnea Doctor in Glen Burnie

Sleep Apnea Doctor in ChesapeakeAccording to the Academy of General Dentistry, as many as 30 million Americans snore when they sleep. Though it might not be your first thought, you should talk to our dentist about snoring issues. You might be surprised to learn of the causes and potential treatments for your snoring.

Snoring and Orthodontics

A misaligned jaw can sometimes lead to snoring. A significant overbite can pinch your airway, blocking your ability to breathe. Having our trained doctor look at your jaw structure is an important first step in determining the cause of your snoring. Orthodontic treatments might be a solution, correcting both your jaw and your snoring.

What is Sleep Apnea?

You may have heard of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing becomes obstructed or interrupted during sleep. There are two forms of the disorder, including obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

In obstructive sleep apnea, your breathing becomes blocked. The usual source of this is the collapse of the tissue in the back of your throat. In central sleep apnea, your brain does not properly allow your breathing muscles to respond while sleeping.

Snoring is a common side-effect of sleep apnea, however it is important to remember that just because you snore does not necessarily mean you have sleep apnea. If you are regularly snoring and choking or gasping for air as you sleep, talk to us about sleep apnea treatments.

Using Mouthpieces and Chin Straps

There are a variety of mouthpieces and straps that are widely available with the intention of preventing snoring. Before you purchase one of these products make an appointment with our office. It is best we consider all possible causes of your snoring, and if a device is the best solution, it might be helpful to have one fitted just for you. Talk to our doctor at your next appointment.

Healthy Choices Mean Less Snoring

There are several healthy choices you can make to reduce your snoring. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends you quit smoking, lose weight, and avoid alcohol. Sleeping on your side, as opposed to your back, can also help if obstruction causes your snoring.

Beyond being an annoyance, snoring can be caused by serious complications such as sleep apnea. If you are struggling with managing your snoring, consider scheduling a visit to our office.

For more tips on dental health or to make an appointment to see us, contact our office.