What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder marked by the frequent cessation of breathing or problematically shallow breathing during sleep.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three basic types of sleep apnea that vary based on the underlying cause of the condition:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the complete or partial collapse of the upper airway during sleep.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – Central sleep apnea is caused by the failure of the brain and nervous system where breathing stops during sleep as a result of the brain not properly signaling the muscles that control breathing to contract.
• Complex Sleep Apnea (CompSA) – Complex sleep apnea is diagnosed when a patient has a combination of both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Many people with sleep apnea are not aware of the condition because they are sleeping and not conscious when they stop breathing, and many diagnoses occur after a person’s partner has told them they stop breathing at night or that they snore loudly. Sleep apnea can also produce some signs and symptoms that occur during waking hours, such as:

• Waking up and feeling short of breath
• Frequent morning headaches
• Waking with a sore throat
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Difficulty staying awake during the day
• Not feeling rested after an adequate amount of sleep
• Unintentionally falling asleep during the day
• Falling asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow

A patient who has the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea should contact their primary healthcare provider to request a sleep study. This is the only way to confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis and determine the type of sleep apnea occurring.

Beyond the CPAP: Additional Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is the standard and most common treatment for sleep apnea. Worn during sleep, this device includes an apparatus that filters and pressurizes air and a hose that connects to a face mask that fits over the nose or the mouth and the nose. The continuous air pressure provided by the CPAP keeps the airways open during sleep, ensuring the patient receives enough oxygen.

Depending on the severity and type of sleep apnea with which you have been diagnosed, you might benefit from an alternative treatment. Some alternative sleep apnea treatment options include:

• Oral Appliances
• Orthodontic Treatment
• Lifestyle Changes
• Surgery

What Sleep Apnea Treatment Is Right for You?

The treatment (or combination of treatments) that is right for you depends largely on the type of sleep apnea you have. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea can sometimes benefit greatly from these alternative treatments, while patients with central sleep apnea typically require treatment with CPAP. If your doctor or sleep specialist has recommended an alternative solution, such as an oral appliance or orthodontic treatment, our dentist can talk with you about the next steps.

Start Your Journey to Better Health with Sleep Apnea Treatment in Roseville, California

At BB Dental Studio, we emphasize whole body health as the ultimate objective of dental care, and that is why we’re proud to provide our patients with alternative sleep apnea treatment solutions such as specially designed sleep apnea nightguards and orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.

To learn more about sleep apnea care, we welcome you to contact our Roseville dental office today to request an appointment with our dentist.

The post Sleep Apnea Solutions first appeared on BB Dental Studio.

Practice, practice, practice!

If you have been missing teeth for a while, it may feel awkward to have a dentures in your mouth immediately. At first, you might feel self-conscious about what you look like, especially when you talk. You might even experience some discomfort or fullness as you get used to having the denture in your mouth.

Practice by simply smiling in the mirror – please do not be afraid to show off your new pearly whites! Look at your reflection when you speak. If you feel awkward about how your dentures look when you speak, practice speaking in the privacy of your own home or with loved ones to help you get used to the new sensations in your mouth and around your existing teeth.

Use adhesive

A good adhesive will keep your dentures in place as you smile, speak and eat. You may have to experiment with different adhesives to find the best fit for you, but finding an adhesive that works for your lifestyle will bring confidence to your new smile, and help you feel at ease with wearing them.

Stick with soft foods

Avoid crunchy or hard foods for the first few weeks after getting your dentures as you are getting used to them. Overly spicy or salty foods can irritate your gums, especially if you recently lost teeth. Cut meat and other chewy foods into smaller pieces.

Be sure to focus on healthy foods, as good nutrition will help you heal from any dental procedures or dental health problems you experienced before getting your new dentures. Scrambled eggs, pasta, yogurt and mashed potatoes are all good choices.

Follow any recovery and aftercare guidelines your dentist may provide

If you had any teeth removed or are recovering from any other dental procedure, your dentist may provide you with guidelines to improve healing and help you adjust to your new dentures. These instructions are especially important if you now have an All-on-4 or other dental implants.

Remove your dentures periodically

Your dentist will also provide you with guidelines on how long you should wear your new dentures each day. Taking a periodic break, such as every 4 hours, helps prevent irritation or sores (hot spots) in your mouth. Depending on the type of dentures you have, the guidelines may recommend soaking your dentures in water or a mild soaking solution – you might find that you adjust to your new dentures more quickly and sleep better at night.

Address discomfort

New dentures can sometimes cause discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can usually ease this discomfort; eating cold foods can also help. If you develop a hot spot, try a saltwater rinse to keep the sore clean.

Take good care of your dentures, gums, and natural teeth

Brush your dentures at least once a day; use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Soak your dentures in water or a mild cleaning solution overnight.

If you have partial dentures, you will still need to brush your natural teeth twice a day and floss them once daily. Protect your oral health by rinsing with a non-alcoholic mouthwash.

See your dentist as needed and as recommended

Contact your dentist if your dentures still feel loose or are causing pain a few weeks after you receive them.

Our dentist can provide you with more tips for coping with your new dentures. We can also make sure that your dentures continue to fit correctly throughout the years and look for potential problems.

For more information on dentures and ways to adjust to them quickly and comfortably, connect with our family dentist in Roseville. BB Dental Studio offers prosthodontics of all sorts to replace missing teeth, such as All-on-4 dental implants, dentures and partial dentures. Schedule an appointment today!

The post Tips for Adjusting to Your New Dentures first appeared on BB Dental Studio.