Category: sleep apnea

What You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea Appliances

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Before starting to look into the different ways in which sleep apnea is managed and treated, it is good to understand what the condition is all about. Unfortunately, as the name implies, this condition only presents itself during sleep. This is a big challenge to those affected as while they do experience the symptoms, it is when they are unaware and thus cannot pinpoint exactly what the problem is. Sleep apnea is sleep disorder that causes one to stop breathing periodically. This happens several times during sleep and in turn affects the quality of rest you get.

There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central and mixed. Obstructive apnea is the most common and happens when the upper airway becomes blocked either partially or completely during sleep. When this happens, the brain responds by sending signals to the respiratory system so that it works to get through the obstruction and resume normal breathing.

In central sleep apnea, instead of the airways blocking, it is the brain that fails to signal the muscles responsible for breathing. This is usually because of a problem with the central nervous system and sleep apnea treatment using appliance therapy is not applicable. Mixed apnea on the other hand is a combination of both central and obstructive apnea symptoms.

How Sleep Apnea Appliance Therapy Works

Sleep apnea appliances are used on patients with obstructive apnea that ranges from mild to moderate. The devices help keep the airways open during sleep so that breathing is not interrupted. Before beginning to use any type of treatment for apnea, it is important to have a sleep study performed to determine the extent of the problem.

Patients with moderate to severe apnea are often highly advised to use CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. The device consists of 3 essential parts. There is the mask that is worn over the nose and mouth and has straps to keep it in place as you sleep. Then there is the motor that blows the air and the third is a cannula tube that connects to the motor and mask. The only challenge with this device is that it takes a lot of time to get used to. However, it is effective in ensuring that your airways do not get obstructed while you sleep.

At Millennium Smiles, dental devices are also used in some cases of obstructive apnea. The 2 main categories of dental appliances include mandibular advancement devices and tongue retaining mouthpieces.

Mandibular Advancement Devices

Mandibular advancement devices for sleep apnea look so much like sports mouthguards and orthodontic retainers. They are fit into the mouth by snapping them over the upper and lower arches. But unlike ordinary mouthguards, these have a metal hinges connecting the upper and lower pieces. The hinge helps push the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward which in turn prevents throat muscles from falling back into the airways and obstructing breathing. Most mandibular devices are adjustable and your dentist in Frisco, TX, will fine-tune the position of the jaw for optimum performance.

Tongue Retaining Devices

This works just like the name suggests. It is a device that helps hold your tongue in place during sleep. It may sometimes be referred to as a tongue stabilizing device and although they come in slightly different designs, they serve the same purpose. These devices are mostly made from silicone resin or a flexible plastic and are shaped to comfortably fit in the mouth. The idea is that the device holds onto the tongue and gently pulls it forward using gentle suction. Having the tongue slightly forward prevents it from restricting the airway.

If your obstructive sleep apnea causes you to snore while asleep, a tongue retaining device can help correct this. The devices usually look a bit like a goofy adult pacifier with a vacuum chamber at the front. You simply have to give the mouthpiece a small pinch at the back and put your tongue and then release the pinch so that the suction holds your tongue forward. This device is however not commonly used because of effects such as soreness and excess salivation.

Tired All the Time?

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Do you wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested in the morning? Or, do you wake up feeling like a member of The Walking Dead and that you got no rest at all despite sleeping for several hours? If you are struggling to keep your eyes during the day, you may be living with undiagnosed sleep apnea, a serious, chronic health condition that does not just impact your sleep but can also lead to diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health issues.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

There are a variety of causes, but most commonly, the airway is blocked by the tonsils, adenoids, and/or tongue during sleep.

Here’s how you can tell you may have sleep apnea and how Millennium Smiles can help:

Eight Signs You Could Have Sleep Apnea

1. You snore a lot. Snoring is probably the most well-known symptom of sleep apnea, with pauses throughout the night.

2. Choking or gasping. If you wake up gasping for air or your partner says you stop breathing, you could be living with sleep apnea.

3. Feeling tired despite “getting enough sleep”. If you’re going to bed at a reasonable hour and waking up still tired and sluggish.

4. Unexplained lack of energy. It’s okay to be lazy or relax at times, but if you’re always tired and lack the energy to do things you want to do or need to do, you may be living with undiagnosed sleep apnea.

5. Frequently waking up with a sore throat or dry throat. How does this relate to sleep apnea? When your mouth is open because you cannot breathe, it dries out your throat.

6. Waking up with headaches. Do you wake up with a headache? Around your sinuses or temples? It could be because of sleep apnea-related tooth clenching (another fun side effect of the condition).

7. Lack of focus. Many people with undiagnosed sleep apnea complain about difficulty concentrating on tasks throughout the day. They also often report having difficulty remembering things. Why? Sleep apnea prevents your brain from getting enough oxygen and causes the blood-brain barrier of the brain to degrade, which affects both memory and cognition.

8. Irritability. Are you cranky? Of course, you are – you are exhausted, not getting good sleep, and missing out on critical oxygen! That would make us cranky, too.

So, Millennium Smiles Can Help with Sleep Apnea?

Yes, we can! Using state-of-the-art appliance therapy, we can help to open the airway, which reduces the interruptions in your sleep and allows you to feel rested. Find out why appliance therapy is beneficial compared to conventional treatment methods such as a CPAP machine or surgery. Call us now for more information at 972-987-4899.

Make Resolutions to Improve Oral Heath

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It’s a New Year, so it’s time for a new you! You’ve probably made your resolutions to eat better, work out more, and spend more time with your loved ones. But, what about resolving to take better care of your teeth? There’s no time like the present to get started, and it’s never too late to make sure your mouth is healthy! Here are a few suggestions from Dr. Korous on how you can make 2019 the best year for your smile.

Resolution 1: Be a Better Brusher

Want to have healthier teeth? The first stop is better brushing (and flossing). We suggest that you brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. For best results, use an electric toothbrush. While brushing, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line to remove sticky plaque. Brush for a full two minutes each time!

Resolution 2: Don’t Forget to Floss

Flossing your teeth helps to remove the sticky plaque and is just as crucial as brushing! Flossing also removes bits of food your toothbrush can’t reach.

Resolution 3: Eat Better

No, not just for your waistline. For your mouth, too. Eating healthier snacks means a healthier mouth. We suggest limiting the consumption of food and beverages containing processed sugar, carbohydrates, and acids to help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Resolution 4: Get the Smile You Want

Did you hide your smile in 2018? What about 2017? 2016? If you’re hiding your smile because you don’t like the look, shape, or color of your teeth, make 2019 the year you stop hiding behind your hand or avoiding the camera. Learn about the cosmetic and restorative dental options we offer including tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, and Invisalign.

Resolution 5: Stop Living with Sleep Apnea

Do you have sleep apnea or think you have sleep apnea? If you can’t sleep without your CPAP, or you’re not sleeping at all, let us know. Dr. Korous can help those suffering from sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy, which means a better night’s sleep and better overall health for you.

Looking to have a healthy and beautiful smile this year? We can help. Call Millennium Smiles today at 972-987-4899 to schedule a consultation.

Why Myofunctional Therapy?

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Struggling with TMJD, sleep apnea, tooth clenching or tooth grinding or other uncomfortable dental condition? You may be a candidate for myofunctional therapy at Millennium Smiles. During myofunctional therapy, we work to retrain the tongue and other muscles that may be impacting your teeth, jaws and the health of your mouth.

Why Choose Myofunctional Therapy?

  • It’s noninvasive. Myofunctional therapy requires exercises and appliances – no surgery!
  • Appliances are removable versus fixed appliances used for orthodontic treatment.
  • It can be combined with other treatments for better results.
  • It is not just cosmetic treatment; it improves how your whole mouth functions for chewing, biting, speaking and swallowing.
  • It helps you breathe through your nose, which helps eliminate the negative consequences of mouth breathing.
  • Speaking of mouth breathing, myofunctional therapy can cure sleep apnea in some cases. How? Myofunctional therapy can retrain your tongue, face, and throat muscles to relax in a way that does not blog your airway.
  • Anyone can do it. While myofunctional therapy works best when patients are younger, it can still work for adults.

Who Does Myofunctional Therapy Help?

  • Individuals living with TMJD
  • Individuals who clench and grind their teeth
  • Individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment
  • Individuals experiencing orthodontic relapses, such as crowding, shifting, open bite, and crossbite
  • Individuals who breathe through their mouth
  • Individuals with tongue ties/tongue restriction and those who have had a frenectomy (tongue tie release surgery)
  • Individuals with bad oral habits such as thumb sucking and nail-biting
  • Individuals living with allergies
  • Individuals living with sleep apnea and other sleep breathing disorders
  • Individuals living with ADD/ADHD

Are you an individual with a condition we mentioned? Do you want to learn more about how myofunctional therapy from Millennium smiles can help you? Call us at 972-987-4899 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Korous today!

Is Your Child Snoring?

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Isn’t cute when your little one snores? Honestly, it’s adorable. It may also be a sign of something more serious. It could be evidence of a breathing disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or a deviated septum.

Causes of Snoring in Children

The causes of snoring in children are similar to the causes of snoring in adults. Some of these causes are relatively benign, but some are more serious. Here are the most common causes of snoring in children:

Congestion. A cold, respiratory infection or congestion caused by allergies can force a child to breathe through their mouth which can cause snoring.

Swollen Tonsils. Swollen tonsils and enlarged adenoids can temporarily block blocking the airway, causing snoring and difficulty sleeping. While for some children, this is a temporary situation, but many children with this condition have obstructive sleep apnea.

Deviated Septum. Some children are born with a deviated septum, which means the divider between their nostrils is offset. An offset septum makes breathing through the nose more difficult (and noisier!)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA, is caused when the airway is blocked. It can be blocked by the tongue or by enlarged glands. Children living with OSA often snore loudly and repeatedly wake through the night, often gasping for breath. According to statistics, around three percent of children under the age of 10 have OSA.

Incorrect Jaw Position. Did you know that the position of the jaw can contribute to snoring and sleep apnea? If the jaw is set too far back, the tongue is too far back. A tongue that is too far back can fall and block the airway when your child is relaxed during sleep and impact breathing.

Why You Should Be Concerned About Snoring

Breathing is one of the two most critical functions of the human body because it keeps us alive! When breathing is difficult because of a breathing disorder, the body can be severely impacted as can sleep. Sleep apnea and breathing disorders increase blood pressure and have been linked to other dangerous health conditions such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Also, when sleep is impacted, your child may act out, be more tired than usual, have difficulty concentrating, or complain of headaches.

What Should You Do if You Notice Your Child Snoring?

If you notice your child snoring, you should mention it to Dr. Korous. Dr. Korous recognizes that sleep apnea is a serious condition in both children and adults and has the training and resources necessary to help. Learn more about how Millennium Smiles uses technologically advanced dental care to help treat sleep apnea by calling 972-987-4899.

The Link Between Chronic Pain and Breathing Disorders

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If you’re suffering from chronic pain such as back and shoulder pain or even headaches, you may have an underlying breathing disorder. Don’t worry, Dr. Korous and her amazing dental team can help!

Dr. Dunia Korous and the staff at Millennium Smiles recently began studying the connection between chronic pain conditions and breathing disorders as part of a program at the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre International in California.

The Link Between Breathing Disorders and Chronic Pain

Dr. Korous is studying with Dr. Steven Olmos. Dr. Olmos, founder of the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre, has dedicated his career to helping patients with breathing disorders and chronic pains. Dr. Olmos regularly publishes research showing how patients with breathing disorders often display symptoms of chronic pain.

Dr. Olmos has found that these chronic conditions have a high rate of comorbidity with breathing disorders. In other words, breathing disorders and chronic pain are likely to occur together.

What Conditions Can Be Connected to Breathing Disorders

Sleep apnea is a common breathing disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you’re sleeping. In many cases, patients and their partners first recognize snoring or gasping for air as the first symptom. But, there is another symptom you could experience as your body tries to prevent suffocation. Nighttime teeth grinding and clenching are unconscious efforts to keep your airway open.

Repeated grinding and clench will wear down your bones and joints and can lead to:

  • TMJ pain or disorders
  • Headaches
  • Face, neck or shoulder pain

Orthodontic relapse (your teeth begin shifting again after successfully competed an orthodontic treatment)

Additionally, the restless sleep caused by sleep apnea can lead to:

  • Migraine headaches
  • Trouble falling asleep
  • Trouble staying asleep
  • Cluster headaches
  • Early morning headaches

Treatment Options for Breathing Disorders

You don’t have to live in pain or with a sleeping disorder. At Millennium Smiles, Dr. Korous offers appliance therapy as an alternative to uncomfortable or cumbersome CPAP machines for treating sleep apnea. The appliances are similar to a mouthguard and work by keeping your jaw aligned to prevent your airway from closing. Contact our office today to learn more about the connection between breathing disorders and chronic pain.

Video: Why Dr. Korous Is Committed to Treating Breathing Disorders

Child’s ADHD Could Actually Be Sleep Apnea

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Most people think of sleep apnea as a condition that only affects adults, but children can be diagnosed with this sleeping disorder. In fact, some of the common behavior or learning problems associated with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could be symptoms of sleep apnea.

Dr. Korous and her staff recently at our Frisco dental office began a continuing education program with the renowned sleeping disorder expert, Dr. Steven Olmos. Dr. Olmos is the founder and CEO of TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre International in California and is one the leading experts on how sleep apnea can affect children.

Dr. Olmos has learned that children who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder could actually have a breathing disorder.

What is sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious health issue where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you’re sleeping.

In sleep apnea patients, the muscles in the back of the throat relax, causing their airway to narrow or close as they breathe. Their brains will sense they’re not breathing well, causing them to wake up and reopen their airways.

In children, underdeveloped jaw structure could cause the jaw to push back and block the airway.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea in children?

Many of the symptoms of sleep apnea in children are the same as the symptoms for adults, including:

  • Snoring
  • Mouth breathing
  • Restlessness sleep
  • Stopping and starting breathing
  • Teeth grinding
  • Mood changes
  • Poor concentration
  • Headaches
  • Frequent infections and other illness

Parents should look for these additional symptoms in children:

  • Sleeping in odd positions
  • Night terrors
  • Bed wetting

How is sleep apnea related to ADHD?

Many of the symptoms of ADHD overlap with the symptoms of sleep apnea. Difficulty concentrating and staying of focused in school could be due to restless nights caused by a sleeping disorder.

A 2011 study of more than 11,000 children found those with a sleep breathing disorder were more likely to show signs of hyperactivity and have behavior problems such as aggressiveness and not following rules. By age 7, the children in the study were more likely to show these behavioral issues which are frequently used to diagnose a child has having attention deficit disorder.

If your child is showing behavior problems, having difficulty at school or has been diagnosed with ADHD, call our office today to ask about options for sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Korous will work with your child’s physician to determine if your child has sleep apnea and develop a treatment plan.

Additional Reading: ADHD or Sleep Disorder: Are We Getting It Wrong?

You Can’t Take a Vacation from Sleep Apnea

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Summer is just a few weeks away – and that means fun! For many people, summer means heading out of town to see family or new sights. If traveling is on your bucket list this summer and you are living with sleep apnea, you may want to think about how your condition is going to affect your summer plans.

You Can’t Take a Vacation from Sleep Apnea

As much as you probably want to, you can’t take a vacation from sleep apnea. This means that if you are traveling, you will need to remember to pack your CPAP machine. Not only are you going to need to pack it, but you will also want to bring it on board as a carry-on because you will not want to take a chance on your machine getting lost, delayed, or damaged.

Taking your CPAP on as a carry-on may also require that you bring a copy of your CPAP prescription with you to show the TSA security agent that it is a required medical device.

If you fall asleep on the airplane or you have a long international flight ahead, you will likely want to use your CPAP to protect your health and keep your airway open. If you need to use your machine in-flight, you should be sure to ask when booking your reservation if you can have access to an electrical outlet.

Accommodating Your CPAP at Your Accommodations

If you are traveling in the United States, you probably will not have an issue finding an electrical outlet to use to power your machine, but if you’re heading overseas, be sure to bring an adapter. You may also want to pack a small extension cord just in case outlets are not conveniently placed near your bed.

Also, being on vacation still means you must clean your machine to prevent residue from building up or your machine from smelling. Pack your cleaning materials and extra tubing just in case. You definitely do not want to have to search for CPAP tubing in an unfamiliar city or country.

Speaking of tubing, many people have found that after traveling with their CPAP machine, that the tubes of the machine become damaged or split while packed. Duct tape can help if you need to make an emergency repair.

Traveling with a CPAP Does Not Sound Like Fun

Taking a heavy CPAP, packing it, lugging it through an airport, cleaning your machine, and hoping everything turns out for the best does not sound like the best way to enjoy your vacation. It turns out; you may not have to take your CPAP along with you at all. Some sleep apnea patients have benefitted from dental interventions for their condition – which may replace your bulky machine with a small dental appliance. Learn more about how Dr. Korous can help treat your sleep apnea by calling Millennium Smiles today at 972-987-4899.

More than Snoring: the Seriousness of Sleep Apnea

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Obstructive sleep apnea is not just about snoring loudly; sleep apnea is a serious health condition. Sleep apnea has serious adverse health impacts, including an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. Sleep apnea sufferers are at risk of developing migraines, TMJD, and even diabetes. Sleep apnea patients may also be at risk of developing cognitive problems and dementia, according to a new study from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing.

A Study of Sleep Apnea

The UCLA researchers examined the brain scans and health records of individuals living with obstructive sleep apnea who were not under treatment for the condition and compared them to the brain scans of people who did not have sleep apnea. Their analysis found that those individuals living with sleep apnea had evidence of thinning of the cerebral cortex thickness – the part of the brain that plays an essential part in memory, perception, cognition, and consciousness.

They also found that women living with untreated obstructive sleep apnea had greater rates of cerebral cortex thinning than men with untreated sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea affects over 22 million Americans and many more are living with the condition undiagnosed.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Exactly?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked. For many individuals, this occurs when the tongue falls back and blocks the airway during sleep. When the airway becomes blocked, patients are often jolted awake, gasping for breath. This situation can happen 30 to even 100+ times a night, depending on severity.

But What Does Dentistry Have to Do with Sleep Apnea?

We know it sounds strange for Dr. Korous to be talking about sleep apnea, but dentistry and sleep apnea are often related. For some individuals, dentistry can help sleep apnea by repositioning the jaw.

Here’s how: if the position of the jaw is set too far back, the tongue collapses into the airway when the patient is relaxed during sleep, and the airway becomes blocked. By situating the jaw in a more forward position using a custom-fitted dental appliance, the tongue will not fall and block the airway.

The result is a more restful night’s sleep, reduced blood pressure and a lowered risk of developing serious health complications like cognition problems because of sleep apnea.

For more information about the risks of obstructive sleep apnea and how our Frisco dental office can help, contact Millennium Smiles by calling 972-987-4899.

 

 

 

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