Sleep apnea is a condition with two potential causes; your sleep-disordered breathing is either a result of soft tissue collapse at the back of your throat, or interruption of communication signals between your brain and body. Effective treatments for sleep apnea are entirely dependent upon your diagnosis. Consider the following about your needs:
Central Sleep Apnea – CPAP Machine
As central sleep apnea does not involve any physical blockages of airways, CPAP machines are often the most beneficial appliances for treatment. Even if your brain cannot tell your body to breathe rhythmically while sleeping, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure technology moves air through passageways to ensure deep sleep and prevent snoring. While CPAP is bulky, and utilizes a face mask with adjustable straps to keep it in place, it is the most predictable way to promote positive airflow for CSA sufferers.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea – Oral Appliance Therapy
Because this form of the condition is caused by soft tissues covering airways, solutions are more flexible. Soft tissue blockages can be moved out of the way through the forced air method utilized with CPAP, but many patients with OSA choose a dental night guard or oral appliance for better breathing. These devices reposition your jaw, moving the bottom arch forward slightly, which prevents the closure of breathing passages. Oral appliance therapy is comfortable, as patients can have their night guards custom fitted. There is also less equipment overall with the oral appliance and patient report easier adjustment to this form of treatment, improving compliance rates.
Complex Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
In some cases, a single treatment may not provide the relief the patient is looking for. For instances of complex sleep apnea, CPAP can be used in conjunction with a dental appliance. The appliance keeps airways open and CPAP moves air through the nose and throat. This comprehensive way to treat sleep apnea proves effective for patients dealing with multiple problems that prevent successful sleep breathing.
Ask our Sleep Apnea Dentist How He Can Help
Dr. Okamoto provides both sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment for sleep disordered breathing at his Torrance dental office. If you have questions about which treatment will work best for you, contact our office for a consultation. Part of your treatment includes at-home sleep monitoring, so there are no additional visits to a sleep study program.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Will Your Nutritional Habits Lead to Periodontal Disease?
You may have heard, time and time again, that sugary foods, drinks, and non-nutritional snacks are bad for your teeth. Though you may not question this logic, it’s important to understand what role your diet plays in your oral health.
One of the many diseases that Dr. Okamoto works to treat is periodontitis, a common yet preventable disease characterized by bleeding gums and brought on by bacteria attacking the tooth enamel and soft tissue. Although many believe the primary cause of gum disease to be poor oral hygiene, evidence also shows a correlation between diet and the onset of periodontitis.
What Foods Are You Eating in Excess?
Research suggests that diets rich in carbohydrates lead to more cases of gum disease. That’s because the sugars contained in carbohydrates become sticky, adhering to tooth enamel and allowing bacteria to spread. Combine large amounts of carbohydrates with poor oral hygiene practices and the bacteria on your teeth start to impact your gums as well.
As you work to improve your oral health, be mindful of the foods you consume. Of course, even the healthiest of foods contain some sugar, but the added sugars in many processed foods are what will do your teeth and gums the most harm. Read ingredient labels, and if you must indulge in your favorite treat, make sure to brush and floss thoroughly afterward.
What Foods Aren’t You Eating Enough Of?
While you’re limiting the amount of sugar you eat, it's also essential that you take in certain nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are good for your body overall and support a healthy diet. Without them, your immune system may weaken and allow certain infections to spread.
When your diet lacks particular nutrients, periodontal disease may have an easier time affecting your gums. For this reason, a balanced diet is important to maintain. Fruits, vegetables and dairy products contain vitamins and minerals that benefit your oral health if eaten regularly. Proteins are also important for the strength of your tooth enamel.
Preventing Periodontal Disease Starts With You!
With a balanced diet, good oral hygiene practices, and regular dental checkups, you can keep periodontal disease at bay. If you would like more information about periodontal disease, contact Dr. Okamoto to schedule an appointment.
One of the many diseases that Dr. Okamoto works to treat is periodontitis, a common yet preventable disease characterized by bleeding gums and brought on by bacteria attacking the tooth enamel and soft tissue. Although many believe the primary cause of gum disease to be poor oral hygiene, evidence also shows a correlation between diet and the onset of periodontitis.
What Foods Are You Eating in Excess?
Research suggests that diets rich in carbohydrates lead to more cases of gum disease. That’s because the sugars contained in carbohydrates become sticky, adhering to tooth enamel and allowing bacteria to spread. Combine large amounts of carbohydrates with poor oral hygiene practices and the bacteria on your teeth start to impact your gums as well.
As you work to improve your oral health, be mindful of the foods you consume. Of course, even the healthiest of foods contain some sugar, but the added sugars in many processed foods are what will do your teeth and gums the most harm. Read ingredient labels, and if you must indulge in your favorite treat, make sure to brush and floss thoroughly afterward.
What Foods Aren’t You Eating Enough Of?
While you’re limiting the amount of sugar you eat, it's also essential that you take in certain nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are good for your body overall and support a healthy diet. Without them, your immune system may weaken and allow certain infections to spread.
When your diet lacks particular nutrients, periodontal disease may have an easier time affecting your gums. For this reason, a balanced diet is important to maintain. Fruits, vegetables and dairy products contain vitamins and minerals that benefit your oral health if eaten regularly. Proteins are also important for the strength of your tooth enamel.
Preventing Periodontal Disease Starts With You!
With a balanced diet, good oral hygiene practices, and regular dental checkups, you can keep periodontal disease at bay. If you would like more information about periodontal disease, contact Dr. Okamoto to schedule an appointment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)