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How Secondhand Smoke Increases Sleep Apnea in Children

June 25, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 2:44 am

Man’s hand holding cigarette Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that primarily affects adults; however, children can suffer from the breathing disorder, too. Although only 4% of children have OSA, new research has found a connection between secondhand smoke and sleep apnea. If you smoke, you may be placing your child at risk of the condition, which causes frequent pauses in breathing throughout the night. Here’s why you may want to kick the habit to keep your child healthy. 

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6 Things to Avoid to Stop Jaw Pain

June 22, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 11:37 pm

Woman at dentist for jaw painYour temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located on either side of your face, connecting your jaw to your skull. It allows you to perform necessary functions that are crucial to your health and everyday life, like speaking, biting, and chewing. Unfortunately, the joint can function incorrectly, resulting in facial pain, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and various other symptoms. Don’t let the complications of a TMJ disorder affect your quality of life any longer. Here are 6 things you should stop doing right away to alleviate your pain. 

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Sleep Apnea and Cancer Risk in Women

May 12, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 11:57 pm

Sleepless woman sitting up in bed22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea; however, 80% of cases aren’t diagnosed. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, which is caused by an obstruction in the upper airway from the soft tissues in the back of the mouth. Men are 2 to 3 times more likely to have it than women, but it can affect anyone, no matter their age or gender. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with several potentially life-threatening conditions, like heart disease, but now there’s another danger, especially for women. Researchers have found a connection between OSA and cancer in women. 

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Recalled CPAP? Give an Oral Appliance a Try

May 3, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: — drwest @ 1:12 am

CPAP mask on tablePhilips Respironics is a trusted manufacturer of CPAP machines; however, certain models have been recalled for safety concerns. Over 2 million people in the U.S. are affected by the recall, which stems from the potential risks of chemicals in the device. If you are impacted by the recall, your physician may have recommended continuing to use the machine because the benefits outweigh the risks, but you have another option. Oral appliance therapy can be just what you need until receiving your replacement CPAP.

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What’s the Link Between Sleep Apnea and Prediabetes?

April 12, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 12:55 am

Did you know over 18 million Americans have sleep apnea? However, up to 80% of cases haven’t been diagnosed. Many people know they have some signs of the breathing disorder, like chronic snoring, but they don’t feel there’s any real danger of not seeking treatment. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Untreated sleep apnea is linked to several serious health issues, like heart disease, memory loss, and sleep deprivation, but those aren’t the only concerns. New research has found a connection between sleep apnea and prediabetes. 

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Can Sleep Apnea Cause Brain Damage?

April 9, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: — drwest @ 12:38 am

Finger pointing to brain scansObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition that causes frequent pauses in breathing. An obstruction in the upper airway depletes oxygen levels, negatively affecting your general and mental health. Unfortunately, daily fatigue, headaches, and mood changes aren’t the only concerns of not seeking treatment. New research has found a connection between sleep apnea, memory loss, and brain damage. Here’s how sleep apnea therapy can keep your mind sharp and safeguard your health.

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Can Sleep Apnea Cause Blindness?

March 11, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: — drwest @ 4:44 am

Man covering eyes with handsSleep apnea is a disorder that causes frequent interruptions in breathing throughout the night. The most common cause is an obstruction in the upper airway, usually caused by the tongue or soft tissues in the back of the mouth collapsing. Without any treatment, it can lead to several physical and mental health concerns. Besides an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, and sleep deprivation, new research has found a link to blindness. 

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6 Home Remedies for TMD Pain

March 7, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 8:24 pm

Woman with hand on face from jaw painYour temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull on either side of your face. You probably didn’t think about the joint very often, that is, until it no longer works as it should. Clicking, popping, or grating can make it painful to perform simple tasks, like eating and yawning. You may have a TMJ disorder. You don’t have to let jaw pain control your life. Here are 6 ways to get TMD relief at home.

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Are TMJ Dysfunction and Migraines Connected?

February 28, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 7:08 pm

Woman with a migraineThe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows you to perform various movements crucial to your daily life. It connects your lower jaw to your skull on either side of your face, so you can open and close your mouth. Many people don’t think twice about these movements, but you suffer from jaw pain. Biting, chewing, or yawning can be painful; however, those aren’t the only challenges you face. Migraines and TMJ go together. You don’t have to live with chronic jaw pain or reoccurring migraines. Your dentist has the solutions you need to take control of your quality of life.

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Adjusting to Your Oral Appliance Made Easy

February 8, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 2:32 am

Woman sleeping peacefully in white beddingIf your energy levels have been running on empty lately, a bad mattress might not have been the cause. You may not have expected obstructive sleep apnea to be the culprit, but it’s easy to treat with an oral appliance. The device is custom-made to fit your mouth like a glove, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be an adjustment period. If your first couple of nights don’t go as easily as you anticipated, don’t give up on your oral appliance yet. Here are a few tips to help you adjust to get a good night’s rest.

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