Exceptional Dentistry Blog

Falling asleep behind the wheel is extremely dangerous and can even be deadly. But what many people don’t realize is that operating a vehicle while sleep deprived can be just as dangerous, even if you’re still awake. Drowsy driving can cause similar mental impairment to drunk driving. In fact, studies have found that 24 hours of sleep deprivation affects your body the same way a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10% does!

If you find yourself struggling to get a good night’s sleep, you could be suffering from a condition known as sleep apnea. Here’s how sleep apnea can cause dangerous sleep deprivation, and what you can do to finally get the rest you deserve.

Did you know that an estimated 30 million people in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea? This occurs when your airways are blocked when you lay down at night, interrupting your circadian cycle. People with this disorder suffer from loud snoring, restlessness, excessive daytime exhaustion, and other issues.

Your sleep dentist can provide an oral appliance, like an occlusal splint, to reposition your jaw to prevent nighttime blockages. However, you must clean it correctly to prevent common problems, like gum disease or cavities, from developing. Continue reading to learn 3 hints for maintaining your dental device!

If you suffer from sleep apnea and have been prescribed a Vivos DNA Appliance for treatment, you’re likely to feel an overwhelming sense of relief. After all, in just 9 to 18 months, you could be experiencing improved sleep and better breathing at night. But sometimes, getting used to wearing a sleep device can be challenging. Here’s how to adjust to your new prosthetic so you can finally get the rest you deserve!

Few things are more comforting than snuggling up in bed with your partner! Research shows that sharing a bed can lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones. However, if you snore loudly, you might find yourself banished to the couch. Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, a condition that not only disrupts sleep but can also put a strain on relationships. Read on to learn how sleep apnea affects relationships and what your dentist can do to help.

When you have a stiff or locked jaw, that isn’t a problem you should ignore. It’s likely to harm your body if left unchecked, rWhen you have a stiff or locked jaw, that isn’t a problem you should ignore. It’s likely to harm your body if left unchecked, reducing your quality of life in the process. The good news is that there are various ways to address this particular jaw issue. By using them, you’ll be on the path to eating, speaking, and smiling comfortably again! Just keep reading to learn what a stiff or locked jaw means, useful home remedies, and when to get proper dental care.

Approximately 39 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, but up to 90% of cases aren’t diagnosed. The sleep-related breathing disorder can affect your physical and mental health negatively with no treatment. It can even increase your risk of life-threatening complications. Thankfully, sleep apnea is easy to treat with an oral appliance or a CPAP machine. However, there are a few mistakes you might make that can worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. Here are 7 things you should avoid to breathe better.

(more…)

Eye pain can impact more areas than just your eyes. It can lead to headaches, dizziness, and other unpleasant symptoms. However, the source of your pain may not be your eyes at all. When the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is your jaw joint that allows you to open and close your mouth, isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to discomfort in a variety of surrounding areas, including the eyes. Continue reading to learn more about the TMJ, its connection to your eyes, and the treatment options available.

You had a rough time sleeping one night, and when you woke up, you immediately understood why. Your jaw ached! Sleepy soreness can happen from time to time, so maybe you wrote it off as the result of an unfortunate neck position. But if you’ve experienced this rude awakening for days on end now, you’re probably starting to doubt that theory.

Although the neck, upper back, and shoulder areas are tightly connected and can cause pain in your face, odds are in this situation, the real problem is your TMJ. What’s a TMJ, and what can you do about it? Keep reading to find out.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that around 41% of adults in the U.S. are obese. It is also estimated that around 22 million people in this country have sleep apnea. At first, these two conditions might seem unrelated, but there is actually a strong connection between them! This blog post explores how they are linked. It also provides tips that might help you enjoy improved health.

Warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and changes in daily routines can all contribute to restless nights. If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep during the summer, you’re certainly not alone. Having sleep apnea can make these challenges even more pronounced, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. To help you rest easier this season, here are some effective tips for improving your sleep quality.