If youre one of the approximately 18 million people that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you might have already seen a doctor for treatment. OSA occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat obstruct breathing to prevent continuous airflow during sleep. Apnea means a cessation of breathing. This interruption in breathing causes the individual to partially awake repeatedly throughout the night, thus disrupting proper sleep cycles. The sufferer awakes feeling unrested.

Left untreated, sleep apnea can give way to other serious health issues , including depression, high blood pressure, irritability, sexual dysfunction, learning or memory problems, and falling asleep at inappropriate or dangerous times. Recent studies show resultant sleep deprivation from sleep apnea can lead to brain damage.

Sleep apnea has captured public awareness in recent years, fortunately, and science has devised effective measures to counteract this serious malady. Perhaps the most common solution for OSA is CPAP [ continuous positive airway pressure .] CPAP devices are typically worn like breathing masks you might see on a patient at a hospital. The CPAP mask utilizes an air hose to direct constant airflow through the nose, preventing collapse of soft tissues so that breathing remains consistent . CPAP devices are very effective when used properly. (more)

Awareness about the detrimental effects of sleep apnea is increasing. Sleep apnea is responsible for a growing list of health problems for millions of individuals. Some of these troubles are less urgent, but some are life threatening.

James Stewart, DDS , is a sleep apnea expert, and he offers various treatment options to help his patients lead healthier, more rewarding lives.

So what kind of connection does a sleep disorder have on the brain, and why are dentists playing such a huge role in the fight against it?

There are three kinds of sleep apnea :

1) Central Sleep Apnea [CSA]. This occurs when neurological mechanisms controlled by the brain fail to signal the body to inhale, resulting in missed breathing cycles. The lapse in breathing happens again and again throughout the night.

2) Obstructive Sleep Apnea [OSA]. The most common form of sleep apnea. OSA is caused by upper airway obstruction preventing airflow. The disruption causes the individuals sleep pattern to become broken, and natural, critical sleep cycles cannot run their course.

3) Complex or mixed apnea . A combination of the two disorders.

The result of sleep apnea through the night is significant sleep loss. Other problems include:

• Low productivity during the day.
• Irritability, forgetfulness, and poor concentration.
• Dangers of sleepiness when alertness is critical, such as when driving or operating dangerous machinery.
• Health problems, including heart attack, stroke, impotence, and depression.
• Comparable disturbed sleep for sleep partners.

But science is showing the deeper connotations are much more serious. Consequential sleep deprivation can eventually cause brain damage , with reduced gray matter density. Sleep scientists assert that sleep apnea sufferers brains eventually lose ability to rejuvenate and maintain plasticity, meaning accelerated aging of the brain. (more)

Approximately 10-20% of middle-aged Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Dr. Stewart is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and has extensive training in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea .

On this blog, weve covered the negative effects of sleep disorders , and you may already know that people with sleep apnea are at risk of depression, heart attack, stroke, impotence, low productivity, and forgetfulness. Accidents on the job and behind the wheel are also a serious concern. Researchers now believe that sleep apnea may be linked to dementia, particularly in elderly females. (more)

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland reported that patients reduced arthritic pain and the number of swollen joints after treating their dental problems.

It was exciting to find that if we eliminated the infection and inflammation in the gums, then patients with a severe kind of active rheumatoid arthritis reported improvement on the signs and symptoms of that disease. Stated Dr. Nabil Bissada, chair of the schools Department of Periodontics.

This study was not the first to link gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatologists and other clinicians have studied the how gum disease may lead to systematic disease. Dr. Ali Askari, chair of the department of rheumatology at University Hospitals, states that historically, arthritic patients felt better when teeth were pulled or received antibiotics used to treat periodontal disease.

Askari and Bissada worked together, studying 40 patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease and severe rheumatoid arthritis. These inflammatory diseases share similarities in the progression of the disease over time. In both diseases, inflammation caused by toxins from bacterial infection destroys hard and soft tissue. One common toxin revealed in the study, called, tumor necrosis factor-alpha , can initiate new infections or aggravate sites where inflammation already exists. (more)

Caring for patients with dementia or Alzheimers can prove challenging. Patients often resist care oral health because they feel threatened. Caring for their oral health can be easier thanks to a group of nurses at Penn State School of Nursing. The nurses developed a plan, Managing Oral Hygiene Using Threat Reduction, to assist caregivers in providing oral hygiene to patients with Alzheimers or dementia.

The nurses created the plan to reduce threat perception among these patients. They suggest that caregivers smile while they interact with the patients, approach them at eye level, pantomime, and gently hold the patients hand while brushing teeth.

The number of patients in nursing homes who still have natural teeth is rising, due to proper oral hygiene. By using the threat reduction plan, caregivers can provide oral hygiene assistance in a more effective and friendly manner.

Several studies show a connection between periodontal disease and Alzheimers disease. With proper oral hygiene, brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, rinsing after meals, and visiting the dentist every six months for deep cleaning and checkup, the risk of periodontal disease decreases.

Dr. James Stewart , a Livonia dentist, has experience caring for elderly patients and knows the challenges commonly associated with senior dental health . If you are a caregiver for a patient with Alzheimers or dementia, contact Dr. Stewart at (734)425.4400 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Stewart cares for patients from Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, and surrounding areas.

According to a recent study conducted at Yale University School of Medicine, people with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer strokes and die in their sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked by soft tissue in the mouth or throat. When the blockage restricts oxygen, bloodflow to the brain decreases and blood pressure elevates.

Normally, the brain regulates bloodflow to meet its metabolic needs through a process called cerebral autoregulation. The study showed that repeated decreases in bloodflow and spikes in blood pressure, caused by numerous episodes of apnea, reduced the brains ability to regulate these functions.

The study also revealed that people with sleep apnea were three times more likely to suffer a stroke than people who slept normally through the night. After we found that sleep apnea is a risk factor for stroke and death, independent of other risk factors, we hypothesized that there must be something wrong with the regulation of bloodflow to the brain, stated Dr. Vahid Moshsenin, one of the leading researchers. (more)

Research shows that maintaining proper diet and exercise can increase your overall well-being and life expectancy. Dentists encourage their patients to eat a healthy diet, not only to prevent cavities and gum disease, but also to promote good overall health. Studies show good oral health contributes to good overall health.

While the road to better health can seem like an uphill battle, the outcome is the prize. Taking small steps towards a healthy lifestyle will allow you a better opportunity for success. Making small changes in your diet will prove more effective than denying yourself of favorite foods completely then binging on sweet and fatty treats. Apply these three diet changes to set you on the path to healthy living:

Decrease alcohol consumption: Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, both for your overall and oral health. Alcohol contains empty calories that add up quickly. It alsocontains sugar and acid, which, combined with natural bacteria in the mouth, leads to a higher risk of tooth decay. Alcohol should be limited to two glasses a day for men and one glass a day for women. (more)

Easter is a great time for family and friends to gather and enjoy a feast. Since Americans are becoming more conscious of their oral and overall health, we look for deserts that are good for our bodies and teeth. Enjoy this low-fat carrot cake recipe for your Easter feast.

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple
• 2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup nonfat buttermilk
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots (4-6 medium)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (more)

Like our bodies, teeth need proper care to last a lifetime. Even though teeth are surprisingly resilient, everyday wear and tear and natural aging can take a toll. Along with following the American Dental Associations guidelines on proper dental care (brush twice daily, floss once a day, and visit a dentist every six months for thorough cleaning and checkup) here are some tips to keep your pearly whites healthy:

Prevent Acid Erosion: People assume that sugary candy is the biggest stumbling block for good oral health. However, colas harm your teeth worse than candy because carbonation increases acid levels in the mouth. Sports drinks also endanger oral health because they can deteriorate tooth enamel. Limit the amount of sugary foods you consume, including candy, colas, and sports drinks. Avoid frequent snacking, as it causes acid levels to remain high for an extended time. If you need something sweet, consider chewing sugarless gum, especially gum with xylitol as the main ingredient. Gum chewing causes the mouth to produce more saliva, which helps clean the mouth and lower acid levels.

Prevent Excessive Wear and Tear: Contrary to what many people assume, teeth do not become more brittle with age, states Steven Schonfield, Spokesperson for the ADA. However, teeth with fillings or root canals become more susceptible to chipping and cracking with age. Another cause of structural damage to teeth is bruxism, or the habit of grinding and clenching teeth. Over time, bruxism can wear down teeth and lead to breakage. Stop chewing ice and hard foods, and check for pits in olives, cherries, and other pitted foods. (more)

Studies have shown that poor nutrition increases a womans risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. When women typically diet, they may deplete their bodies of essential vitamins and minerals. Doctors and dentists recommend women incorporate foods full of vitamins and minerals because the body will use food-sourced vitamins more efficiently than supplements.

Our bodies are like luxury vehicles; you cant put low-grade nutrients in them and expect them to run well. Consume the following nutrients daily to maintain healthy oral and overall health:

Calcium: Women typically need 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day to maintain strong bones and teeth. Good sources of calcium are dairy and soy products. As women age, they need to increase their calcium intake to prevent osteoporis. (more)