Posted on Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 9:00 am
When people think of their dentist, they usually think of the doctor who maintains their oral hygiene. But did you know that your dentist may also be able to help you get a better night’s sleep? If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from sleep deprivation or sleep apnea, don’t wait. Call Silent Night Therapy of Babylon Dental Care to discuss a treatment plan.
Your Dentist: The Unsung Hero of a Good Night’s Sleep
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder. At the same time, 80 to 90 percent of people suffering from sleep-disordered breathing remain undiagnosed. The government agency also cautions that sleep deprivation has more long-term devastating consequences than a miserable morning the next day.
“The cumulative long-term effects of sleep loss and sleep disorders have been associated with a wide range of deleterious health consequences including an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, and stroke,” notes the NIH.
Surprisingly, it is your dentist who is usually the first doctor to notice that you’re suffering from some type of sleep disorder. During a normal checkup, a dentist will look for signs such as:
- Scalloped tongue: Sleep apnea patients often find their tongue has indentations, or “scalloping,” on the edges. That’s because, during a sleep apnea episode, the tongue is on the receiving end of a lot of pressure from the teeth.
- Bruxism: Bruxism, or “grinding of the teeth,” is one of the most common sleep apnea symptoms. It’s easy for your dentist to determine if you are grinding your teeth at night. All it takes is a quick peek at your back teeth!
- Swollen uvula and/or tonsils: When these organs are inflamed or enlarged, they can obstruct your breathing passageways, making it harder to breathe and, ultimately, to sleep.
How Can Silent Night Therapy Help?
If you suffer from sleep deprivation or sleep apnea, Silent Night Therapy of Babylon Dental Care can help you. You don’t need to carry a bulky CPAP machine or continue suffering in silence. Dr. Brown has been a dentist for decades and has trained in Dental Sleep Medicine and Oral Appliance Therapy, helping thousands of clients get the quality sleep they deserve.
Dr. Brown is a Member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and The Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorder Disciplines and is committed to providing affordable sleep solutions to all his patients who need his help. Whether you need a specialized oral appliance or surgery or are just curious about whether you need Dr. Brown’s techniques, he — and the entire staff at Silent Night Therapy — are here to help.
Best of all, Dr. Brown accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare, and has affordable financing options for those who qualify.
Take our 3-minute quiz, or order an at-home sleep test, to see if Silent Night Therapy is right for you. Or call us at 631-983-2463 or contact us online to schedule an appointment for a free consultation at one of our two convenient locations — in Patchogue and West Babylon — and start getting the better quality sleep you deserve.