Airway Focused Dentistry Long Beach CA

Is SLEEP apnea or snoring a problem for you?

Airway focused dentistry may be the solution you’ve been searching for!

At Long Beach Dental Studio, we’re able to help patients breathe easier though dental care. Our team can help diagnose and treat a range of airway-related issues, including sleep apnea, snoring, and more. With treatment plans tailored to your unique dental needs, we’ll work with you to help you achieve optimal breathing improving your overall health.

Don’t wait, give us a call at (562) 436-2950 or email info@longbeachdentalstudio.com

What is Airway Focused Dentistry?

Airway dentistry, also known as dental sleep medicine, is a specialized field within general dentistry, that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of sleep-disordered breathing, such as snoring and sleep apnea, through oral appliance therapy procedures.

Oral appliance therapy involves the use of custom-fit oral device that is worn during sleep to help maintain an open airway, preventing obstructions that can lead to snoring and sleep apnea. These devices are designed to be comfortable, and they have been shown to be effective to improve sleep quality, reducing snoring, alleviating symptoms of sleep apnea, and is painless.

A senior couple laughing & smiling after addressing dental concerns at the dental office to improve breathing

Man sleeping with CPAP instead of addressing his oral health with a great dentist.

Why is Airway Dentistry Important?

Airway dentistry is important because sleep-disordered breathing can have significant negative impacts on an individual and the whole family’s overall health and quality of life.

Airway Centered Dentistry is crucial because our ability to breathe well affects our overall health. Poor airway health can lead to sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular issues, and more. By focusing on your airway, we can help alleviate these issues and contribute to your overall well-being. Moreover, symptoms of airway issues often first appear in the mouth, and as dental professionals, we’re uniquely positioned to identify and address these early signs.

Sleep Breathing Disorders

Airway dentistry can help with a variety of breathing disorders, including sleep apnea, snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), and chronic nasal congestion. These conditions can be caused by anatomical or functional issues with the airway, such as narrow air passages, a deviated septum, or improper tongue positioning.

Sleep Apnea: This is one of the most common and serious sleep breathing disorders. It involves repeated interruptions or reductions in your breathing while you sleep, usually due to the relaxation of throat muscles causing a blockage in the airway. This condition often leads to snoring, gasping for air during sleep, and daytime fatigue.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common form of sleep apnea, and it happens when the muscles in your throat relax excessively and your airway narrows, causing breathing to stop or become very shallow.
The California Dental Association states that “Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious health problem that affects at least 9% of women and at least 24% of men aged 30-60.”
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This is a less common type of sleep apnea that happens when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Snoring: While many people may not think of snoring as a breathing disorder, it can be a sign of an issue with your airway. Snoring happens when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing them to vibrate as you breathe, which creates the sounds of snoring. It can be an indicator of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS): This is a condition in which individuals snore and have trouble sleeping due to resistance in the airflow in the nasal passage or throat, but it does not meet the full criteria for sleep apnea. UARS can still cause significant sleep disruption and daytime fatigue.

Hypopnea: Hypopnea is a partial blockage of the airway that leads to an airflow reduction of 30% or more for at least 10 seconds, usually accompanied by a drop in oxygen levels or arousal from sleep. It can occur as part of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

What Happens if You Don’t Treat Sleep Apnea?

If left untreated, sleep breathing disorders can lead to a range of serious health issues.

Repeated pauses in your breathing during sleep can cause a drop in oxygen levels, which can put a strain on your heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.

Sleep apnea has also been linked to diabetes, depression, and other health conditions. In addition, reduced oxygen throughout the night can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. This can affect the quality of life and increase the risk of accidents or injuries. So don’t wait, it is important to seek treatment if you suspect you may have sleep apnea.

Who is most likely to suffer from sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages and genders, but there are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing the condition. These include:

Obesity or being overweight: Excess weight can lead to the accumulation of fatty tissue in the neck and throat, which can narrow the airway and make breathing more difficult during sleep.
Age: Sleep apnea becomes more common as people get older, as the muscles in the throat and tongue tend to weaken with age.
Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop sleep apnea, although the risk for women increases after menopause.
Family history: Having a family history of sleep apnea may increase the risk of developing the condition.
Smoking and alcohol use: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation and narrowing of the airway, increasing the risk of sleep apnea.
Certain medical conditions: Sleep apnea is more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and congestive heart failure.

Airway Orthodontics for Optimal Dental Health

Airway Orthodontics is a pioneering approach that considers the health of your airway when providing orthodontic treatments. It not only aims to align your teeth and correct your bite but also seeks to optimize your airway functionality, leading to better breathing, improved sleep, and overall enhanced wellness.

So, how does Airway Orthodontics work?

Early Intervention: In children, early orthodontic intervention can help guide facial growth and development to ensure an open, clear airway. This can reduce the risk of developing Sleep Breathing Disorders later in life.

Consideration of Jaw Position: Traditional orthodontics often focuses solely on aligning teeth, sometimes overlooking the potential impact on the jaw’s position. However, Airway Orthodontics considers how jaw positioning can affect the airway. This approach can prevent potential issues related to breathing, speech, and swallowing.

The American Dental Association notes that oral appliances can also be used in mild cases to shift the lower jaw into a better position, opening up the airway for better breathing during sleep.

Collaborative Treatment Planning: Airway Orthodontics can involve working with various health professionals such as sleep physicians, ENT specialists, and oral surgeons if airway obstruction is severe. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care tailored to individual needs.

Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive Options: Airway Orthodontics often emphasizes non-surgical and minimally invasive techniques, like orthodontic appliances, to improve the airway. These strategies can be beneficial for individuals who are anxious about or unable to undergo surgery.

Comprehensive Dental Care at Long Beach Dental Studio

At Long Beach Dental Studio, we’re not just about brightening your smile – we’re dedicated to enhancing your overall wellness. Our Airway Centered Dentistry approach means we consider your complete health picture, helping you breathe better, sleep better, and live better.

Our full range of preventative care aims to identify and manage potential issues before they become significant problems. We use state-of-the-art technology and a meticulous approach to thoroughly evaluate your oral health, looking beyond the teeth and gums to include an in-depth assessment of your airway.

Recognizing that every patient is unique, we emphasize individualized treatment. Whether you require a routine cleaning, restorative procedures, or are considering orthodontics, we take time to understand your goals, needs, and concerns. Then, we craft a personalized treatment plan, tailored to you.

When it comes to sleep disorders like sleep apnea, we understand the impact they can have on your life and health. That’s why we offer advanced diagnostics and a variety of effective solutions, from lifestyle recommendations to custom oral appliances. We’re committed to helping you achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep.