SLEEP BETTER, SMILE BRIGHTER THE BENEFITS OF SLEEP APPLIANCES FOR YOUR ORAL HEALTH
Sleep is one of the most essential elements of a healthy lifestyle. It enhances our physical well- being and mood and even reduces the chances of serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease. The better sleep you get every night, the better you will feel, the more productive you’ll be, and the longer you will live. Your dental health and your sleep are also connected. Not getting enough rest can lead to inflammation of the gums or dry mouth, and dental problems like TMJ and teeth grinding can prevent you from getting the rest you need. Sleep Awareness Week is March 9–15, and we’re sharing how dentists can play a key role in improving your sleep quality. SLEEP APPLIANCES Sleep apnea causes the airways to not open wide enough to breathe correctly while sleeping. A sleep appliance is a device or oral mouthpiece that pulls your jaw and tongue forward while you slumber to open the airway up. These mouthpieces aren’t a one-fits-all solution, but if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you could be a good candidate. At our office, our
sleep appliances are lab-made through digital technology. There’s no gooey impression to deal with. We use a scanner and custom-build the mouthpiece to your specifications. While Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
machines are the gold standard for treating sleep apnea, sleep appliances are a good alternative for people who find the machine challenging to use every night. BENEFITS OF YOUR ORAL HEALTH Getting the right amount of rest improves your physical health and does wonders for your teeth and gums. Proper sleep allows your body to regulate swelling better, reducing damage to your gums. Saliva is a key element in protecting your teeth from decay, and it’s common to suffer from dry mouth when you have trouble staying asleep. Lack of sleep can lead to stress, exacerbating nighttime teeth grinding or bruxism. Sleep helps improve your immune system, allowing your body to fight oral infections better. Your dentist can help identify potential sleep problems, like sleep apnea, through screenings. While we can’t completely treat or diagnose sleep disorders, we can refer you to a sleep specialist. If you want to learn more about our oral sleep applications, contact us today!
Inspired by EatingWell.com
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKES OF THE MONTH
Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
Q: Why did the Oreo go to the dentist? A: Because it lost its filling
Ingredients • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots • 1 cup chopped yellow onion • 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic • 3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth • 1 (15-oz) can (no salt added) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped • 1/2 tsp ground pepper • 1/4 tsp plus 1/8 tsp salt • 1 (9-oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini • 1 (5-oz) package baby spinach • 1 cup heavy cream
Q: What’s the worst vegetable to have on a boat? A: A leek
Q: What March flowers grow on faces? A: Two-lips
Directions 1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots and onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until onions are softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. 2. Add broth, tomatoes, fresh basil, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until carrots are slightly tender. 3. Stir in tortellini. Cook until pasta is tender. Reduce heat to medium-low. 4. Add baby spinach and cream. Cook until spinach is wilted. Serve and garnish with additional basil if desired. exceptionalsmiles.com
Q: Where can you always find gold on St. Patrick’s Day? A: In the dictionary.
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@exceptionalsmiles.com. You may see it in our next issue!
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