It’s Not All About Your Teeth
Sleep Apnea Affects Your Whole Body
A lot of people don’t know that sleep apnea, which stops a person’s breathing repeatedly throughout the night, often starts in the mouth. As oral health experts, dentists can determine the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea during dental visits and take action immediately to help you get better, more restful sleep. THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE One of the first signs of sleep apnea is the significant wearing of teeth. A person who has sleep apnea often grinds their teeth together at night, leading to worn or cracked teeth, as well as receding and inflamed gums.This grinding is the body’s way of telling the brain it needs to take a breath, causing the person to wake up. Dentists can also check the throat for irregular redness, which indicates constant snoring, or see if the tongue is too large for the jaw. When the tongue is too large, it will slip back into the throat during the night, causing a blockage to the airways. THE EFFECTS ONTHE BODY Not sleeping soundly throughout the night and getting inadequate amounts of oxygen impact the rest of your health. A person with sleep apnea may feel increased drowsiness throughout the day, which impedes their focus on their daily tasks. Decreased amounts of energy, gasping for air, dry mouth, and irregularly loud snoring are
also symptoms of sleep apnea.The lack of oxygen on the body can also increase other health risks, including high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, headaches, and depression. DENTAL APPLIANCES While dentists can’t diagnose sleeping disorders, they can take the steps you need to receive treatment. If your dentist suspects you have sleep apnea, they may suggest you take a sleep study and see your medical doctor. Once you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your dentist can provide you with dental appliances that can be placed in the mouth to help open your airways.These custom-made appliances are easy to use and preferred over the discomfort of a CPAP device.
If you’ve noticed these types of symptoms, contact SouthWindsor Smiles by calling 860-787-5832 today for an evaluation.
SIMPLE PANCAKES
Puzzle Your Brain
From Scratch
i ngred i ents
Inspired byThe NewYorkTimes
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2 eggs
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 3/4 cups milk
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2 tsp baking powder
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Unsalted butter or canola oil, to grease skillet
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 tbsp sugar, optional
d i rect i ons
1. Heat a griddle or skillet to medium-low. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients (including sugar if you like a sweeter pancake). In a separate bowl, beat eggs into milk. Gently stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ones. Mix only until flour is moistened. Clumps are fine. 3. Add some butter or oil to the skillet. If the butter foams or oil shimmers, the temperature is correct. Pour in a pancake of any size, cooking until bubbles form, about 2–4 minutes. 4. Flip and cook other side for 2–4 minutes. Serve warm.
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