Sleep dentistry (snoring and obstructive sleep apnea) 

The story of a good night’s rest and your health

The quality of your sleep affects your general health and well-being. Researchers have identified many connections between sleep quality and duration and physical, emotional, and mental health. The following is a quick overview of these relationships:

  1. Physical health
    • Cell repair: During sleep, the body works on repairing various tissues.
    • Heart health: Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to obesity and high blood pressure, which in turn affects the heart.
    • Immune system: Inadequate sleep leads to a weakened immune system, leaving you prone to infections.
    • Hormonal imbalance: Many of the body’s hormones are important for proper physical function.
    • Weight gain: Inadequate sleep leads to increased appetite and weight gain through hormonal pathways.
  1. Mental health
    • Mood: Lack of sleep leads to irritability, mood swings, and even depression.
    • Memory: Sleep is essential for the consolidation of memory, transforming short-term memories into long-term ones.

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are two sleep-related breathing disorders. The role of Dr. Mirmooji and his staff, trained in sleep dentistry, is to identify the patients at risk of developing sleep-related breathing disorders or those suspected to be suffering from sleep apnea through a complete examination of the oral cavity and refer these patients to specialists (M.D.) for diagnosis and treatment.

Snoring is the sound that results from the vibration of the respiratory structures due to partial obstruction of the airway. It is quite common, especially as we age, but could be a sign of a more serious problem.

In the case of obstructive sleep apnea, in which the person stops breathing many times during the night, the gold standard of treatment is the CPAP machine.

Oral appliances: For patients who just snore or have mild sleep apnea or for those intolerant of CPAP treatment, Dr. Mirmooji and his team are qualified to provide appliance therapy. These work by advancing the lower jaw and the tongue, providing more space for breathing while asleep.