Sleep apnea is more than just a nighttime nuisance. It’s a potentially serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel exhausted even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea. Traditional treatment options like CPAP, while effective, can be uncomfortable and challenging to maintain. However, holistic dentistry brings forth innovative alternatives. By focusing on the mouth as integrated with the rest of the body, holistic dentistry presents new ways to manage sleep apnea. Dr. Kelley Mingus, a leading dentist in Bend, Oregon, has been effectively treating patients using holistic dentistry techniques.
The Holistic Approach to Dentistry
Holistic dentistry, also known as biological or integrative dentistry, fundamentally looks at oral health as a reflection of overall health. Unlike traditional dentistry, it seeks to understand the underlying cause of dental problems and considers the body’s overall health in treatment. In the same vein, when it comes to sleep apnea, holistic dentistry offers treatment options that go beyond merely alleviating the symptoms.
Dr. Kelley Mingus employs holistic dentistry and has been able to manage sleep apnea effectively without resorting to uncomfortable devices or invasive surgery. The techniques used at his clinic in Bend, Oregon, work to readjust the structures of the mouth and promote healthier sleep.
The Connection between Oral Health and Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is most commonly caused by obstructions in the airway during sleep, typically when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses. However, other factors can contribute to this condition, including the shape of one’s mouth and jaw.
Poor oral health can contribute to sleep apnea in several ways:
- Underdeveloped jaws may lead to a smaller airway, promoting snoring and sleep apnea.
- Gum inflammation can cause swelling in the airway, triggering sleep obstruction.
- Nighttime teeth grinding, a common symptom of sleep bruxism, can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder, which has been linked to sleep apnea.
Holistic Treatment Techniques for Sleep Apnea
Dr. Kelley Mingus focuses on non-invasive treatment options that can be tailored to each patient’s needs. Two of the main treatments provided at the clinic include custom mouth appliances and facial growth orthodontics.
Custom Mouth Appliances
At Dr. Kelley Mingus’ clinic in Bend, Oregon, patients suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea can opt for customized mouth appliances. Unlike the universally-sized CPAP devices, these are tailored to fit each patient’s mouth precisely, providing comfort and ease during sleep. Made from medical-grade material, these devices work by preventing the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat, keeping the airway open during sleep.
Facial Growth Treatment
Another innovative way of treating sleep apnea is through facial growth treatments. By stimulating the natural growth of the jaw and the proper development of the airway, it ensures that the tongue remains clear of the airway during sleep. This treatment can be a game-changer for those suffering from sleep apnea, taking a long-term view versus providing short-term solutions.
Benefits of Managing Sleep Apnea with Holistic Dentistry
There are several benefits to using holistic dentistry techniques in managing sleep apnea. Not only do they help alleviate the symptoms and complications of sleep apnea, but they also contribute to better oral health and, in turn, improve overall health. Some common benefits include better sleep quality, improved mood and energy levels, decreased risk of heart-related problems, and mitigation of morning headaches—typical in sleep apnea sufferers.
Quality sleep is not just about getting rest – it’s about ensuring the body gets the necessary recharge time it needs to function optimally. If you believe you or a loved one might have sleep apnea, it’s crucial that you seek help—like the services available at Dr. Kelley Mingus’ clinic—and consider the valuable holistic dentistry options.