Sleep apnea treatment in Bend, Oregon is evolving, thanks to holistic techniques being implemented by Dr. Kelley Mingus. Integrating traditional dentistry practices with a more comprehensive, body-focused philosophy, the team at Kelley Mingus offers a natural solution for sleep apnea by focusing on the root cause of the sleep disturbances.
A Brief Overview of Sleep Apnea
Before we move to the treatment and its effectiveness, let’s understand what sleep apnea is. It is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or instances of shallow or infrequent breathing during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a moment to several seconds, with the potential to occur multiple times an hour.
The Severity of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea hinders the restful, uninterrupted sleep essential for maintaining overall health and wellness. It not only disrupts sleep but is also associated with various health concerns—an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and diabetes to name a few. In untreated cases, it can even be life-threatening.
Why Dental Intervention Matters
On first thought, it might seem counterintuitive. What could a dentist possibly know about treating a sleep disorder? But there’s a connection tied to the anatomy. The anatomy of your mouth, jaw, and throat are all involved in sleep apnea’s pathology. The disorder is often characterized by a collapsing airway that occurs in the throat because of various factors – the tongue falling back or the size of the tonsils or adenoids. This is where the role of a dentist comes in. They’ve been trained in the intricate structures of the head and neck. They understand the comorbidities of oral health concerns with other systemic conditions, which include obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Kelley Mingus, a seasoned dentist in Bend, Oregon, not only understands this interconnection but has implemented this knowledge to create effective sleep apnea treatment plans. His goal is not just to put a band-aid on symptoms, but to treat underlying issues leading to the manifestation of this sleeping disorder.
Oral Appliance Therapy: A Natural Solution
Unhealthy breathing patterns during sleep are the cornerstone of sleep apnea. Repositioning the oral structures in a way that promotes smoother, unobstructed airflow can be the key to an effective sleep apnea treatment. This can be done by an oral appliance, which is why it’s a part of the holistic dentistry approach provided by Dr. Mingus.
What is an Oral Appliance?
Oral appliances for sleep apnea resemble mouthguards used in sports or orthodontic retainers. These are worn in the mouth when you sleep. They support the jaw in a forward position to keep the upper airway open. This reduces blockages and promotes healthier, uninterrupted sleep.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
There are numerous advantages of opting for this form of sleep apnea treatment. It’s not only non-invasive but also allows freedom of movement during sleep. Some benefits include:
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Quiet, unlike other therapies such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapies
- Portable, making it ideal for travel
- Effective in treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
It’s important to keep in mind that oral appliance therapy should always be provided by a qualified dentist, as an ineffective fit could lead to other complications. Dr. Kelley Mingus personally oversees each case, ensuring that patients receive personalized care tailored to their specific needs.
Other Holistic Treatments
When treating sleep apnea, it’s crucial never to underestimate the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Sleep hygiene, nutrition, stress management, and regular exercise are all fundamental components of a true holistic approach.
Nutritional Counseling
What we consume can have a significant impact on our sleep patterns. Nutritional deficiencies or intolerances can lead to sleep disturbances and complicate sleep apnea. Our team can guide you in building a healthier diet with sleep in mind.
Stress Management
Stress and sleep have a tricky relationship. Distorted sleep patterns can raise stress levels, and high stress can interfere with sleep. Learning stress management strategies can help you improve your sleep.
To sum up, the holistic approach to treating sleep apnea taken by Dr. Kelley Mingus is both comprehensive and effective—offering relief from symptoms while addressing the root cause of the disorder. This can lead not only to better sleep but improved overall health. If you or a loved one is suffering from sleep apnea, consider exploring Dr. Mingus’ dental clinic in Bend, Oregon.