How is Sleep Apnea Treated? Treatment Options

Sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes, oral appliances, breathing devices and surgery.  The goals of treating sleep apnea are to restore regular breathing during sleep and to relieve symptoms, such as loud snoring and daytime sleepiness. Without the benefits of treating sleep apnea you may be stuck with a negative impact on your life.

Treatment may reduce the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Lifestyle Changes may relieve Mild Sleep Apnea:

·       lose excess weight

·       avoid alcohol, tranquilizers, sleeping pills

·       sleep on the side or abdomen rather than on the back

·       keep the nasal passages open at night

·       stop smoking

For more information on sleep apnea contact, Dr. Anna Lee & her team today.

Management of Bad Breath

In order to manage Halitosis there are several options:

-Oral hygiene-brush your teeth, tongue and gums after meals-floss daily, use mouthwash and visit your dentist for an exam and teeth cleaning regulary

-Dental problems-restore tooth decay, restore faulty dental work, eg. ill-fitting dentures, and consult with the periodontist for gum disease.

-Dry mouth-drink plenty of water. Chewing sugarless gum can help with the production of saliva and reduce bad breath.

-Avoid strong and spicy foods. This is because the odor from these foods is expelled from our lungs after the foods are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Lifestyle changes and choices are also contributing factors for bad breath, especially with teens. Tobacco use, eating disorders and braces are some examples of these changes and choices.

-Don't use tobacco products
-Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
-Visit the dentist for regular check ups
-Floss at least once a day
-Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day

It is essential for teenagers to learn the benefits of good oral hygiene early in life. Good oral hygiene is often the key to preventing and eliminating bad breath, along with many other dental problems. 

Anna Lee, DDS