Posts Tagged ‘sleep apnea’

Mouth Taping for Sleep?

Mouth taping for sleep disorders?

In this article, you will learn:

What is mouth taping?
Can mouth taping help to stop teeth grinding?
Does taping your lips closed help you sleep better?

Sleep Apnea Expert Dr. Magid-Katz: Does mouth taping help snoring?

Who wouldn’t want less stress and inflammation, and more stamina, energy, and mental function?

TikTok’s new sleep hack includes taping your lips when you sleep at night.

Here’s what you need to know:

Do dentists recommend mouth taping?

Meet the expert:

Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, a New-York based dentist and sleep expert based in Westchester County. Dr. Magid-Katz helps patients with sleep dentistry and related sleep disorders.

Why is mouth taping currently trending?

As with most trends, celebrities and social media have made a big impact by increasing awareness of nasal breathing. A quick fix is alluring.

People are finally starting to think about what some ancient cultures have always known… that breathing in and out through the nose is healthier. Pro athletes use such breathing techniques as do Tai Chi practitioners. More studies are being published demonstrating the importance of a good airway and nasal breathing.

More doctors are being trained to recognize and treat mouth breathing and other airway deficiencies. Mouth breathing has become even more evident during COVID, as many people found themselves breathing more through their mouth while wearing a mask.

Why should you breathe out of your nose?

Nasal breathing is important for many reasons, as it allows you to breathe more slowly and effectively. The nose is designed to filter viruses, bacteria, debris, and allergens, as well as humidify the air we breathe. Nasal breathing can increase the oxygen to the bloodstream, improve lung function, and decrease stress on the body. The body’s cells are able to get the oxygen they need more efficiently from the bloodstream so that the body functions optimally, muscles are able to recover faster, and the heart doesn’t have to work as hard.

Why do some people breathe out of their mouths?

Some people breathe through their mouth because their nasal passage is blocked due to allergies or a structural problem. This problem often starts when they are young and their muscular habits and dental arches do not grow to support the nasal passage properly. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids, as well as the soft tissue trauma from snoring can block the airway (which in turn creates a vicious cycle of more trauma and enlargement). Other people breathe through their mouths out of habit. Interestingly, the less they breathe through their nose, the harder it may become.

What are the problems associated with breathing out of your mouth?

While more air passes with mouth breathing, the body does not get the oxygen it needs as efficiently as it does with breathing through the nose. This causes the body to be more stressed and breathe more rapidly. Mouth breathing dries out the mouth and changes the pH (acidity level) and bacterial makeup in the mouth.

This can lead to dental problems such as tooth wear, cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Inflammation from breathing dry air through the mouth and disuse of the nose further blocks the airway. This also creates an airway that is more collapsible, which at night can lead to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious medical condition in which someone stops breathing while they’re sleeping, interrupting their sleep cycle and often decreasing the oxygen in their blood. This condition can be related to other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes. Not to mention the relationship problems that come with snoring, a common symptom of OSA.

Kids who are constantly breathing through their mouth tend to grow around that open mouth posture. In other words, their skull and face develop differently. This leads them to breathe even more poorly and makes them more susceptible to behavioral and concentration issues as well as the medical conditions related to OSA.

READ: Why we clench our teeth when we sleep.

How can people know if they are a mouth breather?

To know if you’re a mouth breather, take a look in the mirror or look at pictures of yourself. If your lips are parted or mouth is hanging open, chances are you’re breathing through it. Also, think about if your lips tend to be dry, especially when you wake up in the morning. If so, it is likely that air is constantly passing your lips rather than being humidified by your nose.

Smile big. If you have a gummy smile, you may have breathed through your mouth a lot as a child (and likely continue to do so). Next, take a look at your posture from the side. Or better yet, have someone take a picture for you. Those with blocked airways, including mouth breathers, tend to have a forward head posture because they’re trying to get more air.

What can you do about it?

Nasal breathing is clearly important for your overall health. The question then becomes, how does a mouth breather become a nasal breather? Speak to a physician or dentist who is knowledgeable when it comes to the airway.

Make sure the nasal passage is clear and the dental arches allow for proper nasal breathing. Talk to a myofunctional therapist who can help strengthen and retrain the muscles. Some dental appliances are designed to help children and adults correct the habit as well.

For some people, the more they breathe through their nose, the clearer and easier it gets, so the first thing to do is become more conscious of it.

Try setting your phone alarm periodically throughout the day as a reminder to think about whether your mouth is open and how you’re breathing (or have a friend or loved one look at you periodically and note if your mouth is open). Set aside time in the morning and night to practice proper breathing techniques.

Is mouth taping a good solution worth trying for sleep issues?

People always want something that they can try right away at home. Some people do find that proper mouth taping combined with over-the-counter nose strips (worn outside the nose) or nasal dilators (that go in the nostrils) to be effective. If you are going to try tape, use one that is porous and is not too adhesive (so that you can still open your mouth if need be). Put a small piece vertically so that you can breathe through the sides of your mouth. This way, the tape is more of a reminder and less restrictive.

Try it first for a short period of time when you are awake and calm. Put your tongue to the roof of your mouth and breathe through your nose slowly. You can try this with a meditative breathing app. There are even some health professionals who teach the Buteyko breathing method, which includes mouth taping. That said, if it does not feel right for you, don’t do it. If you don’t feel any better in two weeks, stop doing it.

Most importantly, always make sure you are able to breathe through your nose safely. If there is any doubt, have your airway evaluated first and ask your doctor if this would be safe for you to try. And never use it if you feel ill or you might vomit.

Did you enjoy this article?

Read our next article: Top 7 Signs Your Child May be Suffering from Sleep Disordered Breathing

Sleep Dentistry in Westchester County, NY |Treatment of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Are you falling asleep during the day even though you thought you got a full night’s sleep? You may have a common disorder known as sleep apnea. We can treat sleep apnea with the SomnoMed Oral Appliance. Book an appointment with us and we’ll help to make sure you get a full night of sleep every night.

Sleep Apnea Treatment | Dental Services

Get your loved one screened for obstructive sleep apnea so that you can not only sleep in quiet, but rest at ease. Individuals who often have the hardest time getting a good night’s sleep are the spouses or partners of a snorer.

ABOUT DR. SABRINA MAGID-KATZ

Sleep Apnea Treatment | Dentist in Westchester County

Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, D.M.D., lectures to dental societies about screening for Sleep Apnea and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She practices general dentistry at Advanced Dentistry of Westchester in Harrison, NY where she also screens for and treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Dr. Magid-Katz DMD holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Bases of Behavior from Duke University and completed her Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the recipient of the prestigious “Robert Seminara Resident of the Year” award for “excellence in General Dentistry and outstanding service as a PGY1 Dental Resident” from NY Presbyterian-Methodist Hospital. Named in Westchester Magazine as one of the 22 people that everyone in the County will be talking about, Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz DMD takes great pride in the cutting-edge dental care she offers patients, as well as in her expertise in screening for oral cancer and obstructive sleep apnea. Throughout her schooling and dental career, she has also been committed to addressing the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. Dr. Magid-Katz has been featured in Teen Vogue, Vice, Dentistry Today, Social Life Magazine, WAG Magazine, Fox 5 and numerous media outlets.

READ: Best Health Magazine: Mouth Taping: What Is It, and Is It Actually Worth It?

Why We Clench Our Teeth When We Sleep

Teeth Clenching | Sleep Disorders

The prevalence of clenching and grinding while sleeping is over 20%.

In this article, you will learn:

How to stop clenching your teeth when you sleep
What does grinding your teeth while you sleep mean?
How to Stop Clenching Your Teeth

What does it mean to clench your teeth?

It sounds like a simple question, but what it means to clench one’s teeth is a source of debate and topic of research. People of all ages clench their teeth, but not everyone who clenches is aware they have a problem or know when it is happening.

Signs of wear may be seen by a Westchester County dentist. People who grind their teeth at night often wake up with sore, tired jaws. Many people grind or clench their teeth during the day.

Why is grinding teeth bad?

Parafunctional habits such as grinding or clenching can wear away the tooth enamel leaving them sensitive to temperature. They can cause loss of structure of the teeth at the gum line, which can be sensitive and unaesthetic. They can also cause loosening of the teeth.

Grinding can cause jaw problems or TMD, which results in facial pain, chronic headaches, clicking in the jaw and lead to osteoarthritis of the jaw.

Teeth grinding and clenching is very detrimental to the teeth, the supporting structures of the teeth (bone and gums), and the muscles and joints, which makes up the jaw mechanism. Untreated grinding can break teeth, requiring getting crowns or extraction and grinding teeth down to the point that it involves the nerves of the teeth.

Teeth grinding can cause damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), resulting in osteoarthritis of the joint with pain, grinding noises, and clicking while chewing. This parafunction can also cause chronic headaches due to the overworking of the muscles of the head and face.

3 Reasons People Clench Their Teeth

There are different opinions as to why people grind their teeth.

The top 3 reasons why people clench their teeth are:

1) Some think it is a stress habit.
2) Some think it is a discrepancy in the bite.
3) Research also indicates that clenching can be a sign of an airway problem.

Many medications cause grinding and clenching as a side effect.

How do I stop myself from clenching my teeth?

Evaluation by a dentist is essential if you are looking to stop clenching your teeth when you sleep. An oral appliance can protect the teeth and jaws from nighttime grinding, but it won’t stop the problem.

Determining the cause and correcting it can be very effective. Over the counter oral appliances are available, but we don’t recommend them because of the lack of proper bite and functional design. In addition, OTC appliances are soft and people tend to chew them, making the problem worse.

Digital scans can be used to analyze the bite, and medications can be evaluated.

It is important to rule out an airway problem as the cause of the clenching. Untreated sleep apnea can cause serious medical conditions such as heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, impotence, and depression.

A sleep study may even be taken at home to provide insight as to how you are sleeping.

Is clenching teeth a sign of stress?

If stress is the suspected source, do whatever you need to eliminate what’s causing your stress and find a way to unwind such as meditation or yoga.

If you are grinding your teeth during the day, it is important to become aware of it so you can catch yourself and stop the parafunction.

The rule is “lips together, teeth apart” unless you are chewing or swallowing.

Night Guard for Teeth Clenching

If you are having trouble sleeping, a custom mouth guard or a sleep study may be ideal. Contact us today for a consultation.

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For additional information on teeth grinding, read Dr. Magid’s interview on teeth grinding in SheKnows here

Top 7 Signs Your Child May be Suffering from Sleep Disordered Breathing

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By Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, Advanced Dentistry of Westchester

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children sleep disorders ADHD sleep dentist dr Sabrina Magid Katz

Is your child affected by sleep or breathing issues?

Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) is an all-inclusive term for breathing difficulties, ranging from mild snoring all the way to severe airway obstruction during sleep. When your child’s breathing is disrupted, their body recognizes the disruption much like choking, which can result in changes in heart rate, raised blood pressure, arousal of the brain, and ultimately disrupted sleep.

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Sleep disorders often run in families, although they can manifest differently in children. Sleep issues can contribute to behavioral problems such as ADD, bed-wetting, and difficulty in school (especially math and reading). These symptoms may show that an underlying problem exists.

There are ways we can guide growth to not only improve symptoms but set children up for a healthier future.

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SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING: TOP SIGNS⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

ADD/ADHD. Because some of the symptoms of sleep disordered breathing are so similar to Attention Deficit Disorder, as much as 50% of ADD/ADHD diagnoses may in fact be related to a sleep disorder. Screening and treating for sleep disorders can help the conditions of those with ADD/ADHD and may allow the reduction of medications. Studies also show that 25% of children with ADHD could have their problem eliminated if their sleep breathing disorders were effectively treated. More than half of children who suffer from ADHD will experience profound effects as adults if untreated. If we can uncover an underlying sleep disorder and change their growth to eliminate it, we can remove this risk as well as the need for future treatment.

Sleep Disorders Vs. ADHD ⠀⠀

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Bed wetting. This is an embarrassing and stressful issue for more families than one might think. Children with sleep-disordered breathing are thirty percent more likely to have issues with bedwetting. This may be the result of pressure on the bladder while trying to breathe or changes to the hormones from the sleep disorder over time. Treating patients with sleep-disordered breathing is likely to improve or resolve the bedwetting.

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Difficulty in school. Children who don’t get a good quality sleep at night often have difficulty during school, especially in subjects that take high amounts of concentration like math and reading. Those with sleep disorders were found to be three times more likely to have grades of C or lower, and seven times more likely to have reported learning problems. Not only will grades suffer, but their self-confidence and social relationships will suffer too. In class, they may be labeled as “bad at math,” a “slow reader,” or disruptive. On the playground, they can be more irritable, aggressive, anxious, and more likely to be depressed. They are more likely to have emotional, communication, and friendship difficulties. Some children who are officially diagnosed with behavior disorders actually have underlying sleep disorders.

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Crowded teeth. Crowded teeth may force the jaw and muscles to develop in a way that constricts the child’s airway. Many people don’t think about the teeth and mouth when they think of sleep disorders or the other symptoms it can cause, such as ADD. However, poorly positioned teeth and bite can actually cause the sleep disorder in the first place. One disorder, called obstructive sleep apnea, is when the tongue and tissue in the mouth and throat block the airway. If the teeth crowd the space the tongue should rest in, or the jaw pushes the tongue back, the airway will be blocked.

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Snoring/mouth breathing/restless sleep. Has the noise coming from your child’s room stopped you in your tracks? Have you taken the time to quietly watch and listen to your child sleep? Try it some time, as it may give you some valuable insight into how they’re breathing. Snoring may be annoying or even funny at times, but it is one of the most common and easily recognizable signs that a person may have a sleep breathing disorder. Keep in mind, however, that although snoring can be a good indicator that further diagnosis is needed, it is not always present and is not a requirement for a sleep disorder. Children are less likely to snore than adults and parents are even less likely to report them as snoring, despite the presence of sleep breathing disorders.

When listening closely, gasping and snorting sounds during sleep may catch you off guard or even make you momentarily worry. Even though they may seem to be sleeping peacefully right after, it is important to investigate further, as this is a pretty good indicator of sleep disordered breathing as well. You may also notice that your child’s mouth hangs open while they’re sleeping or even during the daytime. Mouth breathing may be a sign that their airway is obstructed. It can also lead to changes in facial growth, which can in turn make the sleeping problem worse. Lastly, if your child has restless sleep or wakes up frequently it may be because they’re not able to breathe properly while sleeping. Sleep is tremendously important for proper growth, development, and health. That’s why it is just as important to properly diagnose and correct whatever is disturbing their slumber.

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Allergies. Kids with allergies and stuffy nose have part of their airway blocked, so they are more likely to breathe through their mouth at night. This mouth breathing can change the way they grow and develop and make the airway worse for life. There is also some thought that the physical stress of these sleep breathing disorders can cause inflammation and other immune reactions which may cause the allergies to worsen.

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Daytime sleepiness. You might imagine a person who isn’t sleeping properly at night to be really tired during the day. While many (but not all) adults with sleep disorders report feeling tired during the day, it is less of an indicator for children. Many children show signs of hyperactivity secondary to the exhaustion, making the sleepiness difficult for parents to detect. However, if your child is telling you that they are sleepy, it is best to listen to them and take them seriously enough to get it checked out.

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A child with Sleep Disordered Breathing may exhibit many of the same symptoms as a child with ADD/ADHD, Poor Performance in School, Nightmares, Bedwetting, Chronic Allergies and more! Unfortunately, many children are being misdiagnosed and mistreated. Many treatments also temporarily help the symptom without fixing the underlying problem. With The Healthy Start program, we address the core sleep issues while naturally straightening teeth. The program enables us to address sleep disordered breathing and straighten teeth without braces. The system can supplement or even replace traditional orthodontics by treating children earlier and addressing the muscle habits and overall development. Children without sleep disorders can benefit too! By correcting muscle habits and aligning the teeth as they come into the mouth (rather than waiting until after they’re in), we can eliminate the need for those annoying retainers the rest of their life. It is a gentle, non-invasive, natural way of straightening teeth to achieve a picture-perfect, healthy, and beautiful smile.

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The system works with the natural forces of tooth eruption and swallowing. The soft, comfortable, removable devices gently guide the erupting teeth into their perfect positions. It aids in the correct growth and alignment of the jaw, encourages the development of proper oral habits, and expands the arches to ensure incoming permanent teeth have enough room to erupt in straight.

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If your child is exhibiting one or more of these symptoms, set up a consultation so we can get your child on the path to a more comfortable diagnosis and treatment. By intervening early, we can correct many of these issues so that they may achieve their full potential and live a healthier life.

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About Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, D.M.D.

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Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, D.M.D., lectures to dental societies about screening for Sleep Apnea and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She practices general dentistry at Advanced Dentistry of Westchester in Harrison, NY where she also screens for and treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Dr. Magid Katz DMD holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Bases of Behavior from Duke University and completed her Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the recipient of the prestigious “Robert Seminara Resident of the Year” award for “excellence in General Dentistry and outstanding service as a PGY1 Dental Resident” from NY Presbyterian-Methodist Hospital. Named in Westchester Magazine as one of the 22 people that everyone in the County will be talking about, Dr. Sabrina Magid Katz DMD takes great pride in the cutting edge dental care she offers patients, as well as in her expertise in screening for oral cancer and obstructive sleep apnea. Throughout her schooling and dental career, she has also been committed to addressing the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. Dr. Magid Katz has been featured in Teen Vogue, Vice, Dentistry Today, Social Life Magazine, WAG Magazine, Fox 5 and numerous media outlets. For more information visit www.adofw.com. Watch Dr. Sabrina Magid Katz DMD on News 12 Westchester

Ask The Sleep Dentist: What is Sleep Apnea?

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing is disrupted during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a chronic condition where the jaw and soft tissue blocks the airway.

Breathing stops for a period of time until the person wakes up just enough to move the muscles and breathe again. This may happen every other minute without a person remembering in the morning.

Among other serious medical effects, these mini-arousals disrupt the sleep cycle so that the deep and reparative stages are not reached. You may think you’re allowing plenty of time for sleep but remember the quality of sleep matters just as much, if not more.

You may not be getting the type of sleep you need to be healthy and refreshed. Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, acid reflux, diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and depression may be related.

How common is sleep apnea?

Although the condition is largely underdiagnosed, an estimated 30 million adults in the U.S. have obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is also prevalent in children.

What causes sleep apnea?

Excess tissue in the back of the throat, misaligned or narrow jaw, large neck, or excess body weight can all block the airway and contribute to obstructive sleep apnea.

Is it more common in women or men? Does it present itself differently in men/women?

Men are twice as likely to have OSA, although women are less likely to be diagnosed even when they have OSA. This is perhaps more serious in women since they may be more likely to have a risk of heart problems associated with the condition. Although presentation is largely the same, women are more likely to report insomnia and daytime sleepiness.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

SNORING. Snoring can be annoying, even funny, but it may be a sign of sleep apnea. The noise from snoring comes from the vibration of tissue in the back of the throat. This indicates a narrowing airway that may at times close completely. Choking and gasping may be witnessed during snoring. The person is literally choking on the blocked airway and gasping for breath.

SLEEPINESS. Sleepiness makes sense if you’re waking up every other minute and never getting to the deep reparative stages of sleep. If you tend to fall asleep while sitting quietly watching TV or in the passenger seat of a car, it’s possible that you’re not getting the quality of sleep you need. That said, not everyone with sleep apnea realizes they’re sleepy.

FOOD CRAVINGS. Untreated sleep apnea may actually affect hormones that control food cravings and full signal, making it difficult to lose weight. Unfortunately this is a viscous cycle since excess weight can worsen sleep apnea.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS. Diabetes, high blood pressure, reflux, depression, impotence, and other medical conditions may be related to sleep apnea and can be an indication that one’s sleep should be investigated.

ADD. In children, sleep apnea may present as ADD/ADHD, bed-wetting, or poor performance in school. In fact, an estimated 50% of ADD diagnoses may actually be sleep related since the symptoms are so similar.

How Sleep Apnea is Treated:

If sleep apnea is suspected, it is important to get a sleep study, which can be done in a lab or in your own home. CPAP, a machine with a mask that keeps the airway open with a column of pressurized air, may be recommended. If apnea is mild to moderate, or a CPAP cannot be tolerated, treatment can be as simple as a special night guard designed by a sleep-trained dentist. This night guard gently pushes the lower jaw forward to hold the airway open. In children, a specially trained dentist can make a soft night “pillow” that retrains the tongue and guides the growth of jaws into a proper position so they may actually grow out of the sleep apnea altogether.

Sleep Apnea Treatment |Harrison, NY

Can my dentist help me with sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea in Westchester County NY can be treated by Dr. Sabrina Magid Katz.

About Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, D.M.D.

Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, D.M.D., lectures to dental societies about screening for Sleep Apnea and is a member of The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She practices general dentistry at Advanced Dentistry of Westchester in Harrison, NY where she also screens for and treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea. For more information visit www.adofw.com.