Smoking with Sleep Apnea

Smoking will exacerbate any respiratory condition, and it is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should see Dr. Eric Meyer, DDS and his staff for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea, but quitting smoking is up to you!

Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the flow of air to the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.

Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!

To schedule an appointment with Eric Meyer, DDS at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835, call 714-879-7943 or visit Fullerton Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Nocturnal Bruxism

Do you wake up with a sore jaw and have no explanation for it? Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS does because you may be what the dental world calls, a bruxer. A bruxer is someone who falls under the category of nocturnal bruxism, a condition in which a person grinds or clenches his or her teeth during sleep. Although the causes of bruxism are unknown, scientists have linked it to stress and anxiety. Fortunately, there are measures that can be taken to cope as well as treat the problem.

Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS may suggest a night guard as a method of treatment once a diagnosis has been given. This is because the action of grinding and clenching can put unwanted pressure on the jaw and teeth, causing enamel to become worn down and ultra-sensitive. People who suffer from nocturnal bruxism may notice frequent headaches, earaches, and jaw pain.

If you have questions or concerns regarding nocturnal bruxism, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided at the practice, visit www.fullertondental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, in Fullerton CA, call 714-879-7943.

Dangers of Habitual Snoring

Occasional snoring isn’t serious, but when a person is constantly getting kicked in the middle of the night for disrupting their partner's sleep, then it becomes a problem. Habitual snorers not only disrupt the sleep of their partner, they risk developing cardiovascular disease, falling asleep at the wheel due to constant fatigue, and increase their chances of developing sleep apnea. If you don’t feel like you are getting the quality of sleep that you deserve, schedule a consultation with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS.

Sleep apnea creates several problems, including interruptions of breathing during the night. When the airway is physically obstructed, this can cause a delay in breathing during sleep or it can make a person stop breathing altogether. Sleep apnea additionally puts a strain on the heart because the lack of sleep can result in higher blood pressure and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. If you experience drowsiness during the day, it may be time to discuss your treatment options.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep apnea, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided at the practice, visit www.fullertondental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, in Fullerton CA, call 714-879-7943.