Bernstein Dental Care: Blog

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. Paul Bernstein and the staff of Bernstein Dental Care for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea with a snore guard, 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 like a snore guard or CPAP machine, 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 withd...

Sleep apnea is not only a serious medical condition, but left untreated it can lead to a plethora of other health issues and is dangerous for the heart.  A patient with sleep apnea does not breathe properly during sleep, resulting in low oxygen levels throughout the entire body. Breathing supplies lungs with oxygen but also the rest of the body.  When there is a lack of oxygen, the part of the heart responsible for moving oxygenated blood to the organs and extremities is forced to work extra hard.  This can cause an enlarged heart and eventually heart failure. Those living with untreated sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing irregular heartbeats, and also have a higher risk for a stroke and heart attack.  Men with untreated sleep apnea are actually living with double the risk for a stroke.  If you have yet to find a solution for sleep apnea, please visit Bernstein Dental Care for a consultation. If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep disorders, please give us a call...