When you first become aware that you have sleep apnea, you’re most likely to notice how it leaves you feeling tired in the morning as well as how your loved ones are constantly disturbed by your loud snoring. Unfortunately, the damage doesn’t stop there – not by a long shot. Sleep apnea in Weatherford has been shown to impact overall health in many ways, and recent studies even suggest that it cause your body to age more rapidly than normal. Read on to learn more about the link between sleep apnea and aging as well as what you can do to protect yourself.

<!–more–>

How Sleep Apnea Affects Aging

Biological age doesn’t necessarily correspond with your calendar age. Your cells may age at an accelerated rate depending on various lifestyle factors, including your sleeping habits. A recent study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that severe sleep apnea tended to be associated with accelerated aging. This was shown to be particularly true for women, suggesting that they may be more susceptible to the effects of sleep-disordered breathing.

What Effects Does Sleep Apnea Have on the Body?

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway is repeatedly blocked during the night. This impacts the body in numerous ways in addition to accelerated aging, such as:

• An increased risk of high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, and other heart problems.
• A weakened immune system that increases the risk of infection.
• Increased blood sugar levels that can make diabetes more difficult to manage.
• Low blood oxygen levels, meaning your cells don’t get the oxygen they need to function correctly.
• Memory loss, mental confusion, depression, and other cognitive issues.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself from Sleep Apnea?

Fortunately, the effects of accelerated aging can be reversed, and other sleep apnea symptoms can be treated as well. In order to do so, naturally you’ll have to stop your sleep apnea. You’ll have to get in touch with a sleep dentist in Weatherford as soon as possible so that they can help you figure out what needs to be done to have the condition properly diagnosed. They can also offer oral appliance therapy as a form of treatment if you’re unable to tolerate CPAP therapy. There are also a few changes you can make at home to improve the quality of your sleep, including:

• Losing weight, as obesity has a strong link with sleep apnea.
• Sleeping on your side instead of your back to keep the airway clear.
• Avoiding alcohol for at least four hours before bed.

Remember, sleep apnea’s effects become more severe the longer the disorder goes untreated, but it’s never too late to improve the quality of your rest. Protect your health and your youth by helping yourself breathe easier at night.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry with honors in 1998, and since then she has been practicing in Weatherford. Beginning in 2005, she began attending education courses about airway obstruction, snoring, and sleep apnea. Today, she can help patients at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine enjoy a better night’s rest with oral appliance therapy. To schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.

Did you know that there are about 5 million bacteria on each of your hands at any given time? In a pandemic, it is important that those germs and viruses are not given the opportunity to enter your system or spread to your friends and family. That is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reinforced that handwashing and sanitizing remain a top priority in fighting COVID-19. Your dentist in Weatherford explains how proper hand hygiene can help flatten the curve.

(more…)

Back in the days before the coronavirus pandemic, your dental team would clean their tools, wash their hands, and put on a fresh pair of gloves to prepare for your appointment. However, to keep patients and staff healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, much more goes into preparing for your visit than before. In fact, numerous extra precautions have been added to normal dental safety protocols in Weatherford to safeguard your wellbeing. Here are six ways your Weatherford dentist prepares for your dental appointment during COVID-19.

(more…)

Social distancing has changed more than just what everyday life looks like—it’s changed how the world says “hello.” Previously normal ways of greeting each other like shaking hands and hugging are widely discouraged in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Thankfully, there are still plenty of ways to say “hi” and show your gratitude without any contact! Here are some recommendations from your Weatherford dentist for greeting others in the age of social distancing.

(more…)

Everyone has unique ways of managing stress. If we’re honest with ourselves, some are better for us than others. After a long day, it can be easy to lapse into easy habits that may not benefit you in the long run. With nearly everyone living in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, these habits can easily become exacerbated.

Unfortunately, many, such as nail biting, smoking, and snacking, can have adverse effects on your oral health. Instead of constantly indulging them, your dentist in Weatherford has some suggestions on how to manage stress while maintaining your healthy smile.

 

(more…)

Imagine that you’ve woken up in the middle of the night with severe pain in your mouth. You’ve taken aspirin and tried to wait it out, but nothing will do the trick. You desperately want to make an emergency dental appointment but aren’t sure what qualifications you should be looking for. There are many defining traits of a qualified emergency dentist. Read on to find out how to choose the right emergency dentist in Weatherford for you.

 

(more…)

Most people know that daily brushing, flossing and visiting a dentist every six months are the pillars of maintaining a healthy smile. However, did you know that the food you choose to put on your plate every day also impacts your oral health? It’s true! When it comes to preventing cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues, not all foods and drinks are created equal. March is National Nutrition Month in Weatherford, so there is no better time than now to explore dietary tips to boost your oral health.
(more…)

When a dental emergency occurs, the last thing on your mind is money. All you can think about is the pain and how to relieve it as quickly as possible. That is until you sit down with the dentist and learn which treatments are necessary to fix the problem. How do you know if you’re covered? What should you do if you’re not? Let an emergency dentist in Weatherford put your mind at ease by explaining a few of the most common injuries and what you can expect when it comes to your out of pocket expenses.

(more…)

Did you know that the health of your heart is connected to your teeth and gums? When you take the time to take care of your mouth, you’re also looking after the wellbeing of your cardiovascular system. Since February is American Heart Month in Weatherford, there’s no better time to schedule your routine dental checkup and reduce your risk of developing serious medical problems, such as heart attacks. (more…)

If you have any number of teeth missing, then you’re already quite familiar with the many inconveniences it causes. You’ve likely had to make changes in the foods you eat and alterations in the way you smile. Thankfully, this is not how the story has to end. As you continue reading, a local dentist compares dental implants vs. dentures in Weatherford, which are two options for replacing your missing teeth and restoring your smile.

(more…)