Tag Archives: dry mouth

It’s More than Snoring: Sleep Apnea Can Compromise Your Health

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on March 8, 2022

If you’ve experienced a terrible night of sleep, only getting a couple hours of rest, you know how frustrated, irritable, and tired you feel that next day. Although coffee can be our savior during these days, nothing can really replace a good amount of sleep.

While you may think you’re getting a full night’s rest while dealing with sleep apnea, the truth is, you’re constantly running on fumes – just like those nights without much sleep. Although your body may have gotten used to the effects of dealing with sleep apnea, the long-term effects are important to know … Sleep Apnea can compromise your health. Let’s dive deeper into sleep apnea; what it is, what you can do, and what to watch for.

Learn more about Sleep Apnea from WebMD.

Sleep Apnea Explained

Sleep apnea causes disturbances in your sleeping pattern. It can cause you to wake up hundreds of times throughout the night. It’s also extremely common in the U.S., with over 25 million adults suffering from this chronic condition. According to sleepapnea.org, Sleep apnea occurs in about 3% of normal weight individuals but affects over 20% of obese people. In general, sleep apnea affects men more than women. However, sleep apnea rates increase sharply in women after menopause.”

Learn more HERE.

While sleep apnea is often associated with snoring, it’s important to know that not all snoring is a result of sleep apnea.

People with sleep apnea often:

  • Snore louder than people with regular snoring
  • Are restless
  • Pause while they breathe
  • Take shallow breaths
  • Choke or gasp

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

  1. Obstructive: This is the most common type and happens when your airway is obstructed, muscular.
  2. Central: This is not muscular, but happens because the brain is not telling your muscles to breathe – it is a central nervous system issue.
  3. Complex: When someone has both issues – central and obstructive.

Long-Term Symptoms

Sleep apnea can compromise your health, make you tired, give you dry mouth, increase anxiety, give you headaches, and more. Long-term symptoms of sleep apnea become even more serious and include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Depression
  • Heart Disease

GPS Dental Can Help!

Oral appliances, or mouth guards, are extremely helpful for sleep apnea and snoring. This mouth guard is worn only while you sleep and fits like an orthodontic retainer. These oral appliances support your jaw, to help maintain an open upper airway even as your muscles relax.

Related Article: Mouthguards Protect Your Smile (they aren’t just for athletes!)

More than 100 oral appliances have received FDA clearance and Dr. Skrobanek will recommend the device that is best for you. Talk to Dr. Skrobanek and the GPS Dental team about treatment options for sleep apnea and snoring. Ask if oral appliance therapy might be the right solution for you. Get help today to improve your sleep and your health! Learn more HERE.

Learn about additional treatment options in this article by Cleveland Clinic.

GPS Dental AND Mouthguards Protect Your Smile

Now you know more about how mouthguards protect your smile! It’s also important to stay up to date on your cleanings and routine visits with Dr. Skrobanek. In the meantime, having a strong and steady oral health routine – brushing twice a day and flossing once – is the best thing you can do for your oral health!

Don’t let Sleep Apnea compromise your health, call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Skrobanek at 210-633-3477.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek and his experienced, friendly team at GPS Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.

What is that SMELL? (YIKES, it’s my Face Mask Bad Breath!)

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on July 15, 2020

There it is. You’re walking through a store and it hits you – a bad smell. It hits you again throughout the store and you finally realize – it’s your breath. Face masks have made some of us realize that, surprise, we do indeed have bad breath. It’s an extremely common problem, with over 80 million people experiencing bad breath, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. 

Although you may have not noticed it before, now your breath is smacking you right in the face every time you wear your mask. Making your bad breath all the more noticeable and frustrating. 

Related Article: What’s Up With My Bad Mask Breath

Why You’re Experiencing Bad Breath 

There could be a few different reasons you’re experiencing bad breath, and your dentist can help! Some of us may have been experiencing bad breath for a while but have gotten used to the smell and don’t notice it until we wear a mask.

Bad Breath Diagnosis and Treatment process from Mayo Clinic.

This could be due to:

  • Bad oral hygiene. When you’re not brushing well or often enough, bacteria can build in the mouth and cause bad breath.
  • You ate or drank something smelly. Coffee, onions, garlic, and foods high in sulfur can make a negative impact on your breath for up to 72 hours, even with brushing. Try combating the smell with lemon, fresh fruit and vegetables. 
  • Sweets. Sugary treats increase bacteria in your mouth tenfold and increase the stink-factor of your breath. Dentists suggest eating plain chocolate if you’re needing something sweet. Drink water after to remove any chocolate remnants. 
  • Medications. Many common medications can dry out your mouth and contribute to bad breath. Talk with your doctor if you think your medications may be causing dry mouth issues. 
  • Tobacco. Cottonmouth is a common side effect to smoking any tobacco products. Smoker’s breath is a real thing! 
  • Sinus infection or allergies. When your nose gets stuffed up, you’ll probably breath more often through your mouth. This can dry out your mouth and reduce odor-killing saliva. 

Related Article: Bad Breath Could be More than a Stinky Situation

How To Treat Bad Breath

When the face mask bad breath sneaks up on you, it may be time to visit your dentist for a cleaning. In the meantime, brush your teeth twice a day and try brushing your tongue to get rid of any extra bacteria lingering in the mouth. You can also try an anti-bacterial mouthwash, and floss to remove any food buildup in-between the teeth.

Related Article: Dental Exams are Important for SO Many Reasons

Learn more oral hygiene tips from WebMD HERE.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.