Sleep & Airway Services

Dental assistant, Brynn at the dental practice

Better sleep. Better health. More smiles.

Did you know that more than 18 million Americans struggle with sleep disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea?  Of those millions, many children also suffer from sleep-related breathing problems.

Dentists spend a lot of time examining the mouth, tongue, airway, and jaw. We are uniquely trained to discover whether patients are at risk for breathing disorders. In addition to our general dentistry services, we can provide advanced strategies to help with airway problems.

Call our office at 641-792-2780 to learn more!

What Is Sleep Disordered Breathing?

Sleep Disordered Breathing is a phrase used to describe many conditions that affect YOUR sleep. Snoring and disrupted sleep may not seem like significant issues. However, over time it can lead to severe health problems. The most severe type is obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. OSA is linked to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, acid reflux, and high cholesterol. It also increases your risk of heart attack or stroke.

When we screen our patients for sleep problems, we check to see if:

  1. The teeth fit in the face
  2. The tongue fits in the mouth
  3. A person’s sleep patterns are healthy

If you feel you may have OSA or have already been diagnosed, and are having trouble with your current treatment, contact us today to discuss your treatment options.

Airway Screening for Kids

For children, when the jaw does not fully develop, it causes the base of the nose to be narrow. This abnormality can cause YOUR child to sleep poorly and their day-time behavior will suffer. 

If the jaws grow wider, your child can have room for oxygen to flow up and down the airway. This allows your child to breathe normally through their nose and their tongue can rest comfortably between the jaws. If your child develops an abnormal jaw, breathing through their nose is difficult, if not impossible.

When we screen our patients, we check to see if:

  1. The teeth fit in the face
  2. The tongue fits in the mouth
  3. A person’s sleep patterns are healthy

We also examine the tongue, lips and cheek for “ties” in our pediatric patients. Children who don’t get enough adequate sleep are more susceptible to:

  • Mouth-breathing
  • Snoring
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Ear infections
  • Bed wetting
  • Nightmares
  • Poor academic performance
  • Hyperactivity
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Clenching/grinding teeth
  • Small/delayed growth
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Obesity
  • Night Sweats
  • GI distress/reflux
  • Sensory issues

If your child is currently experiencing any of these issues and doesn’t sleep well at night, call us at 641-792-2780. We are passionate about helping your child!

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Dental Sleep Medicine is a growing field within dentistry, and the doctors at The Dental Practice are trained to screen and help treat obstructive sleep apnea. The bottom line is this: All of our patients need to breathe better so they can sleep better. If you can’t sleep well, you don’t live life to your fullest potential.

What can you do if you suffer from poor sleep and impaired breathing? Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, quitting smoking, and exercising can significantly improve sleep. Depending on how severe your condition may be, lifestyle changes may not be enough. Sleep apnea Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) may be the next step you need to combat your sleep apnea. Call our office today at 641-792-2780 and see if oral appliance therapy is right for you!

Call 641-792-2780 if you have any questions about our sleep apnea screenings!

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The Dental Practice
1919 1st Ave E
Newton, Iowa 50208

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Hours
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Closed on Saturday & Sunday