Find Out What’s Really Causing your Snoring

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Dr. Hartrick's Team

Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Snoring is a common occurrence among people all over the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. Snoring can be a sign of a serious sleep breathing disorder that increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke, among other health issues. Thankfully, proper treatment manages the condition and helps you get the restful night’s sleep that your body deserves. So today on the blog, find out what’s really causing your snoring and how our Royal Oak sleep apnea dentist can help.

What causes snoring?

There are less serious causes of snoring. Typically, these individuals only snore occasionally, due to causes such as allergies, the common cold or excess alcohol consumption. But chronic snoring that occurs night after night could point to a sleep-breathing disorder referred to as obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA for short.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

OSA is caused when soft tissue blocks or restricts the airways, which reduces airflow. And as you breathe, the air vibrates the soft tissue, which results in snoring and restricted airflow.

Causes of soft tissue blockage in the airway may include:

A deviated septum
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
A narrow dental arch
Poor tongue posture
A tongue-tie

Depending on the exact cause of your snoring, surgical intervention may be necessary to clear the blockage. Otherwise, non-invasive treatment is available.

Is sleep apnea serious?

Ignoring your snoring could mean that you’re putting yourself at risk of developing serious diseases like cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, dementia and even certain types of cancer. Snoring is also a sign that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, which strains your organs, making them work harder. Unfortunately, this results in systemic low-grade inflammation, which is the precursor for these serious, life-threatening diseases. Additionally, snoring disrupts the brain from REM sleep, which is the deepest and most crucial stage of sleep, leaving the sufferer chronically fatigued, affecting memory, function, and mood.

How can a dentist treat sleep apnea?

Dr. Nancy Hartrick, a Royal Oak airway dentist, can perform an assessment of your airway to determine if you are at risk of sleep apnea. Depending on the findings, Dr. Hartrick may refer patients to undergo an official sleep study. Although only a qualified sleep specialist can officially diagnose sleep apnea, dentists trained in airway management can provide treatment. Hartrick Dentistry prefers to treat sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy. If you do in fact have sleep apnea, Dr. Hartrick will recommend an oral appliance that is worn while sleeping to help open the airway and increase airflow. The appliance is custom-made from impressions of your mouth. The idea is that it gently repositions your lower jaw to prevent your airway from collapsing. Some oral appliances meant to manage sleep apnea are adjustable for your changing treatment needs. Dr. Hartrick will help determine which oral appliance is best for you.

Sleep apnea treatment in Royal Oak and Birmingham in Michigan

If you snore or suspect that you may have sleep apnea, the first step you should take is to schedule a sleep apnea screening with Dr. Hartrick. She has helped countless patients manage their sleep apnea, reduce snoring, and rest better with oral appliance therapy. To learn more or to schedule your screening, contact Hartrick Dentistry by calling (248) 549-0950 or visit our website.

Posted in Sleep Apnea

When is a Dental Crown the Best Treatment Option?

Posted on January 3, 2024 by Dr. Hartrick's Team

Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI

At Hartrick Dentistry, we strive to prevent tooth loss whenever possible. We can protect a permanent tooth by installing a dental crown, saving teeth even if they have sustained serious damage. Once in place, a crown restores the shape, function and appearance of your tooth.

You might be wondering, when is the best time to get a crown? Find out today on the blog, as we explore when a crown is the best treatment option.

What is a dental crown and how does it work?

A crown replaces the whole exterior of a tooth. In the past, receiving a crown entailed two appointments with your dentist. At Hartrick Dentistry, however, we now have CEREC® technology that can complete an entire permanent crown in a single visit. We take digital impressions of the tooth being treated and then fabricate the permanent crown right there in our dental office in Royal Oak, eliminating the need for traditional impressions or a temporary restoration. Digital scans also are more accurate, which means your crown will align better with your bite. We customize a crown to the shade of your other natural teeth, so that it blends seamlessly into your smile.

We work exclusively with crowns made of dental porcelain, a material that is beautiful, durable and has a translucency similar to natural tooth enamel. Once your crown is installed, Dr. Hartrick will make sure it fits well and that it aligns with your bite. You should be able to resume your normal routine almost immediately once the procedure is complete. Maintaining it is easy; just brush and floss your crown the same way you would your other natural teeth.

When is a crown the best treatment option?

Injury: A crown can repair a tooth that has been fractured, broken or severely chipped. This prevents further damage to the tooth or potential exposure of the dental nerve.
Decay: Certain areas of decay are too large to be repaired by a filling. Even in the event of serious damage to a tooth from decay, a crown can restore the exterior and repair the tooth.
Failing restoration: If an existing restoration such as a filling needs to be replaced, then you may need to install a crown to prevent additional harm to the tooth.
At the end of another procedure: We install a crown at the end of a root canal or to complete the installation of a dental implant.
For aesthetic reasons: Sometimes a crown is a good choice for a cosmetic procedure. It can be ideal for a badly misshapen tooth, a tooth with severe stains that does not respond to whitening procedures or a tooth that cannot be treated with veneers or a dental bonding procedure.

Dental Crowns in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

Are you facing any of the above treatment situations? If so, then schedule a consultation at Hartrick Dentistry today to learn more about our crown procedures or any other treatment offered at our office in Royal Oak. Make your appointment by calling ((248) 549-0950 or visiting our website.

Posted in General Dentistry

Onboarding Intraoral Scanners and the Digital Workflow in Your Practice

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Dr. Hartrick's Team

Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Dr. Nancy Hartrick is a distinguished dentist serving the communities of Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI. She has been helping patients achieve healthy and beautiful smiles for over 30 years. Apart from providing top-quality dental care, Dr. Hartrick is also a prolific writer and speaker on various dental topics. In her recent article, she talks about the importance of onboarding intraoral scanners and the digital workflow in your practice. Dr. Hartrick stresses the benefits of using these technologies, including faster and more accurate diagnoses, improved patient experience, and increased efficiency. She provides insightful tips on how dental practitioners can seamlessly integrate intraoral scanners and digital workflows into their practices and enhance the quality of their work. Dr. Hartrick’s article is a valuable resource for dental professionals looking to incorporate cutting-edge technologies into their practices.

Posted in General Dentistry

3 Ways to get a Glowing Smile for the Holidays

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Dr. Hartrick's Team

Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI

This time of year, the lights twinkle, tinsel sparkles, and when there’s snow on the ground, it glistens. But your smile may be drab. Since photos abound this time of year during holiday gatherings, you want to make sure that your smile stands out in a good way. So today on the blog, our cosmetic dentist in Royal Oak at Hartrick Dentistry shares three ways to get a glowing smile for the holidays. So that no matter if you’re attending an office holiday party or visiting friends and family that you haven’t seen in ages, your glowing smile helps you feel confident both now and beyond the holiday season.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the most affordable and easiest ways to brighten your teeth and achieve a confident smile. Hartrick Dentistry offers three options for teeth whitening: Zoom!, Sinsational Smile, and a take-home whitening system.

Zoom! is touted for its quick results in as little as one visit. Your lips and gums are protected from the whitening gel, while a special light brightens teeth in about an hour. Repeat treatments may be necessary to reach desired results.

Sinsational Smile takes about 20 minutes and uses specially designed trays that fit over your teeth, ensuring that the whitening gel remains in place for maximum effectiveness. Sinsational Smile also uses a light to accelerate the whitening gel, although the appointment is faster than with Zoom! whitening. Additionally, Sinsational Smile comes with a touch-up whitening pen to use at home between treatments.

Take-home whitening kits are also available so that you can whiten your teeth while at home cleaning or relaxing for the holidays. Once you purchase the whitening kit, the trays are yours to keep and use any time that you need to whiten your teeth at home. You can just purchase additional vials of teeth whitening gel to use with your trays.

Dental Bonding

Another in-office treatment that produces immediate results is dental bonding, also known as tooth-colored restorations. Using a pliable material that is hand-crafted to look like a real tooth, the material is permanently bonded to your teeth. A curing light hardens the material, and a final polish has your new smile looking fabulous in just one visit to our dentist office in Royal Oak. Dental bonding is ideal for concealing minor tooth imperfections like a tooth that is unevenly sized, twisted, or gapped. Since dental bonding cannot be whitened, we recommend a teeth whitening session if you want to achieve the brightest look possible.

Dental Veneers

A step up from bonding are porcelain dental veneers, which are specially designed for your unique smile needs. They also are ideal for cosmetic concerns like crooked, chipped, or otherwise imperfect teeth without the need for orthodontics. Getting veneers takes two dental visits, and up to two weeks for the veneers to be ready. In the meantime, your teeth are covered with temporary veneers. Since veneers can be chosen in a variety of shades, you can enjoy a permanently bright white smile for life so long as you practice good oral hygiene. Porcelain veneers look natural and can be the perfect gift for yourself this holiday season.

Smile bright this holiday season

If you’d like to learn more about getting a glowing smile for the holidays, act now. There is still time before the end of the month to get your appointment in the books and enjoy a beautiful smile for the holidays. Learn more or find out which treatment is best for your smile by calling Hartrick Dentistry at (248) 549-0950.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Banish Bad Breath

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Dr. Hartrick's Team

Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI

The idea of bad breath, also referred to as breath odor or halitosis, is enough to cause social anxiety. Many people are concerned about their breath, and as many as 30% of the population should be. They know that no one wants to be around someone with bad breath. It is unpleasant and can lead to the avoidance of a person that normally would be pleasant to be around. In some cases, when it is malodorous enough, it can lead to professional limitations. Halitosis, in fact, is one of the most unattractive aspects of social interactions. While there are many causes of breath odor, there are also many ways to banish it.

Usually, bad breath is a result of poor oral health. The oral cavity is responsible for about 90% of bad breath cases. This means that this breath odor can be caused by oral diseases (such as gingivitis and periodontitis) , tongue coating, food impaction, dry socket, dry mouth, an accumulation of oral bacteria, stress, and age-related factors (decreased oral mobility or the use of removable prostheses).

Halitosis can also result from outside of the oral cavity. This means it can come from ear/nose/throat (ENT) or respiratory diseases (sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchiectasis), specific chronic diseases, drugs and certain chemicals or medicines.

So, if there are many causes of bad breath, how can it be corrected? Other than not eating foods that smell bad themselves, this article will detail eight ways to do that.

Brushing teeth

Teeth brushing is the number one thing that prevents or helps bad breath because it prevents the buildup of bacteria on decaying food particles that get stuck on teeth or gums. These bacteria produce sulfur compounds that can lead to bad breath. However, brushing just one time daily is not enough. Because people eat and drink multiple times a day, they should also brush their teeth multiple times a day, ideally after every meal, and they should rinse their mouths with water after drinking a beverage that isn’t water.

Floss more often

Flossing is one of the most effective ways to conquer bad breath because it lifts away food particles that are trapped between teeth, and it controls plaque buildup which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms between teeth on the tooth itself. Flossing gets in places that brushing cannot reach. By removing the residual food particles and plaque between the teeth, flossing prevents the bacteria from breaking down into lactic acid that eats tooth enamel.

Brush or scrape the tongue

Tongue coating is one of the most prevalent causes of halitosis, but it can be removed. The easiest way is to brush the tongue gently with a toothbrush, but sometimes even that is not enough. A tongue scraper is a small metal or plastic tool that is designed to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue to remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells. A 2008 study compared teeth brushing alone and teeth brushing plus tongue scraping and found a significant reduction in the bacteria present when tongue scraping was included in oral hygiene.

Drink water throughout the day (or use mouthwash)

Often, breath odor is caused by a dry mouth. Some people do not make enough saliva, a condition called xerostomia, which can lead to tooth decay and bad breath. Saliva is needed to moisten the mouth, rinse away acids produced by plaque and dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Drinking water throughout the day will help with these processes. It will also rinse away excess sugar that has been consumed.

A mouthwash can serve the same purpose. As a matter of fact, there are certain mouthwashes that are supposed to treat dry mouths.

Chew gum

Chewing sugarless gum can help eliminate bad breath because chewing gum stimulates saliva. Studies have shown that chewing gum for at least 20 minutes after a meal can lower the risk for cavities and dental erosion. In addition to the fresh scent, which is part of the gum, it reduces the chance of tooth decay that can also cause bad breath.

Stop smoking (or chewing tobacco)

Smokers have an increased risk for halitosis. Smoker breath is not only bad because it smells like stale cigarettes but because smokers actually have bad breath. The reason for this is that the chemicals in tobacco increase the synthesis of toxic volatile sulfur compounds in diseased pockets. Smoking causes a decrease in the normal flora (good bacteria) in the mouth which causes an increase in the pathogenic microbes. In other words, smoking causes an imbalance in the mouth. It also leads to low saliva production.

Change your diet

Diets can affect the way a person’s breath smells too. A high-sugar diet without sufficient brushing, flossing, and scraping allows bacteria to grow on the teeth leading to bad breath. A low carb diet or high protein diet can also affect the way breath smells. Low carbohydrate diets can cause the breath to smell like ketones – or a very metallic smell.

See a dentist

If bad breath continues after trying all the above solutions, it is time to see a dentist. They can check to see if the halitosis is related to a dental problem.

If you need to see a dentist about bad breath in Royal Oaks, MI or the surrounding areas, Dr. Nancy Hartrick at Hartrick Dentistry PC will be happy to help! Call today at 248-712-1149

Posted in General Dentistry

Living with chronic headaches? Your Dentist can Help

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Dr. Hartrick's Team

Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Chronic headaches can affect your ability to function daily, from basic tasks like remembering to pay the bills, and work deadlines to picking your kids up from practice on time. If you suffer from daily head pain, you may rely on a bottle of over-the-counter pain medication for relief and to get through the day. Unfortunately, chronic headaches are chronic for a reason – there’s an underlying cause. And, until you treat the underlying cause, your pain will reoccur day after day. But some chronic headache sufferers visit their doctor only to be misdiagnosed or feel unheard as if their pain wasn’t real or bad enough. Today on the blog, Hartrick Dentistry shares how our TMJ dentist in Royal Oak can help if you’re living with chronic headaches.

An underlying cause of chronic headaches

Temporomandibular joint or TMJ disorder is a common underlying cause of chronic headaches. TMJ disorder is when the jaw joints are imbalanced due to an uneven bite or a malfunction in the jaw joints like arthritis. Additionally, one of the body’s most prominent nerves, the trigeminal, connects from the spinal column, around the skull, and feeds into the upper and lower jaw. Nerves may send pain signals to other areas of the body, even areas that aren’t actually affected by an injury or issue. Inflammation and reduced blood flow are common in cases of TMJ disorder, which constricts blood vessels in the brain, leading to headaches. Therefore, TMJ disorder has a lot to do with chronic headaches! And taking over-the-counter pain relievers only temporarily relieves pain because the root cause isn’t being addressed.

How a Royal Oak dentist can treat chronic headaches

Treating TMJ disorder starts by establishing an even, comfortable bite by wearing a custom-made oral appliance. Then, once the bite is established, you’ll start noticing inflammation subsides as blood flow increases. In time, and in some cases fairly immediately, TMJ-related headaches disappear and should not return as a result of TMJ disorder. However, patients may still have occasional headaches from stress, dehydration, insufficient sleep, and other related causes.

At-home remedies to support your TMJ treatment

Wearing a custom-made oral appliance is one of the best ways to relieve TMJ disorder, but you may find that altering your diet by eating softer foods, avoiding gum and chewy foods, and applying ice packs on your face for up to 20 minutes at a time may also help reduce inflammation and discomfort. However, these remedies alone do not address the underlying cause of TMJ disorder, which is to establish an even bite with an oral appliance.

TMJ disorder treatment in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

If you believe that you may have TMJ disorder, schedule a consultation with Hartrick Dentistry today. Dr. Hartrick will perform a thorough examination to determine your bite alignment and the severity of your disorder. Then, she will discuss the first course of treatment and other ways you can help reduce jaw joint inflammation and stress. Make your appointment today by calling our office at (248) 549-0950.

Posted in TMJ

5 Facts you Can’t Ignore about TMJ Disorder

Posted on October 8, 2023 by Admin Team

Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, disorder is known to affect nearly 10 million people in the United States, impacting women more than men, according to the National Health Institute. The disorder often presents noticeable popping and clicking sounds when opening and closing the jaw, along with pain that is sometimes intermittent or chronic. Unfortunately, many general practitioners misdiagnose patients as having other conditions and end up medicating them with pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation. However, a TMJ dentist can diagnose and treat this disorder without long-term use of medication or invasive treatments. Today on the blog, find out five facts you can’t ignore about TMJ disorder so that you can get a proper diagnosis and the treatment that you deserve.

It can cause chronic headaches

Most people experience headaches from time to time, which can be normal. However, chronic headaches or headaches that are difficult to manage may be a sign of something more serious, like TMJ disorder. The reason TMJ disorder causes chronic headaches is because the trigeminal nerve. This crucial neural pathway connects from the spinal column, around the skull, and into the upper and lower jaws. It’s also located close to the temporomandibular joint itself. The trigeminal nerve can radiate pain into the head, neck or even the back if TMJ disorder goes untreated. Additionally, inflammation and restricted blood flow often occur in TMJ cases, which may lead to vasoconstriction in the blood vessels of the brain, causing chronic headaches that are unresponsive to medication.

It can cause toothaches or dental pain

Toothaches or dental pain are common complaints from people experiencing TMJ disorder. That’s because TMJ disorder can often manifest from an uneven bite, crooked teeth or missing teeth, which puts additional pressure on existing teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity or even toothaches. In some cases, TMJ disorder can be relieved by rebuilding the patient’s bite, restoring missing or damaged teeth, and establishing an even biting pattern.

It can make your ears ring

Chronic ear ringing is known as tinnitus, which can be an annoying condition that even leads to depression. For the same reason TMJ disorder may cause headaches or dental pain, chronic inflammation, and reduced blood flow to the jaw joints, which can affect the eustachian tube, causing damage or constant ringing sounds.

It has been linked to Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is classified as widespread pain or tenderness throughout the body. It’s a common condition that affects women more than men and could be related to TMJ disorder. Since TMJ disorder directly impacts one of the most prominent nerves in the body, the trigeminal, it’s no wonder that it could send pain signals and cause other imbalances throughout the body. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, it’s essential to see a TMJ dentist near Detroit for an evaluation.

Surgery isn’t always required if you have TMJ disorder

A TMJ dentist in Royal Oak, like Dr. Nancy Hartrick, can prescribe a custom oral orthotic to relieve TMJ disorder and its related symptoms without the need for surgery. While there may be some severe cases that respond best to surgical interventions, you should talk to Dr. Hartrick about an oral appliance to treat your TMJ disorder before resorting to extensive treatments.

TMJ Disorder Treatment in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

If you suffer from chronic headaches or other symptoms of TMJ disorder, contact Hartrick Dentistry by calling (248) 549-0950 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. You can learn more about non-invasive TMJ treatment or how to treat TMJ disorder without surgery.

Posted in TMJ

What are the 5 Best Reasons to get Invisalign?

Posted on October 1, 2023 by Dr. Hartrick's Team

Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Many adults desire straight teeth but prefer not to get traditional braces for various reasons. However, that doesn’t mean that you must live with crooked teeth. Invisalign is a nearly invisible way for teens and adults to straighten their teeth without others noticing, and with more comfort and convenience compared to traditional metal braces. So today on the blog, our Royal Oak Invisalign provider answers this question – what are the best reasons to get Invisalign?

Reason 1: Invisalign aligners are removable

Perhaps one of the best benefits of Invisalign is that they are removable, unlike braces that are cemented to your teeth and remain in place 24/7 until the end of your treatment. Instead, you can remove the aligners when you need to drink, and brush and floss your teeth. This is especially convenient so that you won’t have to worry about cleaning food out of your braces every time you eat. While the aligners are removable, you should plan on wearing them for at least 22 hours a day but can remove the aligners for special events if you’re having photos taken or giving a speech.

Reason 2: Eat what you want

Since the aligners are removable, you don’t have any dietary restrictions. By contrast, with braces, it’s recommended to avoid popcorn, hard or sticky candy, gum, corn on the cob, whole apples, and nuts. Therefore, enjoy the freedom of eating all your favorite foods and getting enough wholesome nutrition by opting for removable Invisalign aligners.

Reason 3: The aligners are nearly invisible

Invisalign aligners are clear and hardly noticeable, unlike metal braces which are extremely noticeable and difficult to keep clean. This benefit makes Invisalign a top choice among adults who are concerned with aesthetics and want to avoid the embarrassment of traditional braces.

Reason 4: Get results fast

The plastic aligners apply gentle pressure on your teeth. Every few weeks, you receive a new set of aligners. However, treatment time frames can be shorter compared to traditional braces – about 18 months on average with Invisalign, as compared to two years or longer with braces. However, the length of treatment may vary depending on your individual dental needs. In some cases, treatment may only last 12 months. If you’d like to know how quickly you can get results with Invisalign, schedule a consultation with Hartrick Dentistry today.

Reason 5: There isn’t any metal

Invisalign uses a proprietary material that is metal-free, which makes Invisalign treatment ideal for those with a metal allergy or who just want to avoid wearing noticeable metal in their mouth. Since the aligners are metal-free, they are also extremely comfortable and smooth to wear, which means you won’t have to worry about metal parts poking your cheeks, lips, or tongue.

Invisalign Providers in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

Teens or adults with crooked, uneven, or twisted teeth should consider getting Invisalign, especially if they do not want traditional metal braces. However, the best way to determine your candidacy for this treatment is to schedule a consultation with an Invisalign provider in Royal Oak, like Hartrick Dentistry, by calling (248) 549-0950.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Why Do I Keep Snoring at Night?

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Dr. Hartrick's Team

Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Nearly 37 million Americans snore while sleeping. Since this condition is common, you may assume that it’s no big deal. But unfortunately, ignoring your snoring could increase your risk of certain life-threatening conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, insulin resistance, depression, and even certain cancers. Therefore, determining what’s causing your snoring and controlling the problem is the first step in protecting your overall health against the damaging effects of this condition. So today on the blog, our Royal Oak airway dentist at Hartrick Dentistry answers this common question, why do I keep snoring at night?

Your age

Aging adults report that their sleep habits change as they get older. You may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep compared to your sleep habits when you were younger. Also, as you age, your skin loses elasticity and muscle mass reduces, which occurs everywhere in the body, including the throat. Therefore, airway blockages are more likely to occur as you age, which could impede airflow and result in snoring.

Your natural anatomy

Anatomical conditions like a deviated septum, nasal polyps, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and even chronic allergies or the occasional cold may cause airway restrictions that result in snoring. In some cases, surgery is needed to remove chronically enlarged airway tissue, while over-the-counter medications will most often relieve blocked airways associated with allergies or the common cold. However, we recommend that you speak with your primary care provider before starting any over-the-counter medications.

Your sleep position

You’re most likely to snore if you sleep on your back because gravity causes the mouth to gape open, and the tongue to slide back toward the airway, blocking airflow. If you do snore, perhaps try sleeping on your side or propped on a pillow to help lessen the airway restriction. If you try side sleeping yet continue rolling over onto your back, place a pillow behind your back to help force you to sleep on your side.

Alcohol consumption

A common myth is that alcohol induces sleep. But the reality is that alcohol has the opposite effect. Since alcohol is a relaxant, overconsumption could lead to a collapsed or blocked airway that impedes breathing and results in loud snoring. Therefore, reconsider that nightcap beverage because it isn’t going to help you sleep after all, and may even be contributing to your snoring.

Being overweight

Excess weight or fat deposits around the neck can make a person more likely to snore. But you could be at risk of snoring even if you carry the bulk of your weight elsewhere on your body. Some studies show that being as little as a few pounds overweight could lead to less muscle tone and added fat deposits, which are also likely to occur around the neck. Therefore, if you snore, consider weight management solutions to help shed some pounds and improve the rest of your health while you’re at it.

Sleep Apnea Screenings in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

If you snore, you probably experience chronic fatigue, mood swings, and other symptoms that you can’t quite put your finger on the cause. However, a simple sleep apnea screening in Royal Oak at Hartrick Dentistry can help you learn more about your airway health and whether you could benefit from an official sleep study. To learn more or schedule a sleep apnea screening today, contact Hartrick Dentistry by calling (248) 549-0950.

Posted in Sleep Apnea

Is Sleep Loss Really that Big of a Deal?

Posted on September 1, 2023 by Dr. Hartrick's Team

Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Sleep loss plagues everyone from time to time. But for some sufferers, turning and tossing or frequent awakenings throughout the night are enough to impact their daily lives, even to the point of developing health problems and depression. But there are many people dealing with sleep loss that may only feel fatigued throughout the day and not realize the impact that sleep loss has on their health. So, today on the blog, we’re answering a common question, is sleep loss really that big of a deal?

Common causes of sleep loss

Sleep loss can be caused by a variety of factors including caffeine consumption close to bedtime, drinking alcohol, eating a heavy meal late at night, stress, a side effect of certain medications, or untreated sleep apnea. Some of these causes can be remedied by modifying your diet, getting plenty of exercise, and reducing stress in your life, but sleep apnea requires the help of an airway dentist in Royal Oak, like Dr. Nancy Hartrick.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. Many times, sleep apnea sufferers are unaware of their condition, although may find that they wake frequently throughout the night, toss and turn, or have insomnia. Loud snoring or gasping for air are other common symptoms of sleep apnea.

Why is sleep loss a big deal?

Sleep loss can lead to various problems in life, such as an increased risk of an accident (either while driving or operating machinery at work), migraines or frequent headaches, weight gain, and low sex drive, and it can make the sufferer lose interest in once-loved activities because they are tired all of the time. Sleep loss sufferers that experience poor quality sleep night after night may even exhibit symptoms of depression. If these issues aren’t enough to make you want to seek help, sleep loss, and air deprivation also increase one’s risk of heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, and certain cancers.

How does sleep apnea affect the quality of my sleep?

Sleep apnea interferes with the REM sleep cycle, which is the deepest stage of sleep where the brain and cells throughout your body repair and rejuvenate. Depriving your body of these REM sleep stresses the brain, and can lead to chronic systemic inflammation, which increases your risk of various other health problems mentioned above. Therefore, if you snore, experience daytime fatigue, or have been told that you have sleep apnea, it is imperative that you see an airway dentist near you in Royal Oak.

Who is at risk of sleep apnea?

You might assume that since snoring is one of the biggest indicators of sleep apnea that it only affects the elderly and overweight individuals. But even young, healthy athletes are at risk of sleep apnea. Therefore, Dr. Hartrick recommends a simple airway screening when you see us for a check-up.

How can I get help for my sleep apnea and snoring?

Dr. Hartrick can recommend a sleep study, if necessary, and work with your sleep medicine physician to administer a comfortable and convenient oral appliance to relieve you of your sleep apnea symptoms and the risks associated with it. Our oral appliances are often covered by insurance and have a higher compliance rate than CPAP machines which are bulky, noisy, and uncomfortable. Therefore, if you’d like to learn more about sleep apnea evaluations or find out about an oral appliance designed to manage snoring, contact Hartrick Dentistry by calling (248) 549-0950.

Posted in Sleep Apnea