Many people treat snoring as a joke, but there’s nothing funny about it. It can keep you and your loved ones from getting a restful night’s sleep. And if you have sleep apnea, as many folks who snore do, you are more likely to suffer from serious health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Fortunately, we can help you stop snoring with a custom oral appliance.

People with apnea experience many brief interruptions of breathing throughout the night when their airway becomes blocked by their tongue or other soft tissue. The appliance works by moving your jaw into a position that keeps your airway clear so you can breathe easily all night.

Many people find an appliance easier to adjust to than a CPAP machine, another common method of treating sleep apnea. Unlike the CPAP, an appliance doesn’t involve wearing a mask or having air blown into your throat. Since it’s similar in size to a sports mouthguard, you can easily take an oral appliance with you anywhere you go.

To schedule a consultation in our Fitchburg, MA office and see if you’d benefit from a custom-made oral appliance, call 978-343-4031 today.

In the meantime, check out some other ways that may help you breathe better while you sleep:

• Lose Weight – According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, more than half of sleep apnea sufferers are overweight. Fat in your neck can affect your breathing. A good method for losing weight is to drink plenty of water and consume more high-fiber foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Doing this will make you feel full so you eat less. Bonus: both habits are also great for your teeth!
• Exercise Regularly – Exercise helps you lose weight. In addition, it can lessen the nasal congestion that also adversely affects your breathing. You don’t have to adopt an elaborate workout routine. A brisk walk is fine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day.
• Stop Smoking – Smoking is bad for your health in so many ways. Smokers are three times more likely than non-smokers to suffer from sleep apnea. That’s because smoking irritates your upper airway, tongue, and throat, making more you more prone to blockage.
• Clear Your Nose – Nasal congestion makes sleep apnea symptoms worse. You can try elevating your head when you sleep to help keep your nose clear. Taking antihistamines or using nasal strips can also help.
• Skip Sedatives Before Bed – It might seem counterintuitive, but don’t use sedatives to help you sleep. They relax the muscles in your throat, which can contribute to airway blockage. They also make it harder to wake up, which can make you struggle even harder to breathe. Alcohol has similar effects, so skip alcoholic drinks for a few hours before turning in.
• Sleep on Your Side – Your tongue and soft palate relax more when you’re on your back. Because of this, it’s easier to keep your airway open if you sleep on your side. You can try using pillows to help you stay in a side sleeping position.

Ready to stop snoring? Call Call Brian C. McDowell D.D.S. at 978-343-4031 today. We’ll help you get a screening for a sleep apnea diagnosis, if necessary. Whether or not you have apnea, the appliance will help you and those around you get a good night’s sleep.

Since February is American Heart Month, let’s talk about how your oral care affects your heart health! Today we’re sharing a video that shows you how your oral health and heart health are connected! Your mouth is filled with bacteria, and when that bacteria gets into your gums, it can travel into your bloodstream. As a result, it can often lead to health problems like gum disease. That’s why it’s so important to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day are a great start. However, it’s good to take it a step further. Make sure you schedule your cleanings and exams twice a year so we can help you stay on top of your oral health and your overall health. Call Brian C. McDowell, DDS today at 978-343-4031 to schedule your next dental appointment in Fitchburg, MA.

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Perhaps all you want is a white smile for the holidays. Whether you have a holiday party to celebrate or just want to look your best around your loved ones, consider Zoom whitening. As the name implies, it’s a fast way to get a bright smile. Zoom pro whitening:

• Can take under an hour in our office
• Can be done at home while you’re doing other tasks, with results in days
• Works better than drugstore whitening
• Lasts longer than OTC whitening Can brighten your teeth up to eight shades
• Makes you look younger and healthier
• Gives you a dazzling smile for a great first impression (and you might need all the help you can get if you’re meeting your significant other’s family for the first time!)
• Can make over your smile in as little as one visit

Call Brian C. McDowell, DDS today at 978-343-4031 to schedule your appointment for Zoom whitening in Fitchburg, or request an appointment online. We encourage you to contact us soon – appointments fill up quickly at the end of the year. From our family to yours, may your days be merry and bright, and may all your teeth be white!

August is a hectic time for many parents we talk to at Brian C. McDowell, DDS. With kids heading back to school, there’s a laundry list of things to do to prepare your child for a great school year. We like to remind parents to bring their kiddos in for back-to-school cleanings so they can start the year off with a confident, healthy smile.

Our dental cleanings will include a comprehensive exam, decay prevention treatments like fluoride and sealants for extra protection, and a discussion of any problems, like cavities or nutritional advice to prevent them. We can even make your kids custom athletic mouthguards for school sports.

Call Brian C. McDowell, DDS today at 978-343-4031 to schedule your kids’ back-to-school cleanings in Fitchburg, MA. You can also request an appointment online. You’ll love our amenities while you wait! Of course, as a comprehensive dental office, we’re happy to see you for any necessary or elective dental care, too.

June 26 is a special day for Brian C. McDowell, DDS. That’s because we’re celebrating National Toothbrush Day!

It may not sound like a big deal to you, but we put it on our calendars because we know how important the right toothbrush and brushing techniques are for clean, healthy smiles.

We also know there are a lot of misconceptions and misinformation, or just lack of information, about brushing your teeth. So, we’ve created a toothbrush quiz for you to test your knowledge on such a routine but crucial part of your health.

See where you stand, then call us at 978-343-4031 if you have questions or if you’re due for your next dental checkup in Fitchburg, MA. You can also request an appointment online. We’re here to clean, repair, replace, and enhance your teeth and answer any questions about your oral health.

Happy National Toothbrush Day!

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