Sleep Apnea

Upcoming Lectures:

Healing with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

November 14th

Female Sexuality

Mercury Fillings

The American Dental Association (ADA) recently had their annual meeting in San Francisco. The ADA has changed their position on dentist's being required to install mercury separators. Mercury separators catch the mercury being removed from patients' mouths or the excess upon placement. If not "trapped" the mercury goes into our waste streams; dentists are the #1 cause of mercury pollution! The ADA House of Delegates voted on October 2nd to mandate mercury separators in every dental office. (I have had mercury separators in my office for over 20 years).The ADA is being hit from all sides about the mercury issue.

Also, on November 14th, a U.S. House Subcommittee is ordering the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to appear before them to answer why the FDA won't classify mercury fillings and why they refuse to do an environmental impact statement.

If either of these are done, it is the end of mercury fillings.

Yesterday's The Living Green, Living Healthy radio show featured Superbugs. Tune in next Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. to WGCH 1490AM for part 2 on Superbugs. Find out what they are and how you can help fight them naturally. If you cannot listen live on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. then you can listen to the archived shows on wgch.com.

Upcoming Lectures

Healing with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Monday, November 12th at 6:45 p.m. Join Dr. Adam Breiner and learn how oxygen, under pressure, can enhance healing throughout the body. Conditions that HBOT may benefit include: Lyme Disease, Stroke, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, RSD, Sports Injuries, etc.

Female Sexuality, A Sexier and Healthier You at Any Age - Wednesday, November 14th at 6:45 p.m. Join Dr. Elena Sokolova and learn how you can revitalize your sexuality...naturally.

Both lectures are free and take place in the second floor conference room in our office building. For reservations, please call 203.371.8258.

Sleep Apnea

Snoring is a problem which plagues many people, and, in particular, their sleep partners. When snoring is accompanied by sleep apnea, the problem goes far beyond disturbing a partner's sleep.

What is the difference between snoring and sleep apnea?

Snoring is caused by soft tissues of the upper airway collapsing onto themselves and vibrating against each other as we attempt to move air through the area. The sound that is created in this way is snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tongue or soft palate collapses at the back of the throat, blocking the upper airway so that the airflow actually stops. When the oxygen level drops low enough, the brain moves out of deep sleep and a person awakens, often with a loud gasp. They fall back to sleep and the pattern repeats many times over.

The low levels of oxygen lead to a chronic inflammation that accounts for many of the symptoms associated with sleep apnea: elevated blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, sexual dysfunction, diabetes, problems with memory and learning, and increased work related driving accidents.

What warning signs, should you or your partner, watch for?

Loud snoring, which may or not be associated with sleep apnea.

Cessation of breathing while sleeping.

Startled awakenings.

Waking up tired and unrefreshed.

Waking up with a headache and/or a very dry mouth.

Dozing off during the day, especially at inappropriate times.

There are three types of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Central sleep apnea, which is rare, involves a problem with the brain signals which tell your body to breathe. The third type is a mix of the first two.


In OSA, like the name implies, there is a problem with obstruction of airflow. It can be caused by enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids (necessitating their removal) or by an enlarged tongue. Being overweight can be a problem. However, 50% of people with sleep apnea are not obese. Nasal congestion and blockages and sinus problems can also be causative.

What can be done? If your sleep apnea is mild, there are several things that may help.

1. Lose weight. Even a 10% loss of weight has helped dramatically in some people.

2. Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol increases the relaxation of the tongue and throat muscles blocking air flow.

3. Avoid using tobacco. Tobacco also relaxes muscles and can cause congestion of your nasal passages.

4. Avoid sleeping pills. These also relax your muscles.

5. Sleep on your side. Some people only have a problem when they sleep on their back, as this allows the flesh of the throat to relax back. A simple trick is to place a tennis ball in the small of your back, to make sure you sleep on your side or stomach (try taping the ball to your back).

6. Normalize your sleep patterns. Go to bed and awaken at the same time each day.

If your problem is not helped by any of the above there are other options available.

Some dentists specialize in making appliances, which often are very helpful with sleep apnea or snoring. The appliances move the lower jaw forward, increasing the airway space. Some appliances reposition the tongue and/or the soft palate.

Surgery to remove an enlarged tonsils and adenoids can be helpful. Also, surgery to increase the size of the airway and to remedy nasal blockages may be of benefit. Treatment of sinus problems is also critical.

If none of the above works, you may need to sleep using a CPAP machine. This appliance delivers Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, which keeps the airway from collapsing.

How do you know, if you have sleep apnea?

90% of people who have sleep apnea are unaware of the problem. If you have any of the warning signs, and especially if you have any of the possible concomitant health problems previously mentioned, i.e., hypertension, heart problems, etc., it would be a good idea to the tested for sleep apnea.

Test for sleep apnea is usually done at a sleep center. Here you spend the night hooked up to a device called a polysomnogram. This monitors how often breathing is disrupted, your quality of sleep, heart rate, blood levels of oxygen, and excessive body movement. Based on the results, the severity of sleep apnea is determined and treatment recommendations are given. Many people are reluctant to go to a sleep center, or there may not be one close to where they live.

An alternate solution.

There is now a sophisticated simple disposable instrument, The Sleep Strip®, which can be used in the comfort of your home. After reading about The Sleep Strip®, I started using them in my office. The strip is a small device which is taped between your mouth and nose upon going to bed and removed in the morning. There are three airflow sensors, one below each nostril and one by your mouth. There is a microprocessor, which processes information from the sensor 10 times each second. The results are given as an absolute number corresponding to the severity of the problem. It is a simple, inexpensive way to screen for obstructive sleep apnea. Studies have shown it to be on a par with the results obtained with a polysomnogram.

Because, obstructive sleep apnea can have such a deleterious effect on a person's health, I would urge anyone who thinks that they may be at risk to be tested.

© 2007, Mark A. Breiner, DDS

The information presented is for educational purposes only. You should consult a qualified dentist or health practitioner for diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Mark Breiner's book, Whole-Body Dentistry, is available on-line at www.wholebodydentistry.com or by phone at 1.800.BOOKLOG (800.266.5564).

About Dr. Mark Breiner:

Whole Body News Update expert, Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT, is a leading authority and pioneer in the field of holistic dentistry. He is the author of the popular consumer education book, Whole-Body Dentistry, a guide to the "dental connection" to whole-body wellness. With more than 30 years experience, Dr. Breiner has helped patients from across the US and other countries attain a higher overall level of dental health and general well-being. Dr. Breiner is a past President of The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. He is in private practice in Trumbull, Connecticut.

"Whole-Body Dentistry is more than whether your teeth are healthy; it's whether you are healthy!" - Dr. Robert C. Atkins, M.D.

Attention Meeting Planners:

Need an expert to talk about dentistry and whole-body health for your group or organization? Dr. Breiner, a popular speaker, addresses both lay and professional audiences. Call 203.371.0300 or send an e-mail inquiry to DoctorBreiner@wholebodydentistry.com

Whole Body News Update is your free monthly e-zine to stay up-to-date on many dental health issues as well as other important alternative health topics; featuring articles, interviews with experts, actual patient stories, Q&A on holistic health topics, with emphasis on the "Dental-Whole-Body Health Connection". This e-zine is designed to help you become a knowledgeable participant in your health care choices.

If you would like to offer feedback or suggestions for future topics for this e-zine please e-mail Dr. Breiner at DoctorBreiner@wholebodydentistry.com
To learn more about Dr. Breiner and Whole-Body Dentistry, visit www.wholebodydentistry.com