Can’t get enough ZZZ’s? You Might Need An Airway Consultation

There’s one thing that can have the biggest negative impact on the health and wellbeing of our families every day: poor sleep!

Whether it’s lack of sufficient sleep or poor sleep quality, lack of rest is something nobody can hide from. But did you know that certain dental conditions can contribute to sleep disturbances?
A couple of years ago, Dr. Michele Corcoran started noticing some of these symptoms in her own family. Then she journeyed into sleep dentistry, taking as many courses as she could and offering solutions to her family and patients. Now, Peppermint Sage Dental Wellness offers airway dentistry which focuses on the connection between dental health and breathing.

Conditions such as sleep apnea or other breathing disorders can negatively affect sleep quality. And in kids, poor sleep shows up as behavioral issues, such as defiance, attention disorders, low energy, impulsivity, aggression, hyperactivity, anxiety and irritability. Do you see evidence of them grinding their teeth, snoring or gasping for breath while they sleep? All of these are symptoms of a restricted airway.

Dr. Corcoran offers diagnostic assessments and treatment options for individuals who shows signs of such disorders. By working together with sleep physicians and myofunctional therapists, Peppermint Sage Dental Wellness seeks to treat the root of the problem for relief. Dr. Corcoran also utilizes a cone beam CT scan to get high quality imaging of the construction of the jaw and teeth. Treatment includes custom tailored oral appliances which can either comfortably position the lower jaw forward to open the airway while you sleep or expand the jaw over time to permanently address restricted airway issues, depending on the specific needs of the patient.

In addition to snoring, poor sleep manifests as fatigue, difficulty concentrating and increased risk of health problems like heart disease and obesity. Poor sleep quality can have significant effects, such as contributing to risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s, but that risk can be mitigated by early intervention into breathing disorders.

As one of only 10 diplomates of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine in the state of Louisiana and the only diplomate in Southwest Louisiana, Dr. Corcoran has successfully treated so many adults and children with sleep and breathing disorders that she has decided to open The Sleep & Breathing Center of Southwest Louisiana out of the office of Peppermint Sage Dental Wellness.

If you or anyone in your family is experiencing any symptoms of poor sleep, call Peppermint Sage Dental to schedule an airway consultation at 337-478-2960.