Dr. Murillo, DDS Warns About Sleep Disorders and Oral Health

In her San Diego-based practice which offers general, restorative and cosmetic dental services for the whole family, Dr. Murillo, DDS has seen firsthand the negative impact of common sleep disorders like apnea and bruxism on oral health. To learn more, visit www.mmdentalcare.com. End Quote

We often have patients whose oral and overall health is at risk due to nighttime activities like temporary cessation of breathing and grinding.

(1888PressRelease) September 03, 2015 - "In our practice, we often have patients whose oral and overall health is at risk due to nighttime activities like temporary cessation of breathing and grinding," says Maricela Murillo. "And the longer these disorders go untreated, the more problems patients can face in the future."

Sleep apnea is a serious, sometimes fatal, medical disorder that affects approximately 10 percent of American men over the age of 40, and 6 percent of women the same age. Sleep apnea sufferers completely stop breathing during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times in the course of a night, because the airway becomes obstructed, causing a serious reduction of airflow to the lungs.

Bruxism refers to an oral parafunctional activity, most commonly, the grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw that causes the most damage during sleeping hours. Typically, the incisors and canines of opposing arches grind against each other laterally. Earache, depression, headaches, eating disorders and anxiety are among the most common symptoms of bruxism.

"Because of the nature of our exams, dentists are often the first health care providers to proactively identify patients who suffer from apnea or bruxism," explains Dr. Murillo. "The good news is that there are treatment options available that can be performed right at the dentist's office."

A number of dental devices can be used to alleviate sleep apnea. They fall into two categories - fixed and adjustable - and are intended to separate the jaws and push them forward slightly to open up the airway, allowing oxygen to flow freely again.

"Our patients who wear sleep apnea dental devices report that they stop loud snoring, feel more rested in the daytime and are much more comfortable going to sleep," says Dr. Murillo.

While there is no single cure for bruxism, a variety of treatments, including mouth guards and NTI-tss® devices can help prevent grinding.

"Without attention, patients who suffer from bruxism can experience gum recession, tooth loss, fractures of the teeth, arthritis and muscle pain in the area," explains Dr. Murillo. "It's critical to intervene early in order to both prevent further damage and begin restorative procedures that may be necessary, such as crowns or gum grafts."

Dr. Murillo, DDS offers a full range of services to diagnose and treat people suffering from common sleep disorders to improve their health - and their smiles. For more information, visit http://www.mmdentalcare.com/.

About Dr. Murillo, DDS
The state-of-the-art practice of Dr. Murillo, DDS is based in San Diego and offers general, restorative and cosmetic dental services to help the whole family achieve and maintain long-term dental health and a beautiful smile. Among the comprehensive list of services Dr. Murillo offers are: bonding, veneers, gum treatment, orthodontics, crowns and bridges, as well as sleep apnea and TMJ services. Dr. Murillo and her team use the most modern technology to deliver the highest quality dental care, including digital x-rays, laser technology for whitening and periodontal procedures, all ceramic metal free crowns, and white fillings. For more information, visit http://www.mmdentalcare.com/ or call 619.582.5380.

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