Stuffy nose? Breathe Better and Sleep Better

As a dentist in Buford, we focus on keeping our patients in excellent oral health and part of that process is understanding how the entire body works together. Oral health, as with the health of any part of your body, is not isolated. This is why something like gum disease can impact your gums, teeth and even your heart. Even your breathing connects to your oral health.

The importance of sleep

In Sleep Interrupted by Steven Y. Park, M.D there is discussion around the negative side effects of breathing through your mouth. While it may seem natural to switch between the mouth and nose breathing, there are distinct health advantages to breathing through your nose. The first of these is that you will receive more oxygen. Nitric oxide helps the body to receive more oxygen. When you breathe through your nose, you create small amounts of this gas that helps your lungs to absorb oxygen. As a result, you will receive 10 to 25 percent more oxygen and have more energy. As a dentist in Buford, I frequently work with patients that do not get enough oxygen while they sleep due to obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is generally caused by the lower jaw and tongue falling backward and blocking the airway. This condition can lead people to feel so incredibly fatigued that they cannot stay up past dinner, fall asleep when doing activities like watching television or working on the computer, etc. I treat this condition using a non-invasive, removable oral appliance. The results are consistent and dramatic as patients begin to breathe freely at night and wake up feeling refreshed for the first time in months or years. Through these treatments, I witness firsthand the importance of getting the right amount of oxygen. This makes the studies on nose breathing even more interesting because if you could change how you are breathing, you could start to feel more energized than you have in years and begin to enjoy life more thoroughly.

Treating other health issues

Simultaneously, this makes it important to treat any problems that you have with your nose right away. If you have a sinus infection or too much mucus, it needs treatment with a visit to your primary care doctor. Clearing the mucus can help you to breathe through your nose during the day and improve your breathing at night. While obstructive sleep apnea is typically a result of the tongue blocking the airways, it worsens from a plugged up nose. In this case, wearing a removable oral appliance while sleeping becomes even more important. As a dentist, I can examine you and suggest steps for an at-home sleep study to determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea. If you do, we will make an impression of your mouth and take measurements. This information will then be sent to the dental lab for your oral appliance to be created. It will fit perfectly so that you can sleep without it moving out of place or causing you any discomfort. This, combined with treating any sinus problems that you have, can help you to get more oxygen while sleeping. Breathing through your nose during the day will further improve your oxygen levels, making it possible to have the energy you need to enjoy more strenuous activities. [recent-blogs count=4 layout="horizontal" category="do-i-have-sleep-apnea-cat,dental-checkup-cat,preventative-dental-care-cat"]
How Soon Can You Talk After Wisdom Teeth Removal? Expert Advice from Buford Dentist

How Soon Can You Talk After Wisdom Teeth Removal? Expert Advice from Buford Dentist

TLDR; You can usually start talking a few hours after wisdom teeth removal, but it’s best to limit speaking as much as possible for the first 24–48 hours to allow proper healing. Excessive talking early on can increase your risk of complications like dry socket, bleeding, or delayed recovery. Wisdom Teeth Recovery Talking: What You […]

How Long Can You Keep Your Teeth with Periodontal Disease?

How Long Can You Keep Your Teeth with Periodontal Disease?

TLDR; With early diagnosis, proper treatment, and consistent oral hygiene, many people with periodontal disease can keep their teeth for life. However, without treatment, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss in a matter of years, depending on severity and personal health factors. Tooth Retention with Gum Disease: What You Need to Know Periodontal disease, also […]

When Can You Eat Spicy Food After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

When Can You Eat Spicy Food After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

TLDR; You can typically start eating spicy food 7 to 14 days after wisdom teeth removal, but only if you’re no longer experiencing pain, swelling, or signs of slow healing. Always wait for your dentist’s green light and start with mild spices to avoid complications like dry socket or irritation. Understanding Spicy Food After Tooth […]

Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back or Are They Completely Gone?

Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back or Are They Completely Gone?

TLDR; No, wisdom teeth do not grow back once they are completely removed. However, some people may experience sensations or see new teeth emerge later due to rare conditions like supernumerary teeth—not actual regrowth. Buford Dentist explains why this confusion exists and what it really means. Do Wisdom Teeth Grow Back? Here’s the Truth No, […]

Does Pineapple Juice Help with Wisdom Teeth?

Does Pineapple Juice Help with Wisdom Teeth?

TLDR: Yes, pineapple juice may help reduce swelling after wisdom teeth removal due to bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s not a miracle cure—moderation is key, and it should be used alongside proven recovery methods. Pineapple Juice and Wisdom Teeth Recovery: What’s the Hype? If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve […]

Do You Brush Your Teeth After Whitening Strips?

Do You Brush Your Teeth After Whitening Strips?

TLDR; Yes, you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips—but wait at least 30 minutes before doing so. Brushing too soon can damage softened enamel and increase sensitivity. What Are Whitening Strips and How Do They Work? Whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated with a peroxide-based gel. When applied to your […]

General Question

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. 

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast