The machines use a method called continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, which keeps the airway open and relieves potentially dangerous pauses in breathing during the night. But the machines are expensive, and some people complain that the mask and headgear cause uncomfortable side effects, like congestion.

One free and fairly simple alternative may be exercises that strengthen the throat. While they aren’t as established or as well studied as breathing machines, some research suggests they may reduce the severity of sleep apnea by building up muscles around the airway, making them less likely to collapse at night.

In a study published last year in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, scientists recruited a group of people with obstructive sleep apnea and split them into two groups. One was trained to do breathing exercises daily, while the other did 30 minutes of throat exercises, including swallowing and chewing motions, placing the tip of the tongue against the front of the palate and sliding it back, and pronouncing certain vowels quickly and continuously.

After three months, subjects who did the throat exercises snored less, slept better and reduced the severity of their condition by 39 percent. They also showed reductions in neck circumference, a known risk factor for apnea. The control group showed almost no improvement.

Other randomized studies have found similar effects. One even showed that playing instruments that strengthen the airways, like the didgeridoo, can ease sleep apnea.

THE BOTTOM LINE

For people with sleep apnea, throat exercises may be a cheap and useful therapy.

ANAHAD O’CONNOR scitimes@nytimes.com

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/health/25real.html?ref=health

If you think you or your spouse has sleep apnea and you would like more information, please Contact Us Today!

If you would like to see the entire study follow this link, or I can give you a copy of it: http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/reprint/179/10/962

I had a patient come in today in some serious pain… He had three cavities! After easing the pain and filling the cavities I began to ask him a little about his diet. He quickly told me that he drank a bottle or two of Gatorade (sports drink) every day after football practice.

Beware of the refined sugar (added sugar) hidden in sports drinks. If the container says 10 grams of sugar per serving and there are 4 servings per container, then you have 40 grams of refined sugar in 1 bottle!!

Quick comparison: Coca-Cola Classic has 39 grams of refined sugar per 12 oz container.

For athletes performing in sports or practicing it is best to start off by drinking water for the first hour or so. If your practice or event is extremely strenuous and you are constantly sweating after the first hour then switch to Gatorade so you do not become dehydrated.

Overall refined sugar has a devastating effect on teeth!!

On behalf of the  entire Smiles on 6th Dental Team we would like to wish everyone a happy new year!

Is it just me or does the whole world have this deep fascination with watching movies that portray the world coming to an end??

Anyways, if anyone has seen it yet please do let me know how it is and or if it is worth seeing in theaters.