The Epic Edit

The Mouth-Body Connection: Why Your Dentist Might Ask About Your Sleep, Stress, and Breathing

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:26:59 GMT

When most people think of going to the dentist, they picture cleanings, cavities, or maybe a gentle reminder to floss more. But at Epic Dentistry, we look at a whole lot more than just your teeth.

That’s because your mouth isn’t just about smiling—it’s the gateway to the rest of your body. The way you breathe, sleep, manage stress, even how you hold your posture... it can all show up in your mouth.

And often, your dentist might be the first one to spot it.

It’s All Connected

Your mouth gives us clues about what’s happening with your whole body. Things like inflammation, clenching, snoring, or fatigue aren’t just side issues—they’re often part of a bigger picture. And guess where they tend to show up first? Yep—your teeth and jaw.

That’s why we might ask questions like:

Do you sleep with your mouth open?
Do you wake up feeling rested?
Do you clench or grind your teeth?
Do you get frequent tension headaches or jaw clicking?

We’re not being nosy—we’re being thorough. Because your smile doesn’t live in a vacuum. It reflects your entire system, and we want to help you stay ahead of anything that could throw it off.

Sleep, Stress, and Your Smile

Stress and poor sleep can take a toll on your mouth, even if you don’t realize it. Clenching or grinding (aka bruxism) can wear down your teeth and overwork your jaw joints. Mouth breathing dries out your tissues and makes your enamel more vulnerable. Interrupted sleep—especially from airway issues—can leave you dragging through your day and affect everything from brain fog to heart health.

If we can catch those signs early, we can help you get to the root of what’s going on—and keep things from getting worse.

Breathing Matters (More Than You Think)

One of the most overlooked pieces of oral health is how you breathe. Chronic mouth breathing or restricted airways can affect how your jaw grows, how your bite aligns, and even the shape of your face—starting from infancy and continuing through adulthood. That’s why during exams, we’re always paying attention to facial structure, posture, and breathing patterns.

This isn’t just about cavities and cleanings. It’s about lifelong wellness. (And yes, we totally geek out on this stuff—just ask our tech lineup, including lasers we’ve nicknamed R2D2 and C3PO.)

The Epic Difference

We don’t just fix teeth—we help connect the dots. Whether it’s airway health, jaw development, or how your sleep is affecting your smile, we believe in getting to the root cause instead of just patching the problem.

That means conservative dentistry, airway-aware care, and questions you might not hear at a typical dental office. But we’re not typical. We’re Epic.

So if you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my dentist asking about how I sleep or breathe?”—now you know. It’s because your mouth is trying to tell us something. And we’re here to listen.

Dr. Caulfield featured in Sleep Review Magazine

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 17:16:55 GMT

Dr. Caulfield’s voice is helping shape the conversation on pediatric sleep health in his latest feature in Sleep Review Magazine.

The article explores how pediatric sleep apnea is more than a medical issue—it’s a dental responsibility. By integrating airway-focused care, dentists can identify early red flags, partner with medical specialists, and deliver therapies that improve breathing, sleep, and lifelong health for children.

Read full article here:

https://sleepreviewmag.com/.../making-pediatric-airway.../

When Does Education Feel Like an Upsell? A Word on Our Treatment Philosophy

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:08:15 GMT

We hear it all the time: "I left my last dentist because I felt like I was constantly being upsold." And we get it. No one wants to feel like they’re being sold to, especially when it comes to their health.

At Epic, our goal is never to "sell" you on anything. Our job is to help you understand what’s going on in your mouth, how it connects to your overall health, and what your options are. From there, you decide what’s right for you.

So Why Does It Sometimes Feel Like Upselling?

Dentistry today can do so much more than just fix cavities and clean teeth. We’re continually learning more about how oral health connects to sleep, airway, jaw development, chronic pain, inflammation, and more. So when we talk with patients about things like sleep-disordered breathing, tongue posture, myofunctional therapy, or jaw alignment, it’s not because we’re trying to add on extra services—it’s because we’re seeing the bigger picture.

But we know that to someone who came in for a filling, hearing about airway or TMJ might feel like a curveball. That’s why we always try to explain why we’re mentioning something—and what your options are.

Our Promise: Transparency, Education, and Prioritization

Here’s how we approach treatment planning:

We give you the full picture . It’s important for you to understand everything we observe—from the immediate issues to the underlying root causes that might affect your long-term wellbeing.
We explain your options. There’s rarely just one path forward. We’ll walk through the possibilities with you—covering pros, cons, costs, and even referrals to other providers when that’s the best fit.
We help you prioritize. We know budget, time, and personal goals all matter. If something can wait, we’ll tell you. If something needs attention now, we’ll explain why.

You’ll always get the full time reserved with Dr. Caulfield based on the appointment made at the time of booking. Our goal is to be thorough, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident in your care plan. If more time is needed to process options or talk things through, we’re happy to follow up or continue the conversation at your next visit.

We’re Here to Partner With You

At the end of the day, we’re here to collaborate, not to convince. We care deeply about helping you make informed choices that align with your goals, your timeline, and your health priorities.

If you ever have questions—whether you’re a new patient or have been with us for years—please know: our door (and inbox) is always open.

The Power of Light: How Laser Dentistry is Changing the Game at Epic

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 01:46:44 GMT

At Epic Dentistry, we continually seek innovations that elevate patient care by making treatments more comfortable, efficient, and biologically supportive. That's why Dr. Jon Caulfield has invested in state-of-the-art YAG and CO2 laser technologies—tools that are fundamentally transforming the way we manage everything from airway and TMJ dysfunction to routine preventive procedures.

What Makes Laser Dentistry So Revolutionary?

Laser dentistry involves the use of concentrated light energy to precisely interact with both hard and soft tissues. This targeted approach allows for minimally invasive treatment with reduced trauma, faster recovery times, and in many cases, little or no need for anesthesia. For patients who experience anxiety or sensitivity during traditional procedures, laser-based treatment provides a quieter, gentler alternative that preserves comfort while enhancing precision.

Laser Tongue Tie Release (Frenectomy)

Restricted tongue mobility—commonly caused by a tight lingual frenulum or "tongue tie"—can have wide-ranging implications, from infant feeding challenges to sleep-disordered breathing, speech articulation issues, and even altered jaw development. At Epic Dentistry, we use advanced laser technology to perform frenectomies with exceptional accuracy and minimal invasiveness.

Benefits of laser frenectomy include:

Minimal intraoperative discomfort
Virtually bloodless field and reduced swelling
Accelerated wound healing without the need for sutures
Frequently, immediate functional improvements in speech or oral mobility

Snoring Treatment with the DEKA QuietNite Laser

For individuals experiencing snoring or upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), laser therapy offers a non-surgical, non-invasive solution. The DEKA QuietNite protocol utilizes a proprietary laser wavelength to stimulate neocollagenesis (new collagen production) in the soft palate tissues. This tissue remodeling leads to firmer, more toned airway structures, reducing vibration and partial airway obstruction during sleep.

Many patients notice a significant reduction in snoring within just a few sessions—without the need for oral appliances or surgical intervention.

TMJ Pain Management with Laser Therapy
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can present as jaw pain, clicking, facial tightness, or tension headaches. At Epic, we use DEKA’s Nd:YAG laser to deliver photobiomodulation therapy—stimulating healing deep within the joint, the palate, the tongue, and surrounding airway tissue. The specific wavelength used in Nd:YAG therapy allows for deeper tissue penetration, reducing inflammation and enhancing circulation to support the body’s natural healing response. This gentle, non-invasive approach offers lasting relief from TMJ pain without relying on medications or injections.

Lasers in Everyday Dental Care

Beyond specialty applications, laser dentistry plays an integral role in everyday procedures, including hygiene visits, restorations, and periodontal therapy. Lasers allow us to:

Selectively remove decay while preserving healthy enamel
Disinfect periodontal pockets during cleanings
Minimize bleeding and post-op sensitivity
Accelerate tissue repair and healing

The result is a more precise, comfortable experience—with fewer appointments and often shorter chair time.

Why It Matters

Dr. Caulfield’s commitment to laser dentistry stems from a belief that technology should serve biology—not replace it. By using tools that enhance healing, reduce inflammation, and make procedures more tolerable, we’re able to deliver outcomes that align with our patient-first, whole-body health philosophy.

Whether you're seeking better sleep, TMJ relief, improved tongue function, or simply a more refined dental experience, our integration of laser dentistry ensures you receive care that’s not only innovative—but truly Epic.

Why Sleep Should Be Part of Every Health Conversation—Including at the Dentist

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Tue, 13 May 2025 01:20:09 GMT

May is Better Sleep Month—and while most people don’t immediately think of the dentist when it comes to sleep, we believe they should. At Epic Dentistry, we take an airway-centered approach to care because sleep quality is inseparable from whole-body health.

The Sleep-Health Connection: Poor sleep isn’t just about feeling tired. It can affect mood, memory, immunity, growth, and development. In children, it may even show up as hyperactivity or learning struggles. Signs such as snoring or disrupted breathing during sleep are often tied to oral function and development.

What We See in the Mouth: The signs of disrupted sleep often show up right where we work every day: in the airway, jaw, tongue posture, teeth grinding, and even gum health . We also watch for subtle signs of oral muscle imbalance that may benefit from collaboration with myofunctional specialists.

Starting Young Makes a Difference : We use tools like the Vivos Guide to help kids develop better oral and airway habits early—sometimes preventing future issues like braces or sleep apnea.

It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All: Whether we’re treating children or adults, our goal is to identify root causes of disrupted breathing and address them with biomimetic, non-invasive therapies .

If you're a healthcare provider and have patients struggling with sleep, airway concerns, or persistent mouth breathing—we’d love to collaborate. We often work alongside pediatricians, ENTs, sleep MDs, and myofunctional therapists.

If you're a dental practice seeking clinical insights and actionable knowledge to help integrate sleep therapies into your practice, we can help with that too. Dr. Caulfield is a featured educator at conferences like the Vivos Institute’s Summit 2025 , where he trains peers in advanced airway and bite therapy techniques.

➡️ Learn more about our sleep & airway approach at myepicsmile.com/sleep .

May is Better Sleep Month

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Fri, 02 May 2025 16:45:47 GMT

Let's Talk About Airway Health, Snoring, Tongue Ties, and More

At Epic Dentistry, we believe better sleep starts with better breathing—and the mouth is often the first place to look. That’s why we’re recognizing Better Sleep Month this May by raising awareness about how oral health, airway function, and sleep are deeply connected.

Many people are surprised to learn that issues like snoring, teeth grinding, mouth breathing, and even fatigue can all point to airway dysfunction. As a dental practice that takes a whole-health approach, we look beyond cavities and cleanings to understand what’s really affecting your sleep —and your quality of life.

Throughout May, we’ll be sharing insights on:

Signs your airway may be affecting your sleep
How tongue ties and oral posture play a role in breathing
The link between TMJ disorders and nighttime grinding
Sleep health in kids — from snoring to behavioral changes
What our team looks for in an airway screening

Whether you’re waking up tired, noticing signs in your child, or just want to understand how dentistry fits into the bigger picture, we’re here to help you breathe easier and sleep deeper.

Follow us for more...

April Focus: Biomimetic Dentistry

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:42:36 GMT

Restoring teeth the way nature intended—stronger, safer, and built to last.

At Epic Dentistry, we believe dentistry should do more than just fix teeth — it should help them last a lifetime. That’s where biomimetic dentistry comes in.

This modern, science-backed approach is all about restoring teeth the way nature intended — preserving healthy structure, minimizing drilling, and using advanced materials that mimic the natural strength and flexibility of your enamel.

Unlike traditional methods that can remove too much healthy tooth or rely on aggressive treatments, biomimetic techniques are designed to protect what’s already working well and reinforce what needs support — reducing the need for root canals, crowns, or future repairs.

All month long, we’ll be sharing:

What makes biomimetic dentistry different
How it helps prevent fractures and tooth loss
Why a conservative approach leads to stronger, longer-lasting smiles

Because when we work with nature—not against it—you get results that are not only healthier, but truly built to last.

Kids Struggling with Sleep and Breathing

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 19:17:08 GMT

Vivos Now FDA Cleared for Pediatric Sleep Apnea

We're proud to share more exciting news in the world of airway health: Vivos Therapeutics has received FDA 510(k) clearance to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and snoring in children ages 4 to 12 . This is the first FDA-approved oral device of its kind specifically designed for pediatric patients—and it’s a breakthrough we've been waiting for.

At Epic Dentistry, we’ve long championed early intervention when it comes to airway and jaw development. Too many children struggle with disrupted sleep, behavioral concerns, mouth breathing, or delayed growth—often without realizing that the root cause is poor airway function. Now, thanks to this new FDA approval, we have an even more powerful tool to help kids breathe, sleep, and thrive.

The Vivos pediatric appliance works by gently guiding proper jaw growth and expanding the airway , setting the stage not only for better sleep but also healthier development across the board—from focus and mood to immunity and facial growth. And as always, it fits seamlessly into our biomimetic, airway-focused approach to pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.

If you're concerned about your child’s sleep, breathing, or development, we’re here to help you explore safe, effective solutions that work with the body—not against it.

Vivos Receives FDA Clearance

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:09:39 GMT

A Major Step Forward in Sleep Apnea Treatment

We're excited to share a significant milestone in the world of airway health: Vivos Therapeutics has received the first-ever FDA 510(k) clearance for an oral device to treat severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. This news marks a turning point in how we approach one of the most underdiagnosed—and potentially dangerous—health conditions today.

At Epic Dentistry, we’ve long understood that airway health is foundational to whole-body wellness. That’s why we’ve integrated Vivos into our treatment options for patients with mild to moderate OSA, jaw development issues, and TMJ disorders. Now, with this FDA clearance, we’re thrilled that even more patients—including those with severe sleep apnea—may be eligible for a less invasive, non-CPAP solution.

Vivos devices are designed not just to manage symptoms, but to address the root causes of airway obstruction by improving upper jaw development and nasal breathing. It’s a personalized, non-surgical treatment approach that aligns with our commitment to biomimetic, airway-informed care .

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with sleep apnea—or suspect you might be suffering from it—now is the time to take a closer look at your options. We’re here to guide you through the next steps with expertise, compassion, and innovative tools that support lasting health.

Hygiene: The Signs Don't Lie

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:39:00 GMT

What are the signs telling you? (book your hygiene visit today!)

Why wait? Schedule your hygiene visit now! We have immediate availability for new patients seeking the exceptional EPIC experience. Each visit includes a comprehensive examination, meticulous teeth and gum cleaning, necessary x-rays, oral cancer screening, and one-on-one time with Dr. Caulfield. As an added bonus, we are currently offering complimentary Fluoride treatment for all new patients. Our unmatched expertise and advanced technology ensure a comfortable and high-quality care experience in the Denver metro area.

Your new smile is just around the corner!

Why your hygiene visits are so important

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 17:23:53 GMT

One of the aspects we truly appreciate about our profession is the opportunity to reunite with our patients biannually during hygiene visits. These dental cleanings play a crucial role in maintaining your oral hygiene, complementing your everyday oral care routine of brushing and flossing. If you've concluded your visit with what we call a 'healthy visit'—indicating that your gums and teeth are in excellent condition—this is indeed a wonderful outcome! However, you may question whether it is necessary to continue scheduling appointments every six months and what consequences may arise from skipping your cleanings.

Regular dental hygiene visits are important for several reasons.

☑️ Preventing Tooth Decay: Routine hygiene visits are the best way to detect early signs of tooth decay or cavities, helping to address these issues before they become more serious. Gum recession as you age is normal, but it's important to keep a watch because as gums recede it can lead to decay at the root of the tooth.

☑️ Gum Disease Prevention: Your gums are healthy. Yay! Let's keep them that way. Regular cleanings help prevent gum disease, which can lead to more severe health problems if left untreated.

☑️ Oral Cancer Detection: Every dental visit at Epic Dentistry includes an oral cancer screening, enabling early detection and treatment if any abnormalities are found.

☑️ Plaque and Tartar Removal: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, which cannot be effectively removed through regular brushing and flossing.

☑️ Personalized Care: We have tested many of the over-the-counter oral products available and will provide personalized advice on proper oral care, including brushing, flossing, and diet, tailored to your specific needs.

☑️ Saving Money: Your regular visits for hygiene cleanings are preventative in nature. With every hygiene visit Doctor will do an exam to identify and address any early signs of a problem before it requires more extensive treatment which can be costly.

☑️ Overall Health: Issues in the mouth can contribute to or exacerbate other health issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. At Epic Dentistry we are passionate about the oral-systemic link. Maintaining oral hygiene is the best way to ensure your overall health.

Why wait? Schedule your hygiene visit now! We have immediate availability for new patients seeking the exceptional EPIC experience. Each visit includes a comprehensive examination, meticulous teeth and gum cleaning, necessary x-rays, oral cancer screening, and one-on-one time with Dr. Caulfield. Our unmatched expertise and advanced technology ensure a comfortable and high-quality care experience in the Denver metro area.

Your new smile is just around the corner! Click below to request an appointment or call us at 303-972-2224 to see what last-minute openings are available.

Laser Therapy for a "QuietNite" Sleep

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 21:06:35 GMT

We've been using lasers in our dental practice for over 20 years, but the newest in our laser line-up has both team members and patients getting excited. Meet the DEKA UltraSpeed. The DEKA offers the latest in sleep advancements for quick and painless treatment of the soft palate, tonsils, and tongue. Using the laser energy to stimulate collagen and tighten the treated areas, this 10-minute treatment will provide all the great medicinal benefits of CO2 energy while improving your quality of sleep.

We're talking about surgical results for soft tissue treatment of snoring, without the use of a scalpel. In fact, the laser is completely contactless so you'll experience little to no pain, swelling, bleeding, or risk of infection. The gentle laser decontaminates and sterilizes the area, thus preventing any chances for infection and reducing the probability of post-procedure complications like swelling. During the procedure you'll feel a 'tickle' sensation in your throat, and after the procedure you'll have some minor sensitivity to salty and spicy foods for about 48 hours. You will likely feel immediate improvement in your airway and breathing, which will continue to improve over a period of 3 weeks.

☑️Reduction/elimination of snoring

☑️2-3 treatments of ~10 minutes

☑️Little-to-no sensitivity

☑️No downtime or bleeding

☑️Immediate results

☑️Quality of life improvement!

To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call us at 303-972-2224.

NOW OFFERING: Myofunctional Therapy

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 14:51:55 GMT

Is Myofunctional Therapy Right For You? The tongue is a powerhouse organ made up muscles that work non-stop to support daily functions such as eating, talking and swallowing.

The tongue is a powerhouse organ made up muscles that work non-stop to support daily functions such as eating, talking and swallowing. When issues arise with chewing, swallowing, speech, breathing, sleep, and even dental alignment, it is an indicator that the oral and facial muscles may not be working properly. Myofunctional therapy applies exercises and behavior modification techniques to retrain the tongue, lips, and jaw with the aim of correcting functional irregularities. Typical program length is 4 months with daily, at-home exercises prescribed and measured by a certified therapist.

Therapy for Adults

Orofacial Myology therapy can work for people of all ages because it is exercise based. Common disorders seen in the adult population include but are not limited to tongue thrust, Muscular TMD (temporal mandibular disorder), open rest mouth posture, chronic cheek biting, nail/cuticle biting, drooling (nighttime or day), clenching, bruxing and a lack of facial tonality. Our therapy is non-invasive and uses no drug therapy. It is neuro-muscular based. A typical therapy program takes about 4 months and requires daily exercises by the patient for a few minutes, three times a day, to achieve a normal oral environment regarding lip, tongue, and jaw posturing. Lasting results are often dramatic, occur in about a four-month period and are sustainable over a lifetime. Photographs and measurements are taken throughout the therapy program to show progression of the treatment and results.

Therapy for Children

Thumb sucking, pacifier habits, nail biting, and venous pooling (dark circles under the eyes) are just a few of the disorders Epic Dentistry’s Orofacial Myology addresses. The prolonged habits of thumb/finger sucking, and pacifier use can alter the normal growth pattern of a child’s face causing high palatal arches, open mouth postures, malocclusion, and elongated facial growth. The tone of facial muscles can be weak in children with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Bell’s Palsy, and other neurological disorders. An individualized program developed by Epic Dentistry’s Orofacial Myology will help correct abnormal lip, tongue, jaw resting and functioning patterns which can improve daily functions of speech and eating patterns for these children. Our therapy is non-invasive and uses no drug therapy. It is neuro-muscular based. A typical therapy program takes about 4 months and requires daily exercises by the patient for a few minutes, three times a day, to achieve correct lip, tongue and jaw resting and functioning patterns. Lasting results are often dramatic, occur in about a four-month period and are sustainable over a lifetime. Photographs and measurements are taken throughout the therapy program to show progression of the treatment and results.

Call us at 303-972-2224 to learn more.

Every time you review and refer Epic Dentistry from April through June, you'll be entered into our drawing for a chance to win an EPIC 'Taste of Colorado' experience. Prize package includes a combination of gifts and gift certificates from The Breckenridge Brewey,

Treating Chronic Pain From TMJ: A Live Education Event

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 20:30:12 GMT

Join us for a Live Education Event with Dr. Caulfield for patients wanting to learn more about options for treating chronic TMJ

Restricted Airway in Children

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 18:35:43 GMT

Chairside Video: Pediatric Restricted Airway

Learn why proper breathing is necessary for a child's health and development, and warning signs that might indicate your child's breathing passages are narrow or blocked.

Cold Weather Clothing Drive

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 18:17:05 GMT

As temperatures begin to fall, many in our own community find themselves in need. Epic Dentistry is excited to be working with the Jeffco Action Center to host a cold weather item drive. The Action Center provides an immediate and compassionate response to those in our community experiencing hardship and offers the resources and services needed to stabilize lives and promotes pathways lasting change.

Beginning on November 18, you may drop the following new or gently used items off at our office. Please consider the following needed items:

Heavy Winter Coats
Blankets
Sleeping Bags
Hats, Gloves, and Scarves
Wool/Warm Socks
Boots

If you'd prefer to arrange pick-up from your home, please call Deb Caulfield at 303-972-2224.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and for helping us make a difference in the community!

What You Need To Know About Sleep Apnea

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 15:27:39 GMT

Are you struggling with sleepless nights? Well, you are not alone; stats reveal that almost 74% of the adults in the world experience trouble sleeping at least a few nights a week. 42 million adults are observed to have sleep-disordered breathing. Almost one out of five adults are suffering from mild obstructive sleep apnea and the conditions are critical for one out of five adults.

Experts reveal that chronic sleep loss may lead to glucose metabolism reduction by almost 30 to 40%. In the worst cases, sleep disorders can even lead to a shortage of life span.

People that are not able to enjoy healthy sleep at night are more likely to experience discomfort with physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can even cause trouble in concentrating and frequent headaches as well.

Considering all these outcomes, it has become quite important to find adequate treatment for sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which a person experiences difficulty in breathing. Some people snore very loudly and others feel tired even after long hours of sleep.

There are three different types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea : It is the most common form of sleep apnea that occurs when muscles at the throat start relaxing.
Central sleep apnea : This condition occurs when your brain stops sending proper signals to body muscles which otherwise work for controlling breathing activities.
Complex sleep apnea syndrome : It is better known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea. This condition occurs when a person is suffering from both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.

What causes sleep apnea?

Different causes can play a role in different types of sleep apnea.

The most common reason behind obstructive sleep apnea is the relaxing state of the muscles on the back of your throat. When they relax, airways start narrowing down as you breathe; this means your body cannot receive enough air. Soon, the brain recognizes the difficulty in breathing and generates an awake signal so that airways can reopen. You may not remember you woke up since the awakenings are usually brief.

In the case of central sleep apnea, the brain fails to send signals to the breathing muscles. In this condition, your body stops making efforts to breathe and you may get awake due to the shortness of breathing.

Common signs and things to watch for:

Studies reveal that symptoms and signs of central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea may overlap. This is the main reason why sometimes even doctors find it difficult to identify the right condition. Some of the most common symptoms of these conditions include:

Irritability
Difficulty to pay attention when you are awake
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Morning headache
Awakening with dry mouth
Gasping air while sleeping
Episodes of disturbed breathing cycles
Loud snoring

When and why to seek a dentist’s treatment?

It is important to address sleep disturbances and symptoms related to sleep disorders, as prolonged sleep apnea has been linked to serious medical conditions. Some of the most common complications include heart problems, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and liver problems.

If you are suffering from sleep disorders, we recommend you consult our professionals at Epic Dentistry. Dr. Caulfield can help you identify and treat the underlying cause behind sleep related issues to improve your overall quality of life. During the first appointment, he will review your medical history and do a full evaluation of the airway, teeth, muscles and joints. He may recommend an at-home sleep study provided by Epic Dentistry for more insight into your sleep patterns.

Treatment options will vary based on the findings of your initial examination. Night guards and splint therapy are common options to treat snoring when there is no other symptom. These oral appliances act like an orthodontic retainer. Custom-fit to your mouth, an oral appliance can support the jaw in a forward position to prevent the collapse of your airway while you sleep and prevent snoring.

When obstructive sleep apnea is suspected, Dr. Caulfield will work with an M.D. for your diagnosis and may recommend the Vivos System . Similar to other oral appliances, the Vivos appliance is worn in the evening and during the night while you sleep. But unlike traditional night guards, the Vivos System gently expands as you progress through treatment. The bone and tissue growth achieved using the Vivos System can permanently increase airway volume and tongue space helping you to breathe better. This can be a great option for sleep apnea patients that don’t want or are unable to use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

If you are tired of living with sleep disorders, schedule an appointment with us. Call 303-972-2224 or use our online booking system. Dr. Caulfield is an experienced dentists capable of providing reliable sleep apnea treatment in Littleton . Soon you will be able to enjoy a relaxing and healthy night’s sleep.

Why Do Kids Need Braces? Video 2: Nasal Breathing vs Mouth Breathing

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Sun, 10 May 2020 20:41:47 GMT

Why Do Kids Need Braces? Nasal Breathing vs Mouth Breathing

Proper breathing is one of the most important things you can do for your health—yet an estimated 30-40% of the population mouth-breathes! Hear from Dr. Jon Caulfield on the importance of nasal breathing, the long term risks of mouth breathing, and simple at-home tips and tricks for how to train your little ones (or yourself) to breathe more effectively through the nose.

Why Do Kids Need Braces? Video 1: How Modern Culture Has Impacted Orthodontic Need

debbie.caulfield@comcast.net (Deb Caulfield) — Mon, 04 May 2020 21:04:34 GMT

Why Do Kids Need Braces? How Modern Culture Has Impacted Orthodontic Need

Statistics show that an alarming 75% of American children seek orthodontic care, and more than half of those end up in braces. In this first video in our new series, Dr. Jon Caulfield talks about how modern culture has influenced the development of our bone, muscles, jaw and teeth—and discusses natural ways to grow the jaw and bone rather than move teeth.