Is there a connection between receding gums, snoring, and feeling less-than-energetic?
Today we are going to put several puzzle pieces in place to help us navigate not only to greater oral health but also to whole being wellness.
In a recent article titled, ‘What causes receding gums and how to stop it’ (which happened to be our most popular blog article yet, thank you) we explained that one of the major causes of gum recession is habitual grinding of teeth at night (called bruxism).
In this month’s expert interview we do a dive deep with Dr. Mark Burhenne, a California-based dentist who specializes in helping patients address sleep issues. Dr. Burhenne is also the author of the #1 Amazon best seller, “The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox: How We Are Sleeping Our Way to Fatigue, Disease and Unhappiness”, which examines the connection between bruxism (grinding teeth), gum recession, snoring, adrenal fatigue, and sleep apnea.
While it may seem like a weird stretch to discuss the relationship between gum recession and chronic fatigue, low sex drive, etc., after watching our interview with Dr. B, you’ll see how all these seemingly unrelated pieces fit together very well.
In fact, Dr. B poses a very strong statement that he can back up:
“Sleep apnea is the most important health concern ever.”
Now, that’s a pretty brash statement when you consider the impact of pesticides, GMOs, and other ‘global’ health issues.
In today’s interview, Dr. B weaves the path through what it means if you grind your teeth at night, if you snore commonly, how these habits can be major signs of undiagnosed moderate sleep apnea, and how sleep apnea is a MAJOR cause of adrenal fatigue.
Bottom line, if we aren’t getting a restful night’s sleep, how can we expect to have a vital expression of our genetic potential?
Do you know someone who snores or tends to be tired? Given the importance of this information, we hope you will share this interview with your loved ones who may benefit.
Plus, feel free to download our FREE Guide to Safe Dentistry, which explains what questions to ask to find a dental team who will work with you on your journey to greater oral health.
Show notes:
1:03 Why is a dentist talking about sleep, fatigue, disease and unhappiness
7:45 How grinding (bruxism) or pain in the jaw can be strong signs of sleep apnea
12:20 Why quality of sleep is much more important than quantity of sleep
12:30 How sleep quality directly relates to ADD and ADHD, cancer, diabetes, even memory issues like Alzheimer’s disease.
19:20 Why even small, fit people may still have sleep apnea
21:00 How 80% of sleep apnea goes undiagnosed
31:25 Why children snoring is a big sign of trouble
41:30 How to naturally increase your will power!
Helpful, Related Resources:
What causes receding gums and how to stop it [article]
How to Stop Receding Gums [article]
Dr Burhenne’s site [website]
Dr B’s book on amazon [book solution]
Hi Will and Susan, I first wish you both a Happy New Year. I have been a user of the Healthy Blend formula since last Sept. and have stayed with it since then. I noted in your last e-mail you sent me referring to Dr. Steven Lin and his soon to be released book The Dental Diet, will you be interviewing him the future and are you going to be reviewing his book as well,
Regards,
Brian
Aloha Brian,
Thanks for your positive words and appreciation of our products. Yes, we recently interviewed Dr Lin and plan to publish it later this month.
I’ve been grinding my teeth as long as I can remember.(I’m 63). I have mild sleep apnea, but the CPAP freaked me out- when I exhaled, it felt like it was sucking the air out of me. I had a panic attack at the sleep lab. ( maybe because I was born with asthma-I know how scary it is when you can’t breathe…) I had the appliance made, but it was miserable. I tend to grit my teeth all the time and the tip of my tongue is always up to the roof of my mouth all day and night.. It makes me feel like there is nowhere for my tongue to be with the appliance in place, kind of like my tongue is too big, so that also freaked me out…I read somewhere something about your tongue being enlarged due to some other health issue, but can’t remember where I read it. Have you heard of that? Thanks for the video on sleep apnea. Will try the appliance again.