Acid Reflux (GERD) Image - new logo

Many people occasionally experience acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when the muscles in your esophagus fail to relax and cause acid to back up into your esophagus. When acid reflux repeatedly occurs over extended periods, it can cause a more severe condition, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

GERD occurs when stomach acid flows repeatedly back into your esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. This constant backwash, or reflux of acid, irritates the esophagus lining and can cause it to deteriorate. GERD can cause intense, chronic discomfort.

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder where your airflow significantly decreases or stops during sleep due to an obstruction in your upper airway. Several studies have identified a link between sleep apnea and GERD. A large percentage of people with sleep apnea have GERD.

If you struggle with sleep apnea and GERD, find relief using state-of-the-art technology at Babylon Dental Care. We use proven, innovative methods that successfully treat GERD and sleep apnea.

Table Of Contents

    What Is Acid Reflux/GERD

    When you swallow, a sphincter muscle around the bottom of your esophagus opens and closes so food and liquid can pass into your stomach. If this muscle does not relax as it normally does after opening and closing, stomach acid can flow into your esophagus. This constant irritation can cause inflammation of the lining of your esophagus.

    Common symptoms of GERD include:

    • Backwash (an acidic sour-tasting regurgitation of food or liquid)
    • Heartburn (a burning sensation in your chest)
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • The sensation of choking or coughing
    • The sensation of feeling a lump in your throat
    • Sore throat, hoarseness
    • Pain in the chest or upper abdomen

    Diagnosing a patient with GERD involves examining the chest area around the esophagus and stomach. Tests include checking the rhythm of muscle contractions in the esophagus. Medical professionals use this test to treat people who have trouble swallowing. Another test involves measuring how long stomach acid regurgitates in the esophagus.

    GERD and Sleep Interruptions During the Night

    Acid reflux typically worsens at night when you lie down to sleep. Since you are no longer in an upright position, it is more difficult for gravity to help you digest your food. Acid is less prone to flow upward into your esophagus when awake and upright during the day.

    Also, you swallow countless times over the course of an average day. The saliva you swallow helps neutralize stomach acid. However, you swallow less at night when asleep. As a result, stomach acid is more likely to backflow into the esophagus.

    What is Sleep Apnea?

    Acid Reflux (GERD)

    Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form. You experience symptoms of OSA during the night while asleep. OSA occurs when throat muscles relax and obstruct airflow into the lungs.

    If you are experiencing sleep apnea signs or symptoms, you must proactively try to find a remedy since your breathing may frequently start and stop while sleeping. If you believe you may suffer from OSA caused by GERD, contact the Babylon Dental Care immediately.

    How Are Sleep Apnea and GERD Related

    While sleep apnea and GERD may seem unrelated at first glance, research indicates a link between the two medical conditions. They can interact and create a damaging cycle. Over time, your ability to normally eat and sleep may diminish, affecting your quality of life.

    Nighttime acid reflux episodes can cause spasms of the throat muscles and vocal cords, which block your airway. Recurring episodes over time can lead to sleep apnea.

    When you stop breathing during a sleep apnea incident, it alters the air pressure in your lungs. These changes can cause acid reflux by drawing stomach acid upward into your esophagus. Also, since you breathe harder right after restarting your breathing, any energetic breath can draw stomach acid upward into the esophagus.

    Treating GERD and Sleep Apnea with Dental Treatments

    The Babylon Dental Care provides a variety of sleep apnea treatments to help you find relief. If we diagnose you with sleep apnea, several treatment options are available.

    The initial process of treating a patient in this situation includes a sleep study performed in the convenience of your own home rather than a sleep research facility. This convenience makes the process much easier and less intimidating for all patients. These tests measure your breathing patterns, airflow, heart rate, and blood oxygen level.

    Babylon Dental Care features oral appliance therapy to treat sleep apnea patients. We can determine if oral appliance therapy is the right solution for you and your medical condition. Our patients use a customized oral appliance to manage their symptoms and sleep soundly and uninterrupted.

    Our most commonly used treatment for sleep apnea is the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. Why do we use the CPAP machine? Compared to all other sleep apnea treatments, it is the most effective and reliable. The CPAP machine provides continuous airway pressure, which helps patients reduce episodes of sleep apnea.

    However, our experience tells us the CPAP machine isn’t for every patient. Although the CPAP machine can help avoid incidents of sleep apnea for many patients because it effectively regulates airway pressure, some patients find it uncomfortable. Other patients complain they have problems falling and staying asleep using a CPAP machine.

    Babylon Dental Care also offers The Moses® appliance, which some patients find a more comfortable alternative than the CPAP machine. The Moses® allows wearers to perform regular functions like talking and even drinking during use.

    Contact Babylon Dental Care for Treatment of Sleep Apnea Today!

    To treat your obstructive sleep apnea, take the next step. If you live in the Babylon or Patchogue, NY area and believe you suffer from sleep apnea, we encourage you to contact Babylon Dental Care today. We provide practical, pain-free solutions for sleep apnea and other related medical conditions.

    If you are interested in the CPAP machine or Moses device to treat your sleep apnea, contact Babylon Dental Care today at (631) 983-6665. Our patients don’t just experience better sleep. They also improve their health and overall well-being!

    Testimonials

    babylon

    “This is quite possibly the most impressive Dental office I’ve ever seen. All the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The office is so gorgeous through out. I loved my hygienist, she was very knowledgeable and very thorough and informative about being proactive with your hygiene habits. Dr Hsu was amazing. I highly recommend him. Very professional and explains everything he’s doing and that you’re comfortable during the visit. I’m really glad I found this office and my new Dentist.”

    Angel W

    babylon

    “I went there during covid as my dentist was shut down by the pandemic. They really do everything they can to make you feel good about your experience. Melanie who cleans my teeth as well is wonderful and does a great job everything by the time I leave I don't want to go. Excellent place for dental work. They go above and beyond.”

    Connor L

    babylon

    “At Babylon Dental Care, “care” is given from arrival to check out. I was anxious; it had been a few years since my last filling. From the moment I walked into the exam room, Karen comforted me. She explained the process, answered my questions and talked with me to keep me calm. Dr. Wrann was excellent! I did not have any pain before, during or after the procedure. So happy! Thank you to a truly great team!”

    Kristina F

    babylon

    “Had the zoom whitening treatment and all I can say is wow!!”

    Beth L

    babylon

    “I cannot adequately express my appreciation for this practice. Best dental practice ever! Everyone is so kind, caring and respectful. I don't dread going to the dentist anymore. I've had a lot of work done and am extremely pleased. They are very gentle and strive to keep you pain free. Very professional from reception on up. I highly recommend Babylon Dental. Would give them 10 stars if I could!”

    Debra B

    babylon

    “I've never had such an amazing experience at a dentist. They are so kind, so caring, so friendly, and really make you feel appreciated and not just like a patient number. I am blown away by the care I received here, and will be recommending them to everyone I know!”

    Jessica C

    babylon

    “Babylon Dental Care is an amazing practice! I had an issue with my teeth and they took me immediately. Their friendly and compassionate staff walked me through each step and in a matter of a week I had that tooth extracted and my flipper ready for every day use! You can’t even tell I have it in! The office is spotless and they even have Netflix! How cool is that! You’re welcomed as soon as you walk in and they made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Golo and Dr. Knakal took such good care of me and I would recommend them to anyone! The office is so convenient and literally across the street from my home so it doesn’t get better than that! Thank you Babylon Dental!”

    Joseph S

    babylon

    “I recently moved approximately 300 miles away, I continue to make the trip back to Babylon Dental Care. My hygienist Paige could not be kinder, friendlier or professional. I have been having issues with bone loss in my jaws and now it's time for implants. Dr. Knakal has been outstanding. I know I am in the best hands. Everyone I have dealt with at BDC from the receptionists to the checkout personnel are awesome! I will be continuing to make the trip for all my dental care.”

    Pete R

    babylon

    “Very professional staff and the hygienist Melody is amazing. The dentist are very thorough and they explained every little bit of details of your procedure. They make you feel so relaxed and welcoming. I would recommend Babylon Dental Care to anyone.”

    Verona B

    babylon

    “Professional and courteous staff, every time I come here I’m more than satisfied. Dr Wrann & Dr Knakal are exceptionally good. I would highly recommend Babylon Dental!”

    Nick S

    babylon

    “I've been coming here for about a year and a half. I have always had Francesca and she's great. She's always professional, friendly and honest with me. They have a pretty good system with the walkie-talkies too which makes the process more or less pretty smooth. I also really appreciate that they are transparent up front with cost, not many places are like that in my experiences.”

    Scott A

    babylon

    “I have been using Babylon Dental Care for almost 10 years. Dr. Brown, Jen, Melody and Michelle are incredible. They are always concerned with the patients well being and health making it a different experience. They treat you like family, not a patient. I use them for dentistry and their silent night therapy. Thank you for taking care of my family. Great job team!”

    Chuck M

    babylon

    “Amazing experience getting my teeth cleaned at Babylon Dental Care. Melody is fantastic and provided a top-notch painless service. Highly recommend.”

    Ron S

    babylon

    “First time here, never felt so comfortable at the dentist. Super clean and friendly staff. Corrin and Dr. Brown are absolutely wonderful! Very thorough and knowledgeable.”

    Cara P

    babylon

    “I would highly recommend Babylon Dental Care. The Drs and Staff are all very friendly and professional. They take the extra time to explain the procedures which are truly done gently and with care. I saw Dr. Knakal and Dr. Diamond. The lobby is comfortable and the dental work areas are immaculate. Also, I have never had to wait very long before being seen!”

    Regina B

    babylon

    “First visit and everyone was so nice and made the transition to a new dentist seamless! Corinn did a great cleaning and explained everything as she was doing it!”

    Kayleigh P

    babylon

    “Everyone in the Patchogue office are wonderful! Kind, caring, and attentive. I have always hated dentists but I am never anxious to come there. I can honestly say I have NEVER felt this at ease. Thank you all for making this a wonderful experience for me. I won’t ever hesitate to go to the dentist again!”

    Susan G

    babylon

    “From the moment I walked in it was a great experience. The facility is modern and clean. I was treated extremely well. And I really don't like going to the dentist but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit. Everyone I met was great! Thank you for making me feel comfortable.”

    Tom M

    babylon

    “Dr. David and the entire staff at Babylon Dental Care are amazing! Every single person who works there is so kind compassionate. I’m a very nervous patient and Dr. David and his assistant Amber made me feel so at ease. I highly recommend Babylon Dental Care especially if you’re an anxious patient!”

    Elisabeth D

    babylon

    “Love this office and all staff! From the front desk, to the hygienist, the dentists and the lovely ladies that check you out, it’s a top notch experience. I trust them 100%!”

    Marian P

    babylon

    “This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

    Brenda S

    babylon

    “I had my teeth cleaned by Melody and she did an incredible job. She is gentle, and caring. My teeth look and feel amazing! I normally hate going to the dentist but now look forward to my cleanings with Melody and this location! Everyone is this office is so kind and sweet from the moment you walk in.”

    Gillian W

    babylon

    “Really love this office, they are so kind and non judge mental, I have dealt with so many judge mental dental offices and I have felt totally at ease here. Truly grateful to find them. Dr David is so gentle and for the first time ever I don’t have an anxiety attack coming in to the dentist. The ladies in the front are a pleasure as well, Beth is a breathe of fresh air.”

    Angela P

    babylon

    “Absolutely incredible team. From the very moment you walk in you're greeted with kindness and people who want to help you. When I was asked how everything was I literally told them I was speechless. Having had terrible experiences as a kid with dentistry I wasn't sure if the nice things I've heard and read would live up to my expectation. I'm so glad they met them, and even went above and beyond what I had imagined. They offered me several options (a comfort menu) for things I could ask for to help make the time go by easier and with less anxiety.. all for free! If you have been holding off due to how long it's been and how anxious you might be then take this as your sign to look into coming here. I really truly am so glad I overcame my fear and made my appointment, they are just *that* good”

    Brian K