Blood pressure is a key indicator of our cardiac, kidney, and brain health. We’re often told to keep it in a healthy range by cutting back on salt, maintaining an ideal weight, and staying away from alcohol and smoking. However, our sleeping habits can also impact our blood pressure. Sleep apnea patients repeatedly experience restless nights, which can cause high blood pressure. In turn, their risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney diseases, and brain diseases increases.

If you’re struggling with sleep apnea and hypertension, the most proactive step you can take is to get your nighttime breathing under control. At Babylon Dental Care, Dr. Clifford Brown and his sleep apnea treatment team use oral appliances and other innovative treatments to address sleep apnea at its source. Our patients don’t just experience better sleep. They also improve their oral health and overall well-being.

Contact our office at (631) 983-6665 to schedule a consultation and exam with one of our professionals in West Babylon or Patchogue, NY.

Table Of Contents

    What Is Sleep Apnea?

    “Apnea” is the medical term for when someone stops breathing for a short time. Stopping breathing could be a conscious act, such as when someone holds their breath for a few seconds, or an unconscious one, such as when they snore. Sleep apnea patients experience many occurrences where they temporarily stop breathing at night.

    snoring due to sleep apnea

    While the nervous system may be involved in some sleep apnea cases, most cases are purely “obstructive.” In other words, something stands in the way of proper airflow through your nose, mouth, throat, and lungs. Blockages in the airways can cause the following symptoms:

    • Snoring
    • Insomnia
    • Fatigue during the day
    • Memory or attention problems
    • Mood swings
    • Headaches upon waking

    While obstructive sleep apnea affects people of both sexes and all ages, some are at higher risk for developing it than others. Risk factors include:

    • Older age
    • Obesity
    • Decreased throat muscle tone
    • Specific facial structures, including a short or narrow jaw
    • Family history of sleep apnea or asthma
    • Smoking, including exposure to secondhand smoke
    • African-American or Hispanic ethnicity

    Why Do Sleep Apnea Patients Get Hypertension?

    High blood pressure is one possible complication of obstructive sleep apnea. If you have high blood pressure from another cause, it can also trigger or worsen sleep apnea.

    The reason for this cycle involves your body’s fight-or-flight hormone, norepinephrine. If you have a blocked airway at night, your body will release norepinephrine. This process opens the throat and moves the obstruction out of the way, although it’s for a short time. However, it also kicks your heart into overdrive, raising your pulse and blood pressure.

    If you fail to address your high blood pressure, you’ll have an increased risk of developing:

    Sleep should be rejuvenating for your body, not stressful for your heart. If you suspect sleep apnea is causing your high blood pressure, we can offer diagnostic testing and, if necessary, an optimal, comfortable treatment.

    How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

    After your first consultation appointment, your specialist may order a sleep study to determine how well you breathe during a typical night. Unlike the mental images you may have of clunky sensors and sterile laboratory “bedrooms,” our clinic allows you to have a high-quality sleep study at home using a single, simple device.

    • Your sleep study results will tell us more about:
    • How much time you spend in each sleep stage
    • When, how long, and how loud you snore
    • How much oxygen is in your bloodstream over time
    • Your apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which compares how many times you stop breathing with how many hours of sleep you get
    • Your respiratory distress index (RDI), which counts abnormal breathing events that aren’t considered “traditional sleep apnea”

    We will also take your health history to determine if your high blood pressure may have additional contributing factors.

    How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

    sleep apnea mouthpieceIf a sleep study confirms that you have obstructive sleep apnea, your care team will propose several treatment options to help you breathe at night. Aside from clearing problematic obstructions, they may also help you improve your blood pressure. Some options include:

    • Dorsal mouthpieces – These removable devices help keep your lower jaw in proper alignment while sleeping.
    • Herbst devices – These devices are fixed to the molars and train your jaw to stay in a forward position.
    • Moses appliances – Developed by Dr. Allen Moses, this device keeps the tongue clear of the airway and encourages you to breathe through your nose. While you wear it, you can still drink water, talk, and freely move your lips.
    • Respite Blue+ – This custom mouthpiece has a dual block design and allows for a wide range of movement while keeping your airway open.

    Although a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, machine is the most commonly prescribed device for people with sleep apnea, many people find it distracting and uncomfortable. Oral appliances are more comfortable options, as our team can individually fit them for you. They do not require wearing a mask or having a machine running by your bedside overnight.

    Contact a West Babylon Sleep Apnea Dentist

    Don’t let sleep apnea get in the way of a good night’s rest or a healthy heart. Let the Babylon Dental Care team help you address sleep apnea at its source with painless, comfortable, and discreet treatments.

    For 39 years, we’ve provided comprehensive dental care in the West Babylon and Patchogue areas, establishing long-term relationships with our patients and their families over generations.

    Our founder, Dr. Clifford Brown, has extensive training in dental sleep medicine and firsthand experience as a sleep apnea patient. His mission is to use innovative technology to foster healthy sleeping habits, improving your whole-body health.

    If you suspect sleep apnea is causing your high blood pressure, call our office at (631) 983-6665 to schedule a consultation and discuss your sleep apnea treatment options.

    We also offer financing options and new client specials, as well as complete dental care packages, so there’s no reason to delay. Come in right away and get started on the road to recovery.

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    Testimonials

    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

    “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

    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

    “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

    “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

    “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

    “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

    “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

    “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

    “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

    “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 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

    “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 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

    “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

    “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

    “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

    “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

    “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'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

    “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

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

    Beth 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

    “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