Snoring treatment- Dental Alternative to CPAP
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has designated dental sleep oral appliances as the No. 1 non-surgical alternative for the CPAP intolerant. Although the most successful treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), there are numerous difficulties patients are having when trying to use it.
People with sleep apnea literally stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, often for a minute or longer. Perhaps you or your partner suddenly wakes with a startle during the night? Likely this is the body’s reaction to lack of oxygen.
If not treated, OSA can take eight to 10 years off someone’s life. OSA can cause driving and work-related accidents, depression, memory loss, impaired concentration, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. More studies are now showing a correlation between sleep apnea and attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Sleep Apnea is more common than you would think. Here are some statistics:
- 100 million Americans snore.
- 60% of all Americans over age 40 snore.
- 27% of all married couples snore.
- 50% to 75% of those who try the CPAP reject it.
Oral dental appliances are used to reposition the tongue and lower jaw forward during sleep to maintain the open airway and prevent soft tissues from collapsing during sleep. Usually, oral appliances are recommended for mild to moderate OSA patients, but can be used in severe OSA patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. Some recent studies show Continue reading “Snoring treatment- Dental Alternative to CPAP” »
Why do dentists recommend Wisdom Teeth removal?
Does my teenager really need to have their wisdom teeth removed? What if I still have my wisdom teeth as an adult?
First, a little history:
Wisdom teeth are the third molars. Normally people have three permanent molars that develop in each quadrant of the mouth; upper, lower, right and left. The first molars usually grow into the mouth at around six years of age. The second molars grow in at around age 12. The third molars usually will try to grow in at around age 17 to 21 years. Since that is considered to be the age when people become wiser, third molars gained the nickname, “wisdom teeth.” Actually, they are no different than any other tooth except that they are the last teeth to erupt, or grow into the mouth. They are just as useful as any other tooth if they have enough room to grow in properly, have a proper bite relationship and have healthy gum tissue around them. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Continue reading “Why do dentists recommend Wisdom Teeth removal?” »
Coffee and Doughnuts: A Disastrous Combo for Teeth?
Adult Nutrition
Coffee and Doughnuts: A Disastrous Combo for Teeth?
You’re late for work, skip breakfast and during the commute, pick up a doughnut and cup of coffee and you’re on your way. This common quick-fix breakfast scenario can lengthen your time spent in the dental chair, reports the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). The sugars in doughnuts have been identified as a risk factor for gum inflammation and cavities. The amount of sugar and cream in your coffee also can have a direct effect on the amount of cavity-causing bacteria. If this is your breakfast of choice, learn what you can do to fight back against this combination of tooth terror.
Please feel free to share this information if you find it useful and informative, or post a comment or question below.
Men’s Oral Health- Looking for a New Job? Visit the Dentist!
Men’s Oral Health
Looking for a New Job? Visit the Dentist!
An online poll of 289 general dentists and consumers confirms the traditional stereotype that men are less likely to visit the dentist than their female counterparts, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Why? Nearly 45 percent of respondents felt that men don’t see a need to go to the dentist, and about 30 percent of those polled reported that men may not visit the dentist because they are afraid or embarrassed to go. Almost 18 percent revealed that men just don’t have the time for a dental visit, and about 5 percent felt that men don’t even have a regular dentist.
Please feel free to share this information if you find it useful and informative, or post a comment or question below.
Family Oral Health
Family Oral Health
Good Oral Health Starts at Home
Parents are a child’s first teacher in life and play a significant role in maintaining his or her overall health. Providing oral health education to mothers and families is essential to teaching children healthy habits and preventing early childhood tooth decay. Click here to read more.
Please feel free to share this information if you find it useful and informative, or post a comment or question below.
Invisalign Alternative- Clear Aligner is a great value
Have you always wished you could straighten out those front teeth?
Dentistry for Adults and Dr. Paul Williams now offering the Ortho-Dent Clear-Aligner (patent pending). It is the new cost-effective alternative to Invisalign. The perfect choice for an adult or teen who would like to straighten the front six teeth on the upper and lower arch with clear plastic trays instead of wires. Results will depend on many factors such as the shape of teeth, the amount of moving, root position, etc. And, the Clear-Aligner will not only move teeth into the correct position, but can also be used as a retainer (to last up to 1 year).
Feel free to request a free orthodontic evaluation or ask us about it next time you are in for your check-up. This Plano Dentist is not an orthodontist, so we are limited to only straightening the front six teeth. Should your orthodontic need require more than this, we will refer you to a specialist who is a trained Orthodontist whom we trust. Request your free consultation below!
Dental Care During Pregnancy Is Safe and Recommended
Oral Health and Pregnancy
Dental Care During Pregnancy Is Safe and Recommended
It’s no secret that pregnancy is an important time in a woman’s life. While women often hear about how pregnancy causes physical changes that affect their hormone or appetite levels, these changes can have a great effect on their oral health as well. Despite the fact that good oral health is essential for the overall health of both mother and child, only 22 to 34 percent of women in the United States visit a dentist during pregnancy. Dental care during pregnancy is not only safe and effective, it’s essential for combating the adverse effects of oral disease. Click here to read more.
Please feel free to share this information if you find it useful and informative, or post a comment or question below.
Why is Xylitol a better sweetener?
I have reviewed the medical research and feel confident recommending Epic Dental products as your “sugar free” choice for gum and mints. Here is what they have to say about Xylitol:
Xylitol – Not a Drug – Just a Wonder!
Epic Dental products contain xylitol, a powerful all-natural tool to improve your family’s oral health.
Not a chemical or a drug, xylitol’s completely natural and even produced by the human body during normal metabolism.
What It Does
Xylitol Prevents Cavities: Xylitol’s unique molecular structure works against bacteria. In fact, studies show that 6 grams of the xylitol found in Epic reduce acid-producing bacteria. By reducing the bacteria, you reduce cavities.
Xylitol Is Diabetic Friendly Sweetener: Our friends with diabetes have repeatedly thanked us for finding them a wonderful replacement to sugar. In fact, xylitol is only an 11 on the glycemic index, and since xylitol contains 40% fewer calories than sugar, you’ll be smiling each time you step on the scale as well.
Xylitol Soothes & Quenches Dry Mouth: Epic’s xylitol not only naturally stimulates saliva flow, but also fights the cause of the acid production. Both our gum and mints are ideal ways produce additional saliva. You’ll find our mouthwash an ideal catalyst for an extra dose of cavity-fighting-gentle-buffer-building goodness. Learn more about relief from dry mouth.
Xylitol Can Help Prevent Kids’ Ear Infections: Xylitol has been approved for use by people of all ages. Studies suggest that children especially, can benefit from using xylitol. In fact, in most of the xylitol research studies, children have been the key participants. Interestingly, studies have also shown that xylitol can strongly impact the bacteria that causes many inner-ear infections.
Xylitol? Too Good To Be True?
Xylitol is considered a healthy alternative to sugar and lacks major side effects. In fact, most users experience virtually no side effects when using the recommended dosage (usually 6-8 grams) for dental benefits. Some users, however, may experience some initial side effects when first using xylitol in large quantities.
Remember, xylitol’s not created in a lab. It comes from nature.
Which foods will help or hurt my teeth & oral health?
What you eat and how often you eat are factors in preventing cavities and gum disease. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars from the foods you eat to acids. The acids then attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process. The more often you eat and snack, the more frequently you are exposing your teeth to the cycle of decay. In addition to fostering demineralization of tooth enamel, toxins produced by the bacteria irritate the gums, create plaque (a biofilm on your teeth), and can lead to infection in the tissue surrounding your teeth.
In general, food and beverages stimulate the flow of saliva, which helps protect the enamel by washing away food particles. Certain foods have a high water content, such as apples, pears, and vegetables. The water in these foods helps dilute the effect of sugar in these foods. Certain foods protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth. These include chicken, nuts, milk and cheese. Acidic foods such as oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit and tomatoes should be eaten as part of a larger meal to minimize the effect of the acid on tooth enamel.
Foods that contain large amounts of sugar and can stick to teeth are a poor choice, especially if you cannot clean your teeth right away. For example, candy, cookies, cakes, pies, breads, pretzels, chips, crackers, French fries, bananas, raisins and the other dried fruits that we frequently grab as snacks are a poor choice when we are on the run and not going to floss, brush and rinse immediately.
The best beverage choices include water (especially fluoridated water), milk, and unsweetened tea. Limit the consumption of sugar-containing drinks, including soft drinks, lemonade, and coffee or tea with added sugar. Avoid day-long sipping of sugar-containing drinks that expose your teeth to constant sugar and thus decay-causing acids.
If you are not able to brush your teeth for a while, rinse them well with water and chew sugarless chewing gum that contains Xylitol. More information on Xylitol gum choices to come in the next blog article; stay tuned…
