Sleep Apnea

Do you snore loudly?
Are you frequently sleepy throughout the day?
Has anyone (or yourself) observed you stop breathing during your sleep?
Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. OSA occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. The most noticeable sign of OSA is snoring. Sleep apnea affects adults as well as children.

If left untreated, OSA can cause daytime sleepiness, poor sleep quality, high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels (as in diabetes), heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, depression, memory problems, sexual difficulties, weight gain and headaches.

Our new Orthophos SL 3D imaging machine is ideal for treating sleep apnea. The machine can accurately measure down to every millimeter needed for a treatment device.

Please contact us if you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact our office.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer has frightening statistics. More than 40,000 individuals in the U.S. are diagnosed each year and less than 43% of them will survive more than 5 years after the diagnosis. Early detection is key, early signs include a red or white lesion in the mouth, a sore that has not healed after two weeks, and a hoarse voice.

Please read for more information about signs & symptoms and risk factors from our friends at The Oral Cancer Foundation.

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

Did you know that diabetes and periodontal disease have a strong correlation? According to the American Academy of Periodontology, diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications.

Brushing at least twice daily and flossing everyday can help control and even reverse the gum disease of periodontal disease.

Review these instructions on proper flossing techniques:

Periodontal Disease and Low Birth Weight Infants

Did you know there is a link between periodontal disease and low birth weight infants? Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures surrounding the teeth. With chronic infection, proteins called cytokines will increase systemically. Cytokines have been found to cross the fetal membrane barrier and may induce pre-mature labor, resulting in a low birth weight of the infant. Read this detailed study for more information: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941365/

Also, don't forget to brush, floss and see your dental professional regularly - before, during and after pregnancy!

Happy Pi Day!

Happy Pi Day! I've assembled some healthier pie recipes you can enjoy on Pi Day (Easter is right around the corner as well).

Apple pie with less butter and brown sugar: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/219432/healthier-apple-pie-by-grandma-ople/

Pecan Pumpkin: http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Simple-_-Healthy-Pecan-Pumpkin-Pie-1423046?columns=4&position=7%2F70

Lighter version of a chocolate cream pie: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/recipe-finder/healthy-cream-pie-recipes/cream-pie-recipe-chocolate

Just don't forget to brush and floss after!

Do you need to see a dental specialist? Check out this informational hand out from our friends at Delta Dental for the names of dental specialists and services they perform. Also, at our office we perform endodontic, surgery, orthodontic, pediatric dentistry, periodontic and prosthetics as well as general dentistry all in house!

Possible Risks and Complications from Tongue Piercings

Know someone with a tongue piercing or interested in one? There are a variety of risks to consider. Our friends at Delta Dental compiled a list of possible risks and complications associated with tongue and other oral piercings.