Geographic Tongue

Benign Migratory Glossitis aka Geographic Tongue is a harmless condition in which the tongue has areas of darker pink patches. What is actually occurring is the papilla on the tongue disappear, rearing sensitive areas to acidic foods and drinks. According to Web MD, "Affecting about 1% to 3% of people, geographic tongue can show up at any age. However, it tends to affect middle-aged or older adults more often. It appears to be more common in women than in men. Geographic tongue is the name of a condition that gets its name from its map-like appearance on the upper surface and sides of the tongue. It may occur in other areas of your mouth, as well".
If you suspect you have Geographic Tongue consult with your physician or dentist.

Sparkling Water

Those of us who sip on sparkling water throughout the day may think we are doing our teeth (and health) a favor by not splurging on sugary sodas. The fact is, however, that sparkling or carbonated water can be just as harmful for our teeth as sugary drinks.

Sparkling water is acidic and acid erodes our teeth over time. The fluoride that is in toothpaste, mouth wash, and drinking water helps re-mineralize teeth. Yet if bacteria is left on for too long and if acidic food and drinks are consumed too frequently throughout the day, then the tooth surface will be susceptible to decay.

Just how acidic is sparkling water? In an article from Today's Health and Wellness (and Dr. Andre Ritter), sparkling is not as acidic as soda, but plain water is best. "To see why, consult a pH scale: the lower the number, the more acidic the substance. Pure water has a pH level of 7. Bottled water — even some of the non-fizzy variety — has a pH level of 5-7; while sodas can be as low as 2, Ritter noted". Read more from the full article here: http://www.today.com/health/sparkling-water-bad-your-teeth-dentists-weigh-t70761

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!