The Hidden Dangers of Sleep Apnea and Snoring

What is Sleep Anpea?
Apnea means to stop breathing. Sleep apnea refers to a condition wherin you stop breathing during sleep. Most of us know someone who snores during sleep. You may also know someone who has commented that their partner has stopped breathing during sleep for seemingly long periods-long enough to be frightening. While snoring is often made the subject of jokes or teasing, it could be an indication of a serious health problem.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
*snoring *waking up tired
*dry mouth/throat *difficulty concentrating
*fatigue *weight gain
*sleepiness *irritability

Sometimes there can be an obstruction in the airway that causes the apnea. It could be soft tissue at the back of the throat that collapses, jaw is to small to accommodate tongue and this constriction impedes airflow. When breathing stops, blood oxygen levels fall forcing the heart to work harder, causing blood pressure to rise.
Some of the conditions associated is high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, gastric reflux, depression, diabetes and impotence in men.
What is the Dentist's role in Treatment?
Properly trained dentists can make custom fitted oral appliances that are worn over the teeth at sleep, keeping the airway open. If you or someone you know exhibits any of the symptoms bring it to you dentists attention.

Oral HPV ans Oral Cancer: Are you at risk?

Human Papillomavirus is one of the most common virus groups in the world. There are many different types of HPV, and the health risk varies depending upon the type of virus. While some types of HPV are low-risk and may cause skin lesions such as warts, there are other HPV types that are classified as high-risk. Recent studies show that these same high-risk types cause cancers of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, and throat areas. Along with excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, specific types of oral HPV are now considered to be a separate and serious risk factor for developing cancer in the head and neck regions. HPV transmission of the most common types can be quite simple. With just close contact between people, the infection can be spread. These types of HPV are considered to be low-risk. However, the more serious types of HPV that may lead to cervical cancer or oral cancer are known to be sexually transmitted. Other avenues of transmission may also occur. Studies are ongoing to further understand how, in addition to sexual transmission, these virus are transmitted. Both males and females are at risk when intimate contact is made with HPV-infected individuals. Individuals at greatest risk are those that are in intimate relationship with HPV-infected partner.
Clinical sign of oral HPV infections vary depending on the type of HPV that is present in the infection. Low-risk oral HPV types lead to a wart, or papilloma. High-risk oral HPV may present as a sore that wont heal, which is a worrisome sign of potential cancer.
An HPV test can be taken at a dental office and is very simple. Dr Rose and his team provide the greatest care and has this test available if needed. Please ask at your next dental visit if you have further question. Or you may go to there website at www.OralDna.com

Cut the Carbs

Your tush and your teeth will thank you if you just step away from the carbs. Foods that contain sugars and starches--aka carbohydrates-fuel the bacteria that live inside your mouth. Like we said before, these bacteria produce acids that destroy tooth enamel, which ultimately results in tooth decay and cavities. You don't have to quit the carbs altogether, though: just brush after you eat sugary and starchy foods, and limit snacking between meals.

Juice isn't the Foolproof soda Alternative

Sports drinks, energy drinks and juices seem to provide at least some nutritional benefits and are often the alternative to sugary sodas; however these drinks are loaded with sugar, too, which eventually causes tooth decay.
Children are especially susceptible to tooth decay caused by sugary drinks, depending on their sippy cup usage. The spout of the cup places drinks in close contact with tooth enamel, and children often "nurse" a cup in such a way that their teeth are constantly bathed with the sugary drink. Even 100% pure juice is advisable only in limited quantities because of its naturally high sugar content.
Some parents often give their children fruit juice, milk or fruit snacks before bed. The sugars coat the teeth overnight and can cause a condition called baby bottle tooth decay, which is early childhood tooth rot. Prevent this overnight decay by always brushing your teeth and your kids teeth before bed.

Thinking about cosmetic dentistry

There is something about this time of year that makes people get motivated. Spring cleaning is a few weeks away but the motivators seem to start now. The holidays are behind up and the summer is only a few months away. And, a lot of people are either waiting on their tax refund or know what the damage is there, so the pressure is off. In general, as we swing into March, it‘s a time when people start thinking about doing what’s next.

If you have considered cosmetic dentistry in the past, you might be thinking about it now. There are many great reasons to improve your smile. Sure, you can look at it from the viewpoint that a perfect smile can help with your career or give you an added edge socially. Or you can look at cosmetic dentistry as a way of giving yourself something long lasting, like the confidence to express your true self.

A lot of people have healthy teeth but they just do not like how they look. These people tend to shy away from smiling or being too expressive. And, it’s a shame when we don’t get to see their full personality because of this inhibition.

Cosmetic dentistry changes all that. The most common comment we hear following cosmetic dentistry is that the patient feels a new sense of confidence. They feel like they are free to smile because they know their teeth and smile are beautiful. And, when that happens, they let their whole personality out.

If you have ever felt this way, why not contact me today to discuss what cosmetic dentistry can do for you?