Is Sleep Apnea Ruining Your Health?
Sleep apnea is a very common but harmful condition that affects many people today. Oxygen is vital for our lives, and when it is restricted, even by a little, it can have serious health consequences. With sleep apnea, a person’s airways can become restricted or blocked for a multitude of reasons. In addition, through no fault of their own, a person’s brain could simply fail to relay the message adequately for their muscles to contract and expand, allowing unconscious breathing to occur. To find out if sleep apnea is ruining your health, consider the following: — Sleep apnea is most commonly discovered in men over the age of 40. — Oversized tonsils, susceptible genetics, a deviated septum, and various allergies are all risks for sleep apnea that you may have no control over. — Your body’s position as you sleep could elevate your risk for obstructed airways and sleep apnea. — If you are overweight, you are in danger of developing sleep apnea. — Sleep apnea is often spotted in individuals who snore while asleep. — If you have a temporomandibular disorder, also called TMD, you could be at an increased risk for sleep apnea. If left unchecked, sleep apnea could cause or increase your risk for diabetes, ADD, ADHD, mood swings, depression, high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, and even death. Fortunately, if you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, our doctor may recommend a Respire Series oral appliance which adjusts the mouth to allow for easier breathing. This oral appliance fits comfortably over your teeth to keep your airway open while you sleep. For an oral exam at [practice_name] to check for sleep apnea, and any other treatments you may need, please contact Dr. [doctor_name] at our dentist office in [city], [state], by calling [phone]. We look forward to perfecting your oral health care and giving you the quality of sleep you deserve!
The Bad Habits that Can Harm Your Smile
Did you know there are things you can do on a regular basis that can severely harm your smile and alter your oral health? Well, it’s true. In fact, there are many things that you might not even think about that can cause major issues down the road. Some common habits that can hurt your teeth and gums include: –Avoiding dental cleanings: Dental cleanings are vital for your smile and for your oral health. In fact, they can be beneficial for your entire body as well. The treatment involved in dental cleanings is the only treatment that can completely clean plaque from your smile. This prevents gum disease. Gum disease is a serious and dangerous dental issue that can result in loose and lost teeth and can also be linked to other health issues, like diabetes and heart disease. So, it’s best to visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam. –Having an inconsistent oral hygiene routine: Oral hygiene is also very important for your smile. If you brush your teeth twice a day, floss your smile once a day, and rinse your mouth daily, there is a high chance you’ll avoid dental issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, and maintain a strong and healthy smile. So, as you can tell, having an inconsistent oral hygiene routine can harm your smile in a myriad of ways. –Refusing to wear a mouthguard: If you participate in contact sports without wearing a mouthguard, there is a high chance a hard and forceful object, like a ball, foot, elbow, or knee, can hit your mouth and injure or knock out a tooth. This should be avoided at all costs by wearing a mouthguard. –Using your teeth as tools: This might seem crazy, but using your teeth as tools can crack, fracture, or break your teeth. This can include using your teeth to open a package, pull off a tag, or tear open an object. It’s best to avoid this habit altogether. So, if you want to maintain a strong and healthy smile in [city], [state], please refrain from participating in these destructive habits. If you would like to learn more or if you need additional tips on how to care for your teeth and gums, please remember that you can always call our team at [phone]. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. [doctor_name] if you have concerns about your oral health. We are happy to help you!
Should I Whiten My Teeth?
Are your teeth stained or yellowed? Do you yearn for a brighter, whiter smile? Teeth whitening in Waco, Texas, may be for you. At our office, we offer both in-office and take-home whitening for your convenience. However, there are some things you should discuss with Dr. Latino first. The following can make this procedure less successful: Age & Pregnancy Teeth whitening is not recommended for those under the age of 16. The pulp chamber of the tooth is enlarged until 16, and this procedure could irritate the pulp. Our dentist also does not recommend it for those who are pregnant or lactating. Sensitive Teeth If you have sensitive teeth or gums or receding gums, make sure you consult with Dr. Latino before whitening your teeth. Also, be sure to talk with our dentist if you have any faulty dental restorations. Allergies If you are allergic to peroxide, please do not whiten your teeth, as peroxide is the whitening agent. Gum Disease & Worn Tooth Enamel Our dentist may not recommend teeth whitening for those who suffer from gum disease or who have worn enamel. Darkly Stained Teeth Yellowed teeth respond well to whitening products. However, brownish teeth do not respond as well and grayish or purplish teeth do not respond to whitening procedures at all. Talk to our dentist about other options to improve the appearance of your smile if you have darkly stained teeth. Dental Restorations Dental restorations like bridges, crowns, and fillings will not respond to whitening. Because of this, those with dental restorations that whiten their smile will have an uneven result. The teeth without restorations will appear lighter than those with restorations. Feel free to contact our dental office today to learn more about teeth whitening and our other cosmetic dental services and to schedule a consultation. Dr. Latino is your Waco dentist, offering comprehensive, quality dental care such as cosmetic dentistry in Waco, Texas.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you have sleep apnea, how have you treated it in the past? Have you seen doctors, used snore guards, and perhaps even have a CPAP machine to help you sleep at night? While a CPAP machine may help you sleep at night, it can be very troublesome to your partner. The good news is, though, that other options do exist. They just exist in a place that you may not have thought of – Dr. [doctor_name]’s office in [practice_name] in [city], [state]. A dentist is actually one of the best people to go to for sleep apnea treatment. Let’s take a look at what can be done to help your apnea. Why go to the dentist? Believe it or not, but some sleep apnea problems are caused directly by problems with how your jaw is aligned. A dentist is one of the best medical professionals from which to seek treatment regarding this, since the mouth is their area of expertise. There are a few different treatment options for those who suffer from sleep apnea. Treatment options The most common treatment used by dental professionals is oral appliance therapy. This involves the use of a device that looks and fits just like a mouth guard, but it’s designed to change the angle of your jaw while you sleep. This improves air flow and decreases the amount of times you’ll wake during the night, since decreased airflow is one of the causes of sleep apnea in the first place. Call [phone] to schedule your appointment today.
The Best Characteristics to Look for in a Child’s Toothpaste
Did you know there are specific types of toothpaste that are made for children’s smiles? Well, it’s true! There are many different types, colors, and flavors of toothpaste that will help your child properly clean their smile each day, but how do you know which one to choose? Well, let us help you. In order to pick the best possible toothpaste for your child, we recommend choosing a paste that: Contains fluoride Fluoride is an essential mineral that you can find in toothpaste. It strengthens and nourishes the teeth and gives them the ability to fight tooth decay and enamel erosion. It’s important to brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste. However, it’s best if it’s low-fluoride toothpaste because too much fluoride can be harmful to your child’s teeth. Approved by the ADA Search for a paste that has the American Dental Association seal of acceptance on it. This seal means it has undergone and passed tests of safety and effectiveness. This seal informs you that it will properly, effectively, and safely clean your child’s smile. Kid-friendly flavors If your child likes the taste of their toothpaste, brushing will be a much more enjoyable experience. So, pick a paste that has a flavor your child enjoys, like strawberry or watermelon. Please remember that it’s best if your child refrains from swallowing the paste. If the toothpaste you use has these three characteristics, your child’s smile will remain healthy and strong because they will have the tool they need to properly clean their teeth each day. For more information about your child’s toothpaste in [city], [state], please feel free to call our experienced team today at [phone] and schedule an appointment with your dentist, Dr. [doctor_name]. We are here to help you in any way we can, and we look forward to hearing from you!
Your Long-Term Oral Health Can Be Threatened by Periodontal Disease
Every year, periodontal disease threatens the oral health and quality of life of millions of Americans. The Centers for Disease Control also report that 64 percent of people 65 and over have been diagnosed with moderate-to-severe periodontal disease. At the same time, the American Dental Association estimates approximately 47 percent of people age 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease afflicting the health of their gum tissues. Periodontal disease is primarily caused when poor oral hygiene allows tartar to harden at the gumline. The constant bacterial presence leads to the inflammation and infection of the gum tissues known as gingivitis. Common symptoms often include red or inflamed gums. This usually includes increased bleeding during regular brushing and flossing. Many people experiencing gingivitis symptoms also complain of issues with chronic bad breath. Without timely treatment, gingivitis can develop into the more dangerous form of periodontal disease known as periodontitis. This level of infection can make your gums slowly recede from the base of your teeth, forming small pockets of bacterial infection near the roots of your teeth. In time, this can also result in the loss of bone structure, which can result in the loss of an otherwise healthy tooth. At the same time, continuing research has also found that the systemic inflammation of periodontal disease can also have an impact on other medical conditions. This can increase complications with diabetes, heart disease and stroke. While periodontal disease doesn’t cause these issues, it does seem to limit treatment options and can lead to further complications. If you are concerned that you might be developing periodontal disease in [city], [state], you should call [phone] to schedule an appointment at [practice_name].
Tips for Stopping Tooth Decay in Infants and Toddlers
Infants often show signs of tooth exposure around 6 months of age. When this occurs, the newly exposed teeth are susceptible to all the forms of tooth decay as any normal teeth are. To protect the teeth, we must then care for them as we would any other teeth. Additionally, we can monitor what items enter an infant’s mouth that could be potentially dangerous. Here are some tips for stopping tooth decay in infants and toddlers: – Do not leave a bottle in the baby’s mouth during nap time. – Avoid contaminating anything the baby uses for his/her mouth. Do not share food utensils or pacifiers. – Do not dip the child’s pacifier in sweet substances such as honey or sugar. – If the baby has any teeth that have broken through the gumline, use toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Slowly brush their teeth with a child-sized toothbrush and an amount of toothpaste roughly the size of a grain of rice. – Be careful what you put into drinking bottles for babies. Focus on using only formula, milk, or breast milk in the bottles. Do not use liquids such as sugar water, juice, soft drinks, or energy drinks. Baby bottle tooth decay is preventable if you take the necessary steps to protect your little ones. If you have not made time for your dentist at [practice_name], and would like to make an appointment with Dr. [doctor_name], please contact us today. We can be reached at [phone] or by stopping by our office in [city], [state]. Let us help you take charge of you and your child’s future with a healthy smile.
Fixing Discolored Teeth
So many people have discolored teeth, yet so few know that getting those teeth to shine white and bright again is a very simple, easy procedure. It’s a procedure we’re proud to offer to our patients here at [practice_name] in [state], and one we encourage you to consider if you’re in need of fixing some discolored teeth. Let’s look at what Dr. [doctor_name] can do for you. Why use professional whitening? Taking time from your busy schedule to come into our office for a whitening can seem a bit redundant with all the over-the-counter whitening solutions you can buy straight from the grocery store. However, there are some big advantages to using professional whitening services. Professional whitening is far more effective than over-the-counter solutions. Dr. [doctor_name] has access to whitening products far more powerful than anything you can buy at the store, which means your teeth will become whiter much quicker. It’s also less of a hassle to have someone else whiten your teeth. Filling the trays at home and trying not to get the whitening gel on your gums isn’t always the easiest thing to do. During professional whitening, however, you don’t have to worry about that as our professional team will ensure your whitening experience is easy and pain-free. If you’re ready for those discolored teeth to go from gray to great, then call us today at [phone] and get started on your teeth whitening journey!
First Aid for Lost Crowns
When your dentist, Dr. [doctor_name], originally installed your dental crown, it was intended to restore the tooth for a long time to come. Unfortunately, there are times when something like a blow to the face or gum disease can compromise the cement that is anchoring the crown in place. If a crown falls out, it needs thoughtful first aid while you seek treatment at [practice_name]. While you are waiting for your appointment with Dr. [doctor_name], there are a few common first-aid considerations to keep in mind to help you take care of your lost crown and the abutment that previously anchored it. Do not attempt to clean the abutment or the crown. This could potentially cause damage to the abutment and exacerbate the problem. You can gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water if a blow to the face left blood or debris in your mouth. Any other cleaning measures should be left to our highly trained team of dental professionals. If the crown fell out as a result of bacteria compromising the cement that holds it to the abutment, there should be a few telltale signs. You should see the abutment sticking out from your gums, and the crown itself should be completely hollow. If this is the case, Dr. [doctor_name] might be able to clean the crown and abutment and cement it back into place. If the abutment broke off at the gumline or has been otherwise damaged, you should see some or all of it inside the crown. When this happens, Dr. [doctor_name] might need to perform a root canal to restore enough structure to secure the crown back into place. If you have just lost a dental crown in [city], [state], you should call [practice_name] at [phone] to seek timely treatment.
Is Bad Breath Embarrassing You?
Are you self-conscious about your breath because it isn’t appealing? If so, you are not alone. Less than stellar breath is quite common but it can be unnerving during the socializing brought on by the holiday season. The good news is, bad breath, or halitosis, can be easily remedied depending on the cause of your condition. Fortunately, Dr. [doctor_name] and our team in [city], [state] is skilled at helping our patients resolve oral issues. To find out the cause of your bad breath, our dentist will begin by thoroughly examining your mouth. The first line of defense is reducing the bacteria in your mouth. Some factors we will look for include plaque and tartar (which is hardened plaque), any fillings in your mouth that may be leaking, whether or not you have dry mouth, or an infection, an abscess, or gum disease. Depending on the cause of your bad breath, we may recommend deep cleanings, a root canal or artificial saliva (in the case of dry mouth). In addition to your vigilant brushing and flossing, you may be prescribed an antimicrobial mouthwash. You can also boost healthy saliva production by increasing your water intake and chewing sugar-free gum. This holiday season, refresh your breath by getting the help you need to have a confident smile once again. Our dedicated team in [city], [state], is happy to help with the right treatment options for your needs. Please call [phone] today and let Dr. [doctor_name] restore your healthy smile!
