Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Below is an excerpt from an article found on mouthhealthy.org

Sleep apnea is a common and serious sleeping disorder that happens when your regular breathing is interrupted during sleep. Snoring is common among patients with sleep apnea but not all snorers have sleep apnea.

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea. The more common form, it is the result of blocked airflow during sleep, usually when the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses while you sleep. Health factors, such as obesity may contribute.
• Central sleep apnea. Results from a problem with how the brain signals the breathing muscles. The airway is not blocked, instead the brain fails to signal the muscles to breath. This type of sleep apnea can occur with conditions such as heart failure, brain tumors, brain infections, and stroke. 

Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, although men are more likely to develop the disorder. The risk is also greater for those:

• over 40
• overweight
• with large tonsils, large tongue or small jaw
• with a family history of sleep apnea
• with a nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies or sinus problems.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can result in a number of health problems including:

• high blood pressure
• stroke
• heart failure, irregular heartbeat and heart attack
• diabetes
• depression
• worsening of ADHD.

Sleep apnea can be treated. There are several options:

• Adjusting sleeping habits. This may mean simply not sleeping on your back
• Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP). This is a device which improves breathing while you sleep. The device supplies air through the nasal passages and the air pressure keeps the airway open while sleeping.
• Oral appliances. Certain oral devices can shift and support the jaw to prevent the airway from collapsing. Research shows that oral appliances can successfully prevent sleep apnea in some mild to moderate cases.
• Surgery. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine upper airway surgery may be recommended when other treatment options are unsuccessful in eliminating the symptoms of sleep apnea. Depending on the location and nature of the airway obstruction, the procedure may be minimally invasive or more complex. It may be necessary to remove the tonsils or other parts of the soft palate or throat.

If you think you have sleep apnea, make sure to speak with your physician or dentist for more information and possible evaluation.

To read the entire article visit mouthhealthy.org

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686
BetterImageDentistry.com

Leukoplakia: Why do you have white gums?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on crest.com

Leukoplakia: What You Should Know

Leukoplakia is an oral disease where white or gray patches show up on or around the gums, inside of the cheeks, on the bottom of the mouth, and sometimes on the tongue. These patches are the mouth’s reaction to irritation of the sensitive mucous membranes in the mouth.

If you’ve seen these patches in your mouth, you should make an appointment with your dentist or doctor. They can help identify what’s causing it as well as help you treat it.

What Causes Leukoplakia?

Outside of knowing that leukoplakia is the body’s reaction to irritation inside the mouth, there isn’t a specific cause that scientists have identified. However, there are some triggers that can make it more likely.

• Long-term tobacco usage (the most common trigger)
• Long-term alcohol usage
• Broken or ill-fitting dental appliances, fillings, or crowns
• Injury from jagged or broken teeth 
• Underlying diseases like oral cancer or HIV/AIDS

What Are The Symptoms of Leukoplakia?

White or gray colored patches on your gums or tongue, the inside of your cheeks, or bottom of your mouth are a sign of leukoplakia. These patches may be flat or irregularly textured, and can be thickened or hardened in some places. Leukoplakia isn’t usually painful, but it can be sensitive to touch, heat, irritation, and spicy or acidic foods. Unlike some other oral diseases, leukoplakia can’t be wiped or brushed away.

There is also a second kind of leukoplakia called “hairy leukoplakia.” In this variety, the patches are usually on the sides of the tongue and take on a fuzzy appearance.

In some cases, both types of leukoplakia are also accompanied by raised, red lesions, which can be a sign of other diseases.

How to Treat Leukoplakia

The best way to treat leukoplakia is to remove the source of irritation that’s causing it, either by stopping or reducing tobacco and alcohol usage or fixing dental appliances. It’s a good idea to address these issues with the help of your dentist or doctor, since they may want to run tests to rule out underlying illnesses. You will definitely need to see them in the case of hairy leukoplakia since an antiviral medication is required. And though leukoplakia usually heals on its own, you may have to have oral surgery to remove the patches.

To read the entire article visit crest.com

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686
BetterImageDentistry.com

What Are Veneers And How Should You Care For Them?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on colgate.com

The right veneers are a quick way to a beautiful smile, and this treatment is perfect for people with teeth that are stained, chipped or have gaps. But veneers are an irreversible treatment, so having them placed is a big decision. Before you and your dentist decide the procedure is right for you, it's important to have the right information about veneers, their cost and how best to care for them.

What are Veneers?

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a veneer is a "thin piece of porcelain used to re-create the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel." They are custom made to the contour of your teeth and are bonded to the tooth's original enamel during a series of in-office procedures.

Why are Veneers Used in Dentistry?

Veneers are a less intrusive option than crowns or braces. According to the British Dental Health Foundation, veneers can be used to close gaps or correct small misalignments. Patients also choose veneers as a comestic solution to enhance the brightness of their teeth and to straighten their smile, correcting issues like discoloration, fractures, or chips.

Porcelain Veneers

The most commonly used material for veneers are the conventional porcelain veneer and Lumineers and composite resin veneers. AACD, porcelain veneers are preferable for correcting issues of shape or color and can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. They can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000 per tooth depending on what part of the United States you live in, which can be a major expense for most consumers, so it's important to know they will need to be replaced eventually.

Placing Veneers

The typical process takes one to two appointments. If the veneer is prefabricated it usually takes one appointment and if the laboratory is creating the veneer it takes two appointments. We will focus on highlighting placement of the porcelain veneer created by the laboratory:

1. Local anesthetia is not usually required when placing veneers. However, depending on the patient's sensitivity, it can be used if needed. The dentist will clean the tooth and determine the correct shade for the veneer. The dentist will remove a very small amount of the enamel of the tooth to provide room to place the veneer on the tooth.
2. An impression of the tooth will be made for the laboratory and a temporary veneer will be placed on the tooth with spot etching in the center of the tooth away from the margins.
3. After the laboratory has delivered the porcelain veneer to your dentist, the temporary veneer is removed, the tooth is cleaned with pumice and water. The veneer is then etched, rinsed throughly with water and air dried. The adhesive is placed on the preparation and then the cement and the veneer is placed for exact fit and contour.
4. The veneer is then light cured for 60 seconds on all surfaces of it to attach it to the tooth structure.
5. Your dentist will remove any excess material and polish the margins of the veneer.

Many dentists will schedule a follow-up visit to check for comfort; a comfortable veneer will be a long-lasting veneer.

Care for Veneers

The AACD suggests brushing and flossing just as you would your regular teeth. Proper daily brushing, and use of non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Consider limiting coffee and other stain-inducing foods.

Keep in mind that veneers will need to be replaced at some point, no matter how well you take care of them. But proper oral hygiene will help them last as long as possible.

If you're deciding on veneers, consult with your dentist and be sure you understand every part of the process and cost. A beautiful smile feels great and can increase both your confidence and well-being.

To read the entire article visit colgate.com

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686
BetterImageDentistry.com