Yawning again? Always hitting the snooze button? Constantly fighting the urge to nod off? If these symptoms sound familiar, you could be one of approximately 25 million people in the U.S. who suffers from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Interestingly, your dentist may play an important role in the diagnosis, risks, and treatments for OSA. Learn more about the connection between sleep apnea and oral health. What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
You might be wondering, “Do I really need a mouthguard for sleep apnea?” The short answer is mouthguards greatly help some people with sleep apnea. And that someone might be you! Let’s discuss what sleep apnea is, how sleep apnea impacts your oral health, and how a mouthguard may help you. Then, with the information provided and the help of your healthcare provider, you can decide if a mouthguard is
It’s not uncommon for people to think that a root canal means pain. But, that’s just one of the many myths about root canals. Experiencing severe pain after root canal isn’t common. However, if you’re not feeling at the top of your game right after your root canal, there’s no need to worry. It’s common to experience a bit of discomfort after your treatment. It’s important to remember that the root
There are a lot of great reasons for your top teeth not to touch your bottom teeth – like when you have an enormous open-mouthed smile on your face, when you’re about to take a bite out of some delicious food, or when you’re screaming out, cheering on your favorite team or musician. But if your top teeth and your bottom teeth don’t connect even when your jaw is closed,
A salivary stone diagnosis is often a surprise – in fact, it’s common not to know what a salivary stone is! And while salivary stones can cause pain and swelling in your mouth or jaw, they’re often asymptomatic. Curious about the symptoms, risk factors, and potential treatments for salivary stones? Read on to get the most important facts. About Salivary Stones A salivary stone occurs when calcium builds up in
Mindlessly chewing ice is an incredibly common habit, especially during hot summer months. Unfortunately, just like many other hard foods, ice can damage teeth, enamel, and gums. You have probably heard that you should skip the ice chewing, but is it so easy to give up an entrenched habit? We know it’s not. Here’s what we should know about how chewing ice can damage your teeth and a few alternatives
Nothing is more unnerving than having a cracked tooth. It can happen because of an injury to your face or just everyday life. The good news is, a cracked tooth can be repaired, but you should contact your dental professional right away. Here’s what to know and do if you suspect you’ve cracked a tooth. Reasons A Tooth Might Crack A tooth can crack because of an injury. For example,
Breaking a tooth is traumatic, but quick action and a visit to the dentist fix cosmetic damage and help prevent long-term problems. Teeth break due to forceful impacts, such as those that occur in car accidents or sports or due to dental issues such as large cavities or lost fillings. Whatever the cause may be, a dental visit is needed either immediately or as soon as is convenient, depending on
Many of us need braces. Perhaps your child will too. And usually, after they come off, you come up smiling in more ways than one. A healthy, straight smile gives most of us more confidence. But what if you could gain that confidence a little bit faster? Well, you can — with Damon braces. What Are Damon Braces and How Do They Work? Damon braces aren’t your traditional braces. Nope.
You got your braces. You wore your braces. And your smile looks great because of your braces. So now what? Well, to keep that smile great (and straight), you should introduce yourself to the Hawley retainer. The Hawley retainer stabilizes your teeth in the same position as the bone surrounding them hardens into place. This is the final step in the teeth straightening process, so patience is essential. What Are
If you or a family member receive a diagnosis of diabetes, you probably have many questions. While this is a common diagnosis, it’s normal to feel an array of emotions when presented with this news – from confusion to even surprise. Did you know that diabetes can take a toll on your teeth and mouth? Let’s dive into what causes diabetes, the different types, and how best to manage your
Taking care of your teeth and mouth is especially important if you have diabetes. The condition results in a greater risk of oral infection and often slows the healing process. Seeing a dental professional is a slightly different experience for people with diabetes. Learning about handling your diabetes and dental treatment is essential to avoiding complications and maintaining your oral health. How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health? Research shows a