Sleep Apnea - More Common Than You Think

Light snoring is no more than an occasional inconvenient habit. But chronic, heavy, loud snoring may signal a condition called obstructive sleep apnea which is frequently associated with hypertension, stroke and cardiopulmonary problems. Dentist are often the first health care provider to identify sleep apnea because its salient signs and symptoms often are recognizable in the dental office.

I have specifically trained in sleep medicine to work with my patients and their primary care physicians to diagnose a sleep disorder. Most people who have sleep apnea - a special type off snoring in which oxygen intake is actually halted for several seconds - do not realize the harmful side effects that it can have. Poor supply of oxygen to the brain, heart problems, high blood pressure, and increased risk for tooth decay all go hand in hand. Children can be affected too - studies show upwards of 20% of all children exhibit snoring and severe tooth grinding (sleep bruxism). Clinical symptoms of untreated sleep disorders may include excessive daytime sleepiness, failure to thrive, bed wetting, behavioral problems and other symptoms. It is critical to you, your spouse or your child's health to be diagnosed! Wouldn't you like ot greet every day again feeling rested and re-energized? Call the office to schedule a consultation.

Let's Work Together

Healthcare is certainly making news these days! The amount of information available today is changing the way that people make decisions about their health. It is more about “let’s work together”. This empowering change helps people to be their own health care advocate. An on-going shift is on its way in medicine that highlights the role of dentistry as an equal partner in wellness and disease prevention. Collaborative efforts always produce better results and you, the patient, must be your own advocate.

I believe that patients should learn that their teeth and gums play a very important role in their overall health and well-being. More information is being uncovered about this everyday and I pledge to continue to investigate and help my patients understand how good oral health can make them healthier overall. In particular, if you suffer from diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea then I invite you to schedule a wellness exam at our office.

Give Your Child A Beautiful Smile They Will Love!

Lengthy and expensive orthodontic treatment may be prevented with early intervention.
More than 50% of children have one or more problems with their teeth or jaws. Typical trouble could include front teeth that protrude because of thumbsucking, spaces, badly aligned bites, clicking jaws, and crowded or missing teeth. And even though they can’t all be prevented, they can all be corrected. The key is early orthodontic care.

Between the ages of five and ten, permanent teeth begin to appear, and bones and muscles develop rapidly. This is when we can best influence growth to create the best bite. We can actually prevent some problems from ever developing. That’s why it’s important to bring your child in for a first dental evaluation early. We can do a thorough check and, if necessary, begin early treatment.