Questions About Obstructive Sleep Apnea

questions about obstructive sleep apneaIf you or your partner snores excessively, then your peace and quiet might not be the only thing affected. Snoring can restrict the flow of air to your brain and body, and in some cases, it’s an indication of a more serious sleep disorder, known as obstructive sleep apnea. Like snoring, the disorder involves oral and throat tissues obstructing the airway, meaning you have to work harder for a limited supply of air while you sleep.   (more…)

Top 3 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

Beautiful Woman Holding Up 3 FingersIf you have persistent bad breath that won’t go away even when you chew on breath mints or rinse with mouthwash or if you’ve noticed that your gums bleed or your spit looks pink when you brush your teeth, you may be one of the millions of Americans living with gingivitis or gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of adults in the U.S. have gum disease and although many factors contribute you’re your risk for this serious oral health problem, you have it within your power to prevent it. Follow these three proven tips for preventing gum disease. (more…)

Why Do We Grind Our Teeth?

pecantreebruxismBruxism, or teeth grinding, refers to the constant grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw. A widespread disorder that affects both children and adults, this issue can lead to damaged teeth and a number of other oral health concerns. Why do we grind our teeth? What can we do to stop?

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Do You Have TMJ Disorder?

pecantreetmdIf you notice a persistent popping or crackling sensation in your jaw, then you may be suffering from a common and serious jaw joint disorder. TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, can make fully opening and closing your jaw difficult. Do you have TMJ disorder? If you do, then there are conservative treatment options available.

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How A Crown Is Placed

crownAlthough placing a dental crown is more invasive than an inlay or an onlay, it is not a very complex procedure. It takes two visits, but only because the crown is fabricated outside the office in a dental lab. During the first visit your dentist prepares the tooth, during the second visit he or she places the crown. You may know someone who has received a dental crown, or your dentist may have suggested that you need crown treatment, so today we explain how a crown is placed.

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Bridge VS Implant

IMvsBRReplacing a tooth not only restores your smile, but it also restores your chewing function. Even the lack of one tooth can affect how you chew and inevitably the foods you choose to eat. Another reason for replacing a tooth is so your other teeth remain straight. When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth will try to fill the empty space by tilting and shifting which can lead to a misaligned bite and other issues. If you have a tooth missing or need a tooth removed and are wondering what options are available to replace your tooth, dental bridges and dental implants are two available options.

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Are You Suffering From Xerostomia?

kissAre you suffering from xerostomia? You are if you have a chronic dry mouth. Xerostomia is the medical word for just that: dry mouth. Dry mouth often affects people as they age and can increase the risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Saliva may just seem like spit to you, but it is important to your oral health. It keeps your oral mucosa moist, helps wash away food debris, and neutralizes acids that cause decay.  Take the true or false quiz below to find out how much you know about xerostomia (dry mouth).

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Aging Teeth: Part 2

agingteethAlthough as you age your bones can become more brittle and fragile, that is not the same with teeth. Teeth tend to remain strong. However, there are several factors that come into play that can wear down, decay, or otherwise damage your teeth and gums as you age. Some of these factors include habits such as bruxing (the chronic grinding and clenching of your teeth); a high sugar diet which causes decay and can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease; a misaligned bite, and more. In the first installment of Aging Teeth, we discussed mechanical wear, structural wear, and erosion, but there are other ways your teeth change as you age. Find out what they are in Aging Teeth: Part 2.

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