As we age, and even for some young people, arthritic conditions take their toll on freedom of jaw movement producing pain and stiffness. Luckily, the temporal mandibular joints or TMJ’s are made to last and function well, long after many parts of the body give out. These important joints make possible or aid with speaking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing which... read more »
Since my last column, I have been flooded with inquiries about the process involved to obtain an Oral Sleep Appliance. Sleep Apnea is a medical diagnosis. When a patient cannot tolerate or will not wear their CPAP machine and requests that I fit them for an Oral Sleep Appliance, the following is the sequence of events that transpire: Preliminary consultation... read more »
Many people think that modern dentistry only dictates using white fillings. I feel there is a place in good patient care for both a traditional amalgam (silver) filling and the composite (white/plastic) filling. For me, it’s all about the size and location of where the filling is to be placed. Having observed the longevity of both types of fillings in... read more »
The February edition of the American Dental Association has as it cover story “Oral and General Health Benefits of Breastfeeding.” It quotes many studies that state that some of the following benefits for babies from breast feeding; 1- less acute otitis media, 2- protection against diarrhea, 3- more antibodies and bactericidal properties in breast milk that combat severe lower reparatory... read more »
Did you know that the life expectancy of someone who snores can be significantly less than for someone who does not snore? The short answer of why is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is not just associated with the old and overweight but all ages. It’s the condition where a person stops breathing many times during the night for 10 seconds... read more »
When the kids or grandkids come for a visit do you hear them snore? Maybe you hear little ones grind their teeth or make unusual sounds when they sleep. Do your kids tell you of your grandkids having emotional problems, attention deficit problems or bed wetting? How about sleep walking or night terrors? Do your grandkids wake up screaming and... read more »
In my office, for those who need it, we promote dental cleanings more often than every 6 months. Having a regular dental visit every 6 months is considered by many “regular dental care.” The fact of the matter is that I have some patients I don’t schedule for re-care visits but once a year. For them, this is adequate. Others... read more »
An often asked question from my dental patients is, “How can I make my smile look better without crowning or veneering all my front teeth?” The answer depends on the condition of their front teeth of course. If they are riddled with fillings on every surface, then crowning is the only option. If their teeth are extremely crooked, then orthodontics... read more »
What consequences are there, when extensive dental work is needed, in light of the often compromised health of aging seniors? Of course, the answer depends on the health problem facing the senior. It can be diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions including prior by-pass surgery or stint placement, joint replacement or bone density treatments with bisphosphonates. Seniors worry most about... read more »
If you’ve lost teeth to the point that it is either cosmetically a problem or you can’t eat very well, dentistry does have answers. Just watch the TV and you’ll hear testimonials of how wonderful it is to smile and chew again. Which treatment option may be right for you? It may be time for a reality check when cost... read more »