Feb 27, 2020
Sleep apnea is a disorder which causes respiration to stop when a person is sleeping. This is a very common disorder affecting more than twelve million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. A person can stop breathing from 10 seconds up to a few minutes. The pauses in breathing can take place up to 30 times in one hour. Sleep apnea can cause life-threatening health problems related to oxygen deprivation if it isn’t addressed. Some of the health problems resulting from oxygen deprivation include heart disease, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, and learning/memory problems.
Warning signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Frequent silences during sleep due to breaks in breathing
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Loud snoring
- Sudden awakenings to restart breathing
- Daytime sleepiness
In an effort to reduce sleep apnea, some medical companies have introduced some sleep apnea dental appliances. Two common oral devices are the Mandibular Repositioning Device and the Tongue Retaining Device. These devices work by opening your airway by bringing your lower jaw or your tongue forward during sleep. It appears the dental appliances have been successful for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Fewer apneas occur when using these dental devices.
If a patient chooses to use a dental appliance, dentists are great choices to work on designing the oral appliance for a person’s mouth. A dentist will design and fabricate a mold of the teeth and jaws. It is important to get fitted by a dentist specializing in sleep apnea and work with the dentist to identify any dental problems with using the dental appliance.
Why Use a Dentist to help with Sleep Apnea?
While sleep apnea occurs within the airways, the symptoms are produced through the mouth. Since dentists are the mouth experts, it seems very appropriate to use a dentist, particularly one who has significant knowledge on sleep apnea. Another great benefit of choosing dental sleep apnea treatment is that the dentist may be able to pick out specific problems within your mouth that may be exacerbating your sleep apnea. If a person grinds his teeth during sleep, the dentist will be able to repair any damage that may have been caused.
Dental treatments for sleep apnea offer a huge array of benefits to a person’s health, appearance and condition. Techniques such as oral appliance therapy will not cure sleep apnea, but it can reduce the episodes that occur resulting from sleep apnea.
Feb 25, 2020
Dental implants are a replacement or substitute tooth roots, used to replace natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth where teeth are missing. Dental implants have a lot of advantages in comparison to having dentures or bridges. Dentists indicate that when a patient has missing teeth, it’s important to have bone preservation. Dental implants allow this by being embedded in the bone, which will preserve the bone. Often, what occurs with missing teeth is the bone deteriorates. This creates some changes in a person’s facial appearance. The advantage of dental implants is since the dental implant will replace the natural tooth root it will be attached to the bone like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are stronger and last longer and appear to be more effective in comparison to bridges and dentures. Bridges and dentures often can be loose and unstable. Other advantages of dental implants include:
- Not distinguishable from other teeth. So, the implants do not stand out in a person’s mouth. Dental implants are close in appearance to a natural tooth.
- More comfortable and convenient for a person. A person with dental implants does not have to worry about having to remove dentures on a daily basis. Dental implants are permanent.
- Ease of eating. Often, people complain about the difficulties with dentures of eating food. Since dental implants are permanent, you don’t have to worry about dentures falling out.
- Improved oral health. If a person gets a bridge, they may have to reduce other teeth. However, dental implants would not require any reduction in teeth. All other teeth will remain intact.
- Durability. As mentioned, dental implants last a long time and may last a lifetime for many people
- 95% success rate with dental implants. Dental implants are small fixtures and they are often not rejected by the body.
Feb 13, 2020
Cinnamon floss is red, mouthwash is blue.
Brush twice a day, and to your dentist be true!
Happy Valentines Day from Falmouth Dental Arts! In celebration of a day of love, we have a list of the Top Ten Reasons to Love (and take care of) Your Teeth!
10. Your teeth give you the ability to smile at the people you love!
9. Your teeth are how you bite into candy hearts, and…
8. Your teeth help you chew those candy hearts! (Just remember to brush after enjoying your Valentine’s sweets!)
7. Your teeth support your oral structure and speech, allowing you to say “I love you.”
6. Feeling more theatrical? Your teeth let you sing “I Will Always Love You.”
5. If you’d rather whistle Whitney, your teeth help you do that, too!
4. Your teeth enable you to chew gum. Heart shaped bubbles, anyone?
3. Doctors and dentists agree that oral health affects heart health. Show your teeth some TLC and keep your heart healthy in the process!
2. Your teeth bring you and your dentist, Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos, together! We love getting to know our patients, and we have your teeth to thank for that.
1. Your teeth hold the rose while dancing the tango with your sweetheart.
As you celebrate Valentine’s Day, your team at Falmouth Dental Arts reminds you to enjoy sugary sweets in moderation. Don’t forget to show your teeth some love by brushing and flossing twice a day, every day of the year! If you have any questions or would like to schedule a cleaning, please call our office at 207.781.5900.
Feb 4, 2020
Happy Children’s Dental Health Month from Falmouth Dental Arts! This national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and their caregivers all February long. Falmouth Dental Arts looks forward to any opportunity to help our youngest patients love their healthy smiles and dentist appointments. In celebration of Children’s Dental Health Month, here are 5 tips to help you care for your little one’s teeth:
1. Start Early! Did you know that you can start your kids on the path of good oral hygiene before your child even has a tooth? It’s true! The earlier you begin, the easier it will be to establish a routine. The ADA recommends parents gently wipe their baby’s gums with a wet washcloth once a day. This will help prepare your child for using a toothbrush.
Once your child does have their teeth, you can begin to brush twice a day. Brush the teeth very gently on the inside and outside and try to brush the gums as well. Give our office a call to schedule your child’s first visit with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. We always love having little ones visit the office!
2. Use the Proper Toothpaste, and the Proper Amount. Look for a children’s toothpaste with fluoride and the ADA seal of approval. Also, know that a little goes a long way for your little ones! For children under the age of 3, the recommendation is to use about the size of a grain of rice. For kids ages 3 to 6, use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Remind your kids that toothpaste is not candy (even though it comes in some yummy flavors) and they should spit it out.
3. Make it Fun! “When you wake up in the morning at a quarter to one, and you want to have a little fun…you brush your teeth! “
Singer Raffi had it right, brushing your teeth can be fun! You’ll find when you make it a positive experience for them, it’s less of a struggle. Plus, laughing or dancing while those teeth get clean is a great way to get the habit to stick, so find ways to motivate your kids to brush with music, silly voices, fun toothbrushes, or books.
4. Healthy Snacks Help. Good oral health goes beyond the bathroom sink! Help your kids have healthy teeth by encouraging them to eat healthy snacks as well. Avoiding sugary drinks and candy is always advised, and being proactive by eating crunchy veggies and calcium-rich yogurt and cheese will support your children in developing that healthy smile from the inside out.
5. Come See Us! Having your children get regular check-ups with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos is an important part of their oral health care. We are here to help show you how to care for your kids’ teeth and keep their smiles shining bright! Call our office at 207.781.5900 today to schedule an appointment.
*Image courtesy of www.vectorstock.com
Jan 22, 2020
Dieting is a popular New Year’s Resolution. This year, why not take a dental approach to the traditional diet? The team at Falmouth Dental Arts has whipped up the perfect plate–and poured a cuppa– for your pearly whites.
Dairy: Cheese and yogurt both contain Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. This mineral is just as important for your teeth as it is for your bones; calcium-deficient diets suffer from underdeveloped teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay. Cheeses and yogurts address your need for Vitamin D, and boast the added bonus of counteracting acid erosion of teeth, making them excellent options to end a meal. Cheese for dessert, anyone? **Dairy allergies? Fatty fish such as salmon are also a wonderful source of Vitamin D.
Oranges: Surprise! Although citrus fruits contain erosive acids, they pack a powerful punch of Vitamin C, which encourages collagen production and strengthens tissue and blood vessels. Increased collagen, stronger tissue and better blood flow means stronger gums and happier homes for your teeth. An orange a day keeps the periodontist away–just make sure to wait at least 30 minutes between eating and brushing to minimize acid erosion.
Fruits and Veggies: Looking for another reason to make a salad? High-fiber leafy greens act as natural toothbrushes, scrubbing your teeth while you eat and encouraging saliva production. Meanwhile, the high-water content of traditional lettuces help rinse your mouth. Carrots and celery are also excellent snack options, washing your teeth with every crunch! For tooth-conscious options from the fruit bowl, choose apples and strawberries. Apples offer the same healthy crunch benefits as snappy vegetables, while strawberries actually contain malic acid, a natural enamel whitener.
Tea: Black and green teas contain compounds called “polyphenols”. Polyphenols ward off bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease. Less bacteria means fewer cavities and less bad breath. When combined with other good dental habits, drinking tea can cure halitosis, so drink up and breathe easy.
While a balanced diet represents one facet of your dental health, you can’t substitute twice-daily brushing and flossing with apples and carrots. Falmouth Dental Arts encourages you to the best of both worlds! If you have any questions about the best foods for your teeth, just ask us at your next appointment. To schedule your appointment, please call our office at 207.781.5900.
