The Relationship between Sleep Apnea and Dental Health

The health of your smile has an impact on your total body wellness. Medical issues that are present in the body can take a toll on teeth and soft tissue, while severe dental health problems can affect disease diagnosis and blood pressure. This relationship is especially apparent regarding sleep apnea and dentistry.

If you’re wondering how dentistry plays into treatment for sleep apnea, consider the following about your oral health and physical wellbeing:

Teeth Grinding

Soft tissue collapse at the back of the throat causes obstructive sleep apnea, which closes airways and brings patients out of deep sleep several times throughout the night. When this happens, it’s common for many patients to begin grinding their teeth in an attempt to change jaw position and potentially open airways.

While teeth grinding is common and may not seem like a serious dental problem, flattened dental enamel affects patients’ ability to chew. Teeth that have been compromised after a lifetime of grinding will need to be restored or even replaced entirely if damage is significant.

Jaw Alignment

The position of your jaw is important for your comfort and wellbeing. Patients with an overbite, underbite, or cross bite place uneven stress on different parts of their smiles, often requiring orthodontic intervention. But jaw alignment is also important for your ability to breathe easily while you sleep. Patients whose jaw arches are not ideally positioned commonly experience the soft tissue collapse that causes sleep apnea. A severe overbite can increase patients’ risk for sleep breathing issues, as the bottom jaw arch is more likely to move back toward the throat while relaxed.

Dental Solutions to Sleep Apnea

There are many ways Dr. Gurman can alleviate sleep apnea symptoms; they can recommend restorations to change the height of worn-down teeth, thereby creating better bite alignment. In severe cases, and when a specialist diagnoses your case of sleep apnea, Dr. Gurman can provide oral appliances. These devices are made to hold the jaw in proper position, preventing blockages that cause disrupted nighttime breathing.

At Alpine Dental Center, Dr. Gurman and his team provide customized dental treatment for sleep apnea patients. If you have questions about how we can help you breathe easier and enjoy better dental health, contact our office today!



 

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Replacing lost or extracted teeth is important to your overall well-being and oral health. Dental implants are a complete solution to missing teeth that supports proper jaw function and prevents deterioration of bone. Patients wearing dentures for a long period of time or those who will soon undergo tooth removal can achieve a completely natural-looking smile with this comprehensive procedure.

Some of the life-long benefits dental implants can provide include:

Restoring Natural Appearance - Dental implants are the close in feel and function to your natural teeth. They are made of titanium, a metal with the unique ability to fuse to bone. After several months, the replacement tooth root becomes permanent and feels completely natural.

Rebuilding Jaw Structure - Dental Implants promote a healthy environment for your smile by fusing to the structure of your jaw and stabilizing bone for durable, long-lasting results. No other tooth replacement method can offer this advantage.

Improved Way of Life – Implant-supported prosthetic allow your smile to function normally, resulting in increased comfort and confidence while smiling, eating, and speaking. These implant-supported teeth improve eliminate the need for adhesives or clasps commonly used to hold traditional dentures and partials in place. 

Convenience – Implant prosthetics require brushing and flossing daily, but you do not have to remove them for cleaning, depending on the attachment and prosthetics you choose. With good at-home care that is similar to cleaning your natural teeth, along with routine dental visits, your smile remains healthy and beautiful.

Regular professional cleanings and check-ups are the best way to ensure that your dental implants will last as they are designed to, for a lifetime.

Are Dental Implants Right For Me?

Nearly anyone in good health a viable candidate for implants. Individuals that were born with congenitally missing teeth or have lost teeth due to injury, decay, periodontal disease, or infection can benefit from this comprehensive treatment. Dental implants are an ideal solution for patients who do not want to wear removable dentures.

Contact Dr. Gurman for Customized Dental Implant Treatment

Alpine Dental Center offers dental implant care for those looking to improve the function, appearance, and overall health of their smiles. Dr. Gurman is your experienced dental professional who provides the care you need for comfortable teeth replacement.  

Benefits of Invisalign® Clear Braces

Invisalign trays are popular and innovative alternatives to conventional braces. For many adults and seniors, traditional metal braces are not their desired choice to correct dental misalignment. Invisalign however, is designed to be completely transparent and comfortable. These aligner trays are made of smooth, BPA-free clear plastic and are worn over teeth to gently straighten the smile. Although traditional braces achieve results in severe situations, they consist of metal components making them less discreet and less convenient.  

If you’re interested in cosmetic braces, consider the following advantages of this alternative to bracket-and-write orthodontics:

Correcting Orthodontic Conditions Conveniently 

The freedom to continue everyday routine without changes to your lifestyle makes Invisalign clear braces popular. Patients do not have to make adjustments to their nutrition or daily hygiene since these clear braces are removable before eating or brushing teeth. Care for the aligners is convenient and only requires rinsing before placing them back in the smile.

Individuals who tend to be more self-conscious or who want to maintain a pleasing appearance may choose Invisalign for straightening teeth. These practically invisible aligners make them an ideal solution to help patients feel confident in any situation.

A Clear Course of Treatment

Invisalign is a customized process where virtually invisible trays are fabricated based on each patient’s digital bite impressions. Patients are carefully instructed on the proper wear and care of their trays. These aligners should be worn no less than 22 hours a day and should only be removed when eating, brushing, or flossing. A follow-up visit is scheduled every two months for patients to receive their next set of trays.

Taking the Steps towards Straighter Teeth

As we age, our dental needs may advance, making multiple procedures necessary to achieve desired results. Invisalign braces can be included in extended cosmetic treatment plans to completely improve health and aesthetics, such as teeth whitening, teeth replacement, and restorations with crowns and veneers. Invisalign clear braces reposition teeth into an ideal position to support the results of other aesthetic and functional improvements.

For a personalized consultation on Invisalign clear braces, call Alpine Dental Center today. Dr. Gurman determines if you can benefit this innovative treatment and attain the ideal smile you’re looking for. 

How You Can Eat and Drink Your Way to Better Dental Health

We all know that brushing and flossing helps maintain our teeth, but did you know that these foods and beverages can also help with dental health?

Cheese - Cheese can reduce levels of acid in our mouths.

Tea - Polyphenols, which are found in black and green teas, slow the growth of bacteria that causes gum disease and cavities.

Milk - Milk lowers the level of acid in the mouth.

Raisins - Raisins contain phytochemicals, which may kill cavity-causing plaque bacteria.

Cranberries - Just like tea, cranberries have polyphenols, which may prevent plaque from sticking to teeth.

Gum - As long as it's sugarless, gum creates more saliva, which clears away bacteria.

5 Tips to Prevent Cavities this Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner carrying with it a common tradition to eat your weight in sugary sweets. While trick-or-treating in your neighborhood with your children dressed as your favorite ghoul or ghost can be one exciting night out of the year to indulge in fun, eating too much candy can cause a lifetime of dental problems. One day out of the year shouldn’t ruin all the hard work of maintaining good dental hygiene, so here are five tips to be aware of this Holiday season.

How does sugar cause cavities?
Before getting into these tips, we need to understand what causes dental caries, more commonly known as cavities. Contrary to popular belief, sugar doesn’t directly cause cavities. However, the bacteria living in the mouth sharing your leftover sweets produces an acid byproduct that causes plaque, in turn developing tooth decay as the acid eats away at the enamel creating the cavity.

Top 5 Tips to Prevent Cavities
#1: Remember to Brush and Floss
A good hygiene routines is essential to prevent the development of cavities, so it’s necessary to teach children at an early age how to care for their teeth. Brushing and flossing removes bacteria that potentially will harm teeth if left to form plaque. Practicing good dental hygiene this Halloween is your best bet for preventing a lifetime of dental ailments. It’s especially important to brush before bed as plaque can easily develop while you sleep.

#2: Rinse with Mouthwash
Some would say mouthwash can be overkill when a person already brushes and flosses, but cavity fighting rinse can help. Mouthwash cleans behind all the hard-to-reach areas a toothbrush or floss couldn’t reach, killing hidden germs that create plaque and tartar. Mouthwash that contains fluoride will also help to strengthen enamel to protect your teeth and gums.

#3:  Eat in Moderation
While it can be tempting to eat all the sugary treasure you’ve collected from your neighbors, if there’s any time to start practicing moderation, Halloween is the perfect night. Nibbling on candy throughout the day gives the bacteria a thriving environment. Portion the treats to give your teeth a break and make sure that if you cannot brush right after, that you at least rinse your mouth with water or chew sugarless gum to help remove dangerous bacteria.

#4: Share
You don’t need to eat all that chocolate and candy. As a society addicted to sugar, we need finding ways to get rid of the excess sweets without eating or wasting them. Not only will your friends and family appreciate your consideration, your teeth will be thanking you over and over with a beautiful smile.

#5: Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth causes an increased production of bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, drinking water causes the bacteria and excess sugar residue to wash into the stomach, an area of the body that can easily break down and digest the material that would otherwise damage teeth’s enamel.

While it can be scary to think of all the cavities developed on Halloween, taking the proper precautions will help you prepare for the sugar overload and still allow you to enjoy the holiday. With these five tips to keep your mouth safe from bacteria, you can bravely go into Halloween properly equipped with your trusty toothbrush and anti-cavity dental floss.

Knocking out a permanent tooth is a true dental emergency.

Knocking out a permanent tooth is a true dental emergency. Don’t be afraid to contact your dentist right away. If you knock out a permanent tooth, here is what to do. 1. Hold the tooth by the crown and not the root so as not to spread bacteria unto the root. 2. Rinse dirt or any debris off with room temperature water but be gentle with the root. 3. Try to reinsert the tooth until you get to the dentist and hold it into place. 4. If reinserting is not an option, keep it moist by covering it with milk or water. 5. For optimal outcome, try to get to a dentist within 30 minutes.

To Take Good Care of Your Teeth, Follow These Six Brushing Tips

Brushing everyday is one of the best ways to take care of your teeth. However, it's not just that simple. For optimal dental care, follow these six tips.

1. Pick the right brush - Not all brushes are the same, and you need to choose one that fits your mouth.

2. Brush the right way - You should hold your brush at a 45-F-degree angle to your gums and use an up-and-down motion with short strokes.

3. Take your time - While brushing twice a day is recommended, three times is probably best. Also, whenever you brush, make sure you do it for at least two minutes.

4. Don't overdo it - Conversely, don't brush too much or for too long, as this can wear down enamel and hurt your gums.

5. Keep it clean - Always rinse your brush, as germs can linger on it.

6. Let it go - Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or if the bristles are becoming frayed or broken.