Dental Blog

November 18, 2010

Cosmetic Dentistry Vs. General Dentistry

Many people think they they will never need a cosmetic dentist, after all cosmetic dentistry is just for “Hollywood types”.  This idea couldn’t be further from the truth.  For example, one of your front teeth is broken accidentally.  Repairing this tooth will require placing a crown (or a cap as some people call them).  All dentists are trained to prepare […]
November 16, 2010

Can Sleep Apnea Change the Brain?

According to Italian researchers people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may have more than being sleep deprived to blame for their daytime lapses.  The challenges in cognition may be actually caused by structural deficits, or changes in the gray matter of the brain that are brought about by the nightly oxygen deprivation that comes with OSA. Dr. Vincenza […]
November 12, 2010

Sleep Apnea Causes Pennsylvania Representatives Death

Untreated sleep apnea linked to death. Treat OSA using oral appliance therapy in Columbus, Ohio.
November 9, 2010

Costa Mesa Resolves to Ban Mercury Dental Amalgam

The California city of Costa Mesa has become the first American municipality  to pass a resolution calling for banning the use of dental amalgam.   The silver colored filling material is controversial because about half of it is mercury, a known neurotoxin.  The resolution passed by the city council calls on federal and state agencies to ban amalgam, for dentists in […]
November 5, 2010

Time Change Gives Little Rest for Sleep Apnea Sufferers

Spring forward, Fall back.  Time once again for the time to change.   On the night of the time change, Saturday, November 6, remember to turn your clocks back one hour. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends using this extra hour of sleep to rejuvenate your physical and mental health. Nancy A. Collop, MD, FAASM, Director of the […]
October 28, 2010

Facial Changes Linked to CPAP Use

A small study out of Japan recently showed that using nasal CPAP for just three years showed changes in the jaws and teeth.  The lead author of the study, Dr. Hiroko Tsuda noted that “the whole front area of the maxilla was pushed back…” and that “these changes may affect the profile, tongue space and OSA symptoms”.  This study has […]
October 27, 2010

Coffee Drinkers – Reduced Oral Cancer Risk

Remember when drinking coffee was bad for you?  Now it seems that coffee is not only a source of antioxidants but is associated with reduced risk of oral cancer.  Italian researchers performed a meta-analysis of previous studies on the subject. The investigators discovered that drinking coffee is associated with a 36% reduction in the risk for cancer of the mouth […]
October 20, 2010

Sleep Apnea Treatment Reduces Death

The journal Sleep and Breathing found that sleep apnea treatment reduced the risk of hospitalization and death for advanced heart failure patients.  The study included 18 patients with advanced heart failure and sleep apnea. Eleven patients underwent CPAP therapy using the machine for at least four hours per night, 70% of the nights.  Seven patients tried a two week trial […]
October 19, 2010

Dental Care for Anxious Patients

As many as 20% of patients who don’t make regular trips to the dentist cite the fear of dentists as the primary reason why they don’t seek regular dental treatment. Since it is so important for patients to receive regular dental care for overall health, here at StoneRidge Dental we try to encourage our patients to keep their regular dental […]
October 14, 2010

For Women a Healthy Smile Equals a Healthy Heart

In October everything turns pink for breast cancer awareness which is a really worthy cause and has helped save many lives.  What many women don’t know that they are actually at a much higher risk from heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.  The ways of protecting yourself are mostly familiar, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and don’t smoke. Women […]
October 12, 2010

Halloween – A Scary Time for Teeth

Halloween is almost here with the cute kids in costumes and the not-so-cute bowl of  Halloween goodies lurking by the front door.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)  has provided recommendations to help preserve children’ s teeth in October and throughout the year.  These suggestions work for everyone – not just the kids! Avoid chewy treats that stick to […]
October 8, 2010

Is It Dementia or a Sleep Disorder?

Sleep disorders affect patients ranging from the very young to the very old.  While children with undiagnosed sleep apnea are at risk of being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with drugs, the most elderly in our population may exhibit symptoms that also lead to a wrong diagnosis – dementia or Alzheimer’s. A blog posted this week on the New York […]
October 6, 2010

A Clean Mouth is A Sexy Mouth According to Survey

Based on a new survey conducted by Waterpik a clean mouth is a turn-on.  The survey suggested that partners preferred good oral hygiene over date night standards such as dimming the lights, candles, wearing perfume or listening to mood music.  According to Kelton Research “the results of this study reinforced some of what we already knew- that most consumers simply […]
October 1, 2010

Dental Mercury Waste Addressed by EPA

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) the Environmental Protection Agency has plans to set up rules to reduce mercury waste from dental facilities.  The EPA expects the new rules to take place in 2012.  While the ADA has a policy that encourages dentists to voluntarily reduce amalgam in dental office wastewater it is now expected to review its amalgam […]
September 29, 2010

Mouthwash Makers Warned by FDA

The Food and Drug Administration warned CVS, Walgreens and Johnson and Johnson to stop marketing mouthwash products with “unproven” claims that the products help remove plaque or prevent gum disease.  Specifically targeted were certain brands such as “Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash”.  According to the FDA statement “These mouth rinse products contain the active ingredient sodium fluoride.  The FDA has […]
September 23, 2010

Kids Dental Checkups – In Kentucky it's the Law

Kentucky has long been a state with poor dental health – in 2002 it had the worst rate of toothlessness in adults 65 or older.  That may be starting to change.  A new law requires proof of a dental exam or screening by January 1st of the first year children enter school. Dr. Ann Greenwell of the University of Louisville […]
September 21, 2010

Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is celebrating National Dental Hygiene month in October  with the theme “Healthy Habits are Easier than You Think”.  The ADHA is teaming up with the Wrigley chewing gum company (maker of Orbit sugar-free gum) to promote the idea that good oral hygiene habits are easy to start and maintain, even if you have a […]
September 17, 2010

Biggest Loser Contestants Linked to Sleep Apnea

This year marks the 10th anniversary for the popular reality television show, The Biggest Loser.  The new season premiers on  on NBC on September 21st.  Last year, SleepEducation blog reported that all 16 contestants on the show suffered from obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity increases the risk for obstructive sleep apnea.  A high BMI (body mass index) and a large neck […]
September 14, 2010

Football, Migraines and Sleep Apnea

Minnesota Vikings player Percy Harvin collapsed on the practice field on August 19th and according to NBC his heart stopped for 10 seconds after he was taken to a hospital.   At first complications from his frequent migraine headaches were suspected. However, a few days after being released from the hospital Harvin underwent an overnight sleep study which he said showed […]
September 10, 2010

Oral Bacteria Can Trigger Heart Disease

Dr. Howard Jenkinson of the University of Bristol explained how oral bacteria can escape from the mouth into the bloodstream and increase the risk for heart attack.  Dr. Jenkinson explained “Poor dental hygiene can lead to bleeding gums, providing bacteria with an escape route into the bloodstream, where they can initiate blood clots leading to heart disease.” The streptococcus bacteria […]