Oral Health

A good night’s sleep has the power to restore the body and enliven the mind. For the 18 million Americans who experience symptoms of sleep apnea, a good night’s sleep also has the power to save their lives. Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious, life-threatening disorder that is characterized as a series of episodes in which a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or longer during sleep, accord...

Women can attribute bloating, irritability, moodiness, and the occasional hot flash or emotional outburst to hormones. But, according to an article in the May 2009 issue of AGD Impact, the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) monthly newsmagazine, the state of one’s oral health is hormone-dependant as well.   Hormonal changes occur throughout a woman’s life, and related to these hor...

Cracked teeth, lost teeth and decaying teeth are among the complaints a patient may present to his or her dentist for treatment. Each of those oral health troubles comes with a list of options the dentist may use to fix it; for example, implants, fillings or bonding. Although the most common patient complaint is sensitive teeth, no one desensitizing agent is ideal to manage this uncomfortable ...

First reported more than 200 years ago, dental erosion still continues to be a major concern for dentists and consumers. Twenty decades ago, studies reported dental erosion occurred because of industrial hazards, specifically when workers were exposed to acidic aerosols. In recent years, everyday foods and drinks such as lemons, pickles, sodas and sugary, starchy goods have been associated wit...

Breast cancer patients, individuals at risk for osteoporosis and those undergoing certain types of bone cancer therapies often take drugs containing bisphosphonates. These drugs have been found to place people at risk for developing osteonecrosis of the jaws (a rotting of the jaw bones). Dentists, as well as oncologists, are now using X-rays to detect “ghost sockets” in patients that take thes...

For some, good oral hygiene may mean just brushing, flossing and using a germ-fighting mouthwash, but for others, that’s only the beginning of a cavity-fighting regime. In fact, many people are taking heed to an oral health care procedure more commonly associated with children; the use of dental sealants.   Decay is subject to begin early in life, affecting children and teens’ teeth that a...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types and is the most common sexually transmitted virus. The American Social Health Association (ASHA) reports that 75 percent or more of sexually active Americans will contract HPV sometime in their lives. HPV is most commonly attributed to causing cervical cancer and genital warts, but did you know ...

If you’re planning to become pregnant or suspect you’re already pregnant, it’s important that you see a dentist right away. Pregnancy may cause unexpected oral health changes due to hormones—particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone—which can exaggerate the way in which gum tissues react to plaque. Research continues to show that overall health and oral health coincide, so it’s especia...