Snoring

Snoring can be a very irritating problem that can put a strain on relationships. However, snoring can be a sign of the much more serious malady called sleep apnea. Not all snorers have sleep apnea, therefore, it is important to have the condition checked by a physician to be certain that it is not a serious problem. Even if sleep apnea is not present, snoring can be very annoying, even going so far as causing marital problems. Sufferers have even woken themselves up during a deep sleep due to their snoring. There are some solutions available that can be done without the need of a professional: lose weight, change to a different sleep position, and avoid things like alcohol, sedatives, or caffeine before bedtime. There are some surgical solutions that can help. Radio frequency waves can be used to shrink the tissue of the soft palate or a laser-assisted uvuloplasty can be done to remove the uvula. It has been found that holding the mandible (lower jaw) forward during sleep can help some people to stop snoring.

Appliance to Hold Mandible (lower jaw) Forward

In our office, we can construct an anti-snoring appliance, but only after a patient has been checked by a physician to rule out sleep apnea.

Toothbrush Abrasion

As a dentist it is my moral and ethical obligation to tell my patients to brush their teeth. It is always a pleasure to see patients who take good care of their teeth. It is especially gratifying when we see a patient whose home care was far from sterling, but has gotten on the wagon and started brushing regularly. The problem is that some people get too much of a good thing. By being over-zealous with the toothbrush, one can damage their teeth and gums. We used to be taught to brush as hard as we could. That is reminiscent of the good old days when the bristles were made of natural materials. Once these bristles came in contact with saliva, they would soften, thus, more force could be applied without causing damage. Now the bristles are made of nylon which doesn’t soften when moistened.Toothbrush Abrasion Effects Therefore, vigorous scrubbing with a toothbrush can wear away gums and tooth. The gums will first recede due to the abrasion which can cause tooth sensitivity at the exposed root. Next, since the dentin (inner layer of the tooth) is much softer than enamel and it is now exposed to the brush because of the receded gums, it will wear away in a saucer like fashion at the gum line. This will require a filling to correct the damage. The better thing is prevention. Don’t overdo it on the force placed on a toothbrush. Plaque is not that difficult to remove with gentle brushing.