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Do you snore or sleep with someone that snores? Snoring is annoying and disruptive for the person sleeping with you. Besides being extremely annoying, snoring can be very serious. Frequent loud snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common disorder when you have one or more pauses in breathing or short breaths while sleeping. When sleeping, breathing can pause anywhere from ten to twenty seconds and can happen up to one hundred times or more every night. Since the long pauses disrupts your sleep rhythm, you spend more time in light sleep than deep sleep. This sleep deprivation leads to daytime drowsiness, lack of concentration, slow reflexes, and can lead to serious health problems. Over time sleep apnea can cause diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and weight gain.

There are different types of sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common. This type of sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the back of your throat relaxes during sleep and blocks the airway.When the airway is blocked, it causes you to snore very loudly. Central Sleep Apnea involves the central nervous system. This occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing. It is a rare type and usually people with this type hardly ever snore. Complex Sleep Apnea is the combination of the other two types of sleep apnea.

If choking or gasping happens after the pause in snoring, it is a major sign that you have sleep apnea. Some people fall asleep very fast during the quiet moments of the day when nothing active is happening. Other common signs and symptoms include: headaches in the morning, lack of memory or learning problems, depression, mood swings, frequent urination, dry mouth, and sore throat.

So how do you know if its just snoring or sleep apnea? If you snore, consult your medical doctor about having a sleep study. There are different ways you and your medical doctor can treat snoring and sleep apnea. We also have a way to help in the dental world. There is a device called the Myerson Sleep Better Appliance also known as EMA. This is a custom made removable appliance that advances the lower jaw and open the bite to help with the restricted airflow during sleep. This appliance helps prevent snoring and relieves the symptoms of sleep apnea. It is also adjustable to patient satisfaction. We provide this option at our office. If you or someone you know snores or has sleep apnea, this appliance may be helpful!

Even though baby teeth are eventually replaced with permanent teeth, it is still important to a child’s overall health. It is okay for infants to suck their thumbs, fingers, toys, or pacifiers. Sucking an object gives children a feeling of comfort. Depending on how much a child sucks their thumb, the permanent teeth that begin to come in can end up being pushed out forward, which forms an overbite.

An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones. This is why it is important to try and make this habit stop by the age of 6. With an overbite, children can also have problems with speech. A lisp can be formed which interferes with the correct formation of words and sounds. Thumb sucking can also lead to buck teeth, which will effect the shape of the face.

thumbsucking To help your children stop this habit, try to encourage them with rewards. Provide them with a toy after a certain amount of days they go without sucking their thumb. Mark progress on a calendar where the child can see the progress he/she is making. Most important, no nagging! Children get defensive if the parent is nagging to much about stopping the habit.

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a painful, irritating condition that makes the tongue, lips, and palate (roof of the mouth) feel like

they are burning. Sometimes the burning sensation can affect the whole mouth, and not just a certain area. Although Burning Mouth Syndrome can affect anyone, it is most common in middle-aged or older women.

The moderate to severe burning is the main symptom and can last for months or years. For most people, the burning in the mouth starts in the morning and usually stops at night. Some people feel a constant pain, and others only have the burning sensation occasionally.

Causes of Burning Mouth Syndrome include:

Damage to nerves that control taste and pain
Dry mouth
Acid reflux
Depression and Anxiety
Hormones
Oral Candidacies or Thrush (Yeast infection in the mouth)
Nutritional deficiencies
Dentures that do not fit properly

BMS can have more than one cause, but usually the exact cause of symptoms cannot be determined.

Depending on the cause of BMS, there are medications that can be prescribed to treat the oral candidacies, anxiety, and depression. There are also prescriptions and supplements to relieve dry mouth. Biotene mouth wash is commonly used to treat dry mouth. At home treatment can include sucking on ice chips, drinking plenty of water, avoiding hot and spicy foods, avoiding acidic foods and drinks, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. If you have any questions about Burning Mouth Syndrome, call our office or physician for more information.

What are sealants?
Sealants are thin plastic coatings that are placed in the groves of the biting surfaces of your teeth. Sealants resemble tooth-colored fillings.

Who should get sealants & why?
Sealant_Before_After The purpose of sealants is to prevent cavities. We recommend children as well as adults to have sealants. As soon as the 6 year molars have fully erupted on your children, you should consider having sealants placed. The 6 year molars (first molars) usually come in between ages 5-7, but that can vary. Later when the 12 year molars erupt, those can also be sealed. The 12 year molars (second molars) usually erupt between ages 8 ½ to 13 years old. Besides, children, anyone who is prone to get cavities should consider getting sealants. Also anyone with deep groves in the biting surfaces of their teeth should consider sealants, since they are hard to keep clean.

Which teeth should have sealants?
Any permanent teeth can be sealed. Molars and bicuspids (pre-molars) are the teeth that are most often sealed.

What is involved with placing sealants?
dental-sealants To place a sealant, the tooth must be very dry. Any kind of moisture could prevent the sealant from adhering to the tooth. To ensure dryness, cotton rolls may be placed around your tooth. Next a preparation gel called etch is placed on the tooth. Then that gel will be washed and suctioned (vacuumed) off and the tooth dried by blowing air. Next a bonding agent will be “painted” on the tooth. Then a blue colored ultraviolet (u.v.) light is used to activate the bonding agent. Then the sealant is placed in the groves of the biting surfaces of the tooth. Finally the blue u.v. light is used to make the sealant harden. You may be asked to close your eyes or wear orange colored glasses because it is not good for your eyes to stare at the blue u.v. light.

Does it hurt to get sealants?
Having sealants placed is a totally pain-free procedure. The materials used to place sealants do have an unpleasant taste, but that does not last long. Soon after the procedure is over you will no longer experience that taste.

How long do sealants last?
The longevity of sealants varies per person. Sealants can last up to ten years or longer.
For more information or schedule an appointment for your child, please contact our office.

Many patients will ask the hygienist or dental assistant, “Do I have to get x-rays?” or “Do I really need x-rays today? I am concerned about the dose of radiation.” For those who are hesitant about dental x-rays, here are some facts about digital x-ray exposure that will reassure patients about radiation.

In everyday activities, we experience more radiation than digital x-rays. Digital x-rays are a lot safer than traditional x-rays. Patients are exposed up to ninety percent less radiation versus the traditional x-rays.

Even though we still use a lead apron as protection from radiation, there is a small measurable difference in dose of the whole body, whether an apron is used or not. The amount of radiation from x-ray machines is small and radiation is only produced during operation. Therefore, medical problems are unlikely.

Studies have shown that the radiation dose from an Full Mouth Set(18 x-rays total) of digital X-rays is less than what a person would be exposed to in one month from environmental sources. Full Mouth Set of x-rays is usually done once every three to five years. The 18 films taken in the Full Mouth x-rays show each individual tooth in the mouth. It is very helpful in detecting any dental issues unseen by a visual oral exam.

Radiation dosage from Panoramic and Bitewing X-rays are even less. Bitewing x-rays are two to four films total, usually taken once to two times a year. Bitewing x-rays show the dentist and hygienist interproximal cavities, which is in between the teeth. Interproximal cavities are not found with the naked eye, which is why bitewing

x-rays are important. Panoramic is the x-ray we do every three to five years to evaluate bone loss and very helpful for patients that still have wisdom teeth.

This table shows examples of radiation exposure:

Full mouth x-rays = 10-15 USV per year
Panoramic x-ray = 6-11 USV per year
4 Bite-wing x-rays = 2-3 USV per year
Mammogram = 1-2 MSV per year
High mileage frequent flying (100,000 to 450,000 miles per year) is 1-6.7 MSV
Sunlight, Radon Gas, and living at high altitude= 6 MSV per year
Natural Background Radiation from living at sea level= 3 MSV per year

Hopefully this information will ease patients minds about digital dental x-rays. Just think about how much radiation we get exposed to in our everyday life. Then think about how many times you are asked to have x-rays taken in the dental office. Feel free to ask our Team more questions about digital x-rays!

Many people in the United States have some form of gum disease. Some cases are mild while others are more severe.

Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease which is reversible. In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and bleed very easily. It is seen a lot more in teenagers and young adults. Gingivitis can be easily prevented by brushing two to three times daily for a total of two minutes each time, along with flossing once daily. The good news about gingivitis is that it can be reversed if you already have it.

Periodontitis, on the other hand, is the more severe form of periodontal disease that cannot be reversed. In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” that eventually become infected. The plaque, tarter, and bacteria gets below the gum line which starts to form spaces or “pockets.” Proper oral hygiene can prevent periodontitis. Not only does periodontal disease affect your teeth and gums, it also affects your overall health. Some examples that periodontal disease can cause are: heart disease, stroke, pancreatic cancer, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, etc.

Find below a brief pictorial representation for the various stages of periodontal disease.

Usually from the minute the “cleaning” begins, you can usually tell if someone has or might be prone to periodontal disease. In some cases, patients have never been “probed” before. The probe is the instrument we use to determine the amount of bone loss a patient has. The probe has millimeter markings that go from 1 to 10 mm. Some probes can go up to 12 mm. One to three millimeters is considered healthy gums. Four millimeters and above is considered periodontal disease. Unfortunately, a lot of people are unaware of their gum health until they come in our office.

There are different ways to treat periodontal disease. Depending on how advanced the periodontal disease is, you may be referred to a gum specialist called a periodontist. First, the hygienist will do a “deep cleaning” also known as “scaling and root planing.” This, combined with proper oral hygiene, will help improve the “pockets” formed from periodontal disease. There are different ways to help keep the periodontal disease under control. You may be prescribed an antimicrobial mouth wash containing chlorhexidine that helps fight gingivitis and periodontal disease. Such mouth rinses are safe and effective. The rinse also helps heal swollen and irritated gums.

Ask our team if you have any questions about your gum health.

Body Piercing has become a very popular form of self-expression especially in young people. A tongue piercing can be very dangerous for your health even though it may look cool. The millions of bacteria that are present in your mouth can cause infection and swelling from the oral piercings. In some instances, it may become very hard for you to breathe if there is swelling of the mouth/tongue or if a part of the jewelry breaks off and blocks the airway. It is also possible that you could bite down on it and break a part of your tooth. Sometimes the fracture can be such that you may be a root canal treatment or even extraction. It could also lead to infections like hepatitis and endocarditis too.

Below is a list of few things to consider before considering an oral piercing:
1. Interference with chewing, swallowing and speech.
2. Infection, Pain and Swelling: The mouth is an ideal place of infection due to the presence of a moist environment with numerous bacteria. An infection of the oral piercing could become life threatening very easily if the airway is blocked by the swollen tongue.
3. Hypersensitivity to metals: It is also very common to see allergic reactions at the pierced site.
4. Damage to Teeth, Fillings and Gums: A very common habit of biting or playing with the piercing can cause injury to your teeth, existing fillings and your gums too.
5. Nerve Damage: A tongue piercing can cause temporary and sometimes permanent numbness of the tongue. This can affect how you taste food and/or how you move your mouth.
6. Excess Drooling: It can cause an increase in your saliva production too.
7. Difficulty during a dental appointment: Your oral jewelry can interfere with your dental treatment by blocking the X-rays.

If you already have one, then here are a few things you could do:
1. Getting checked by your dentist or physician to see if there is sign of infection.
2. Keeping the site clean and free from debris that can collect around the jewelry by brushing and using a mouthwash after every meal.
3. Avoiding the clicking of the jewelry against teeth to prevent fracture of teeth/ filling and damage to gums.
4. Making sure that the jewelry is tightly secure to prevent accidental ingestion of loose parts.
5. Wearing a protective mouth guard and removing jewelry before sports events.
6. Seeing your dentist regularly.
7. Lastly, considering removing the jewelry before too much damage is done.

For more information, call us at 205.833.5405.

Do you love the cool feeling of an ice-cream cone on a hot summer day or a hot cup of chocolate on a cold winter day? BUT does that thought of something cold or hot make you cringe? Then you are one of those millions of people who have sensitive teeth. But does that mean, you could never enjoy that cold ice-cream or hot coffee? Absolutely not!

So what causes sensitive teeth? Your tooth is made of multiple layers – the top most layer is the enamel (above the gums) and cementum (below the gums). Underneath this layer is the Dentin. When enamel or cementum are worn out or damaged dentin is exposed causing teeth sensitivity.

Some of the most common causes of sensitive teeth are:

1. Decay
2. Recession or receding gums
3. Periodontal (gum) Disease
4. Fractured teeth
5. Old/Worn Fillings

The treatment for sensitive teeth will depend on the cause of the sensitivity. Here are a few treatment options:

1. Fluoride Gel: The application of fluoride-gel in office will reduce the transmission of cold/hot and also strengthen the enamel.
2. Sensitivity toothpaste: This toothpaste contains compounds that reduce the transmission of cold/hot; however a change can be noticed after several applications.
3. Surgical Gum Graft: If your gums have receded and your gum tissue has been pulled away from the root, then a gum graft can surgically replace the missing gum and reduce sensitivity by protecting the tooth.
4. Restoration: A crown, bonding or an inlay can be used to cover the areas of the tooth that have been damaged/exposed to decay.
5. Root Canal Treatment: If sensitivity is so severe and persistent that no other treatment options seem to work, then this treatment may be recommended.

Most of these issues can be prevented and handled in a timely manner by practicing proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly.

It is very important to take care of your dental health, no matter what age you are. However it becomes more important as you age. We all hear “ I am going to lose my teeth as I grow old”. That is so not true. Your teeth can grow old with you and can last you a lifetime.

As you age, your mouth changes. You will notice that your teeth are not as sensitive when you were a young adult. That’s because the nerves in your teeth become smaller. So, if you don’t visit your dentist regularly, problems may not be diagnosed until it is too late.You can stay healthy, look good and feel great and to your surprise, a healthy mouth makes a very big difference.

The following are a few tips to improve and maintain your oral health:

1. Brushing twice a day with soft bristle toothbrush. You can benefit from an electric toothbrush too.
2. Floss at least once a day to clean in between your teeth.
3. Most tap water contains fluoride which helps prevent tooth decay no matter how old you are. So drink tap water.
4. Quit smoking. Not only does it put you at risk for lung and various other cancers, it can also cause tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss.
If you wear any dentures or partial dentures, then remember to clean them daily. Also don’t forget to remove them at night.
Visit your dentist regularly.

Following simple little steps like healthy diet, regular visit to the dentist and healthy oral habits can help you have your teeth for a lifetime.

Call us today at 205.833.5405, let us help you with your precious teeth.

Did you know that a person will die every hour of every day from oral cancer? Oral Cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide.

Who is more prone to oral cancer?
Oral cancer usually occurs in people over the age of 40 at the time of diagnosis. However, these days it is occurring more frequently under that age due to the Human Papilloma Virus 16 (HPV16). This is the same virus that also causes Cervical Cancer. While men were 6 times more than women few decades ago, the ratio is more like 2 men for each woman.

What are the risk factors?
Though the actual cause of oral cancer is being still debated, there are certain activities that do raise the risk of developing oral cancer. These include heavy alcohol consumption, tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco), human papilloma virus and excessive sun exposure.

What are the possible signs and symptoms?
Oral cancer usually goes unnoticed in the initial stages as in many cases there is no associated pain. However some of the signs and symptoms are as follows:

1. An ulcer or sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal within 14 days.
2. A lump in the head, neck or mouth
3. A red or white patch on the lips or in the mouth
4. Unusual numbness or pain in the mouth
5. Difficulty chewing, swallowing or opening the mouth
6. Tooth loosening
7. Numbness in the face

How is Oral Cancer diagnosed?
At Comfort Plus, as part of providing best dental care to our patients, we are equipped with latest technology to screen Oral Cancer. Dr. Gutti will screen for oral cancer during regular dental examinations. Our practice uses Identafi Oral Cancer Screening System which uses Multi-Spectral Fluorescence and Reflectance technology to enhance visualization of oral tissue. This makes detection of abnormalities that are unseen by the naked eye possible. Identafi is quick and pain-free. The key to oral cancer like any other kind of cancer is EARLY DETECTION.

What is the treatment for oral cancer?
After a definitive diagnosis, oral cancer is usually treated with a multidisciplinary approach involving surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy. The patient may also need guidance from a nutritionist also during and after the treatment.

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