Glen Burnie Sleep Apnea Doctor | 12 Reasons to See Your Dentist

Posted on July 26, 2017 by usermiller

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Glen Burnie, MD

Don’t wait until you’re in pain to see your dentist! Most people make time to clean out the house, car, garage, or closets at least twice a year. Why not include your oral health on your “to do” list?

Schedule an Appointment Now!

Regular professional cleaning and examinations are essential to maintaining optimal oral health. These routine visits are your first line of defense against tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancers, and more. Early identification and treatment of any oral illness improves outcomes and allows for less-invasive treatment options. Don’t wait until it hurts!

Why Do We Avoid Going?

The HDI institute, in a study done with the American Dental Association, lists some of the main reasons we sometimes delay going to the dentist. Cost, low perceived need, time, and anxiety are the most common causes. However, if we allow these concerns to interfere with oral care, we may allow more serious issues to develop.

When Should We See the Dentist?

The ADA or American Dental Society recommends maintaining twice yearly visits for cleaning and examinations. In addition, they advise making an appointment for any of the following concerns:

Pain in your mouth, teeth, or face
Injury to your mouth, teeth, or face
Conditions that can affect oral health, such as diabetes
Pregnancy
Jaw pain or stiffness
Bleeding, swelling, or redness in your gums
Recent dental treatment, such as fillings, crowns, implants, or root canal
Pain or difficulty eating or drinking
Chronic dry mouth
Smoking or tobacco use
Sores in your mouth that are not healing
You have questions or concerns about your oral health or hygiene

Our team is here to help you achieve and maintain your best oral health. To schedule your next appointment, please contact our office.

Glen Burnie Dentist | The Dangers of Grinding

Posted on June 7, 2017May 31, 2017 by usermiller

Dentist in Glen Burnie, MD

Dentist in 21061 Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, is a habit many get into without even realizing it. Grinding your teeth can be damaging for several reasons. If you or your child have been struggling with teeth grinding, make an appointment to see us. We will assess the damage to the teeth, as well as assist you in addressing solutions. Here’s what you need to know about teeth grinding.

Why Do We Grind Our Teeth?

Teeth grinding does not have a single cause. Instead, it can occur for several different reasons. Stress and anxiety, an improper bite, and sleep disorders are all potential causes. If your teeth are not aligned properly, they can rub against each other while you bite or chew. Many people grind their teeth without even realizing what they are doing.

The Journal of the American Dental Association found that smoking and alcohol result in an increase in teeth grinding. In fact, smokers and people who drink alcohol were found to be twice as likely to experience bruxism as those who do not have these behaviors.

What Grinding Does Your Teeth

Grinding wears down your teeth causing damage, increased sensitivity, and even loosening teeth. Teeth are like bones. They can crack or fracture, and grinding has been known to cause both issues. Your teeth can also be flattened from constantly rubbing against one another. Grinding not only damages your teeth, but it leaves you more susceptible to other complications in the future, as well. Beyond your teeth, grinding can lead to jaw pain and headaches. If you wake up with a sore, tired jaw on frequent occasions, this could be a sign that you grind or clench your teeth throughout the night.

What We Can Do

If grinding is an issue for you, make an appointment to see us. First, we will assess the extent of the damage that may have already occurred due to grinding. We will then work with you to identify a solution that will keep your teeth strong and healthy. In some cases, we may recommend wearing a mouth guard at night to prevent your teeth from pressing against one another. Though it can be challenging, if your grinding is caused by stress, the top priority will be to find ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Stress is a more common cause for adults than children. The primary cause of grinding in children is improper alignment.

If grinding your teeth has become an issue, please do not wait until it leads to sensitivity and pain. Schedule an appointment to see us for an evaluation and treatment plan. Our professional dental team will work with you to address the cause of your grinding, and determine a solution that will protect your teeth from any further damage.

For more information on keeping your teeth strong and healthy, please contact our office. We look forward to assisting you!

Glen Burnie Sleep Apnea Doctor | Why You Should Talk to the Dentist About Snoring

Posted on May 5, 2017 by usermiller

Sleep Apnea Doctor in Glen Burnie

Sleep Apnea Doctor in Chesapeake According to the Academy of General Dentistry, as many as 30 million Americans snore when they sleep. Though it might not be your first thought, you should talk to our dentist about snoring issues. You might be surprised to learn of the causes and potential treatments for your snoring.

Snoring and Orthodontics

A misaligned jaw can sometimes lead to snoring. A significant overbite can pinch your airway, blocking your ability to breathe. Having our trained doctor look at your jaw structure is an important first step in determining the cause of your snoring. Orthodontic treatments might be a solution, correcting both your jaw and your snoring.

What is Sleep Apnea?

You may have heard of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing becomes obstructed or interrupted during sleep. There are two forms of the disorder, including obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

In obstructive sleep apnea, your breathing becomes blocked. The usual source of this is the collapse of the tissue in the back of your throat. In central sleep apnea, your brain does not properly allow your breathing muscles to respond while sleeping.

Snoring is a common side-effect of sleep apnea, however it is important to remember that just because you snore does not necessarily mean you have sleep apnea. If you are regularly snoring and choking or gasping for air as you sleep, talk to us about sleep apnea treatments.

Using Mouthpieces and Chin Straps

There are a variety of mouthpieces and straps that are widely available with the intention of preventing snoring. Before you purchase one of these products make an appointment with our office. It is best we consider all possible causes of your snoring, and if a device is the best solution, it might be helpful to have one fitted just for you. Talk to our doctor at your next appointment.

Healthy Choices Mean Less Snoring

There are several healthy choices you can make to reduce your snoring. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends you quit smoking, lose weight, and avoid alcohol. Sleeping on your side, as opposed to your back, can also help if obstruction causes your snoring.

Beyond being an annoyance, snoring can be caused by serious complications such as sleep apnea. If you are struggling with managing your snoring, consider scheduling a visit to our office.

For more tips on dental health or to make an appointment to see us, contact our office.

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