Because high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, strokes and dementia, experts stress that these new findings are not something you want to, well, sleep on. If you happen to share a bed with one of the 25 percent of adults who habitually snore (or, you happen to live by an airport or a heavily trafficked area), take these simple steps to finally get a quiet night’s rest.

• White it out: Drown out extraneous noises with a white-noise machine (check out the SleepMate sound conditioner). By incorporating all sound frequencies from high to very low, the neutral hum of white noise masks or cancels out noxious noises. You also can try placing an air filter or a fan near your bed; the whirring noise of either has similar effects.
• Soothe with song: A study published in the Journal Of Advanced Nursing found that people with sleep problems showed improvement after listening to soft music. Simply compile a playlist of slow songs (anything from soft jazz to classical) and let your iPod soothe you to sleep. Or try recordings of ambient sounds, such as falling rain, thunder, ocean waves or wind chimes, which also are effective sleep aids. Download a variety of sleep-centric mp3 playlists from SoundSleeping.com.
• Plug it up: Before your head hits the pillow, pop in a pair of earplugs. While they may not mute the noise completely, they can cut the volume on snoring, making it sound more like a whisper. Since no two ear canals are alike, you may have to try out a few pairs for comfort and size. Another option is the Snoring Relief Kit from The Ear Plug Superstore, which contains eight different styles and sizes of plugs.

For more information on snoring and sleep apnea see our website.

Posted on Feb 18, 2008 4:41 PM by Sarah Wassner Flynn

http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/802671/the-second-

Remember….the purpose of brushing and flossing is to remove the soft, sticky film called plaque before it hardens into calculus and spoils your smile.  You don’t have to brush hard or floss vigorously because overzealous care can damage your tooth enamel and gums.

Try these kinder, gentler smile savers!

• Use a soft toothbrush.  It’s twice as gentle on your gums as a hard brush.
• Take the time to brush all of your tooth surfaces.  That only takes about three minutes- not 30 seconds.
• Switch to your opposite hand when brushing.
• Try a new toothbrush that gives a warning when too much pressure is being placed on the gums.
• Make an appointment for an oral hygiene brushup to refine your technique.

More than 90% of dental plans are based on a calendar year.  If you do not use the benefits you are entitled to, they are gone as of December 31st.  Your benefits are not carried forward into the next year.  We are noticing many employers are changing their dental benefits.  It is in your best interest to use what is available before changes occur to minimize your out of pocket expenses.  Call us to make your appointment before your 2010 dental insurance expires.

  A cosmetic procedure like teeth whitening can give you the great looks, self-confidence, and motivation to take care of your oral health.  We’ve all for that!  But we’d like to remind you that only natural tooth structure will lighten.  If you have calculus on your teeth, having them cleaned first will achieve the best results.

     Calculus is also commonly called tartar, and it builds up when you miss removing bacterial plaque during your usual brushing and flossing routine.  removing hard yellow tartar has to do with a lot more than looks.  Tartar causes periodontal or gum disease.  Here are some interesting facts.

• The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth”
• Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gum and bone supporting the teeth.
• There are many forms of periodontal disease.  The most common ones are ginigivitis and chronic periodontitis.  Left untreated, both these diseases can lead to tooth loss.

Gingivitis is the mildest and earliest form of periodontal disease.  It causes your gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily with virtually no pain.  Chronic periodontitis is present when gingival inflammation has progressed to within the supporting tissue of the teeth causing gum recession and bone loss. 

  In most cases, periodontal disease is reversible with professional treatment and good oral care at home

   Diabetics have found heaven on earth.  So have dentists who have discovered the extraordinary health benefits of Xocail dark chocolate, coined “The Healthy Chocolate.”  Unlike most commercial chocolate that claims to have 80% or higher cacao content-Xocai (Sho-sigh) uses its own exclusive “unheated” process that keeps “alive” over 300 ingredients full of antioxidant, eliminating almost all of the fat and sugar typically found in other chocolate.  In fact, 1 chocoate nugget is equal to 1/2 a pound of spinach- sharing the #6 position in the top 10 super foods.

     With less than 10% of North Americans consuming enough fruits and vegetables to obtain the necessary antioxidants their bodies need, health chocolate like Xocai is a delicious option for slowing the ageing process, improving your health- and even reducing plaque and gum disease!

   Stay fit and keep your mouth and heart healthy!

• Exercise regularly to increase blood flow, strengthen your heart, control your weight, stress, and risk of high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Eat fruits, whole grains, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and sources of protein. legumes, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Don’t use tobacco, a risk factor for oral cancer, tooth loss and heart disease.
• Get regular medical and oral health screenings.
• Keep smiling!   

Have you ever seen a teeth whitening tray or a sports guard?  Well, if you suffer from sleep apnea, an equally small, comfortable, custom-fitted device could be just the solution you’re looking for.  While in the past Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) has been considered the gold standard therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, not everyone can tolerate the cumbersome device and simply won’t use it.  That’s hazardous to their health.

  Therapy with a portable custom fitted oral appliance can be extremely helpful for a variety of apnea problems ranging from mild to severe- without surgery.  Snoring noise is caused by vibrations of air moving through a narrow airway.  In apnea, the tongue and soft tissue relax and completely collapse the airway during sleep until breathing stops.  The brain partially awakens them to restore breathing. 

  The key to successful treatment with your oral appliance is custom fitting so that it meets your unique needs and will maintain an open, unobstructed airway while you sleep by repositioning your lower jaw, tongue, and soft palate.  It is an excellent alternative for many apnea patients and also for snorers whose problem has not improved in spite of weight loss, avoidance of alcohol, quitting smoking or shifting their sleep position.

  Dr. Bogrow is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and is a leader in the dental community, treating patients with this potentially life threatening condition. 

     Wouldn’t you like to greet every day again feeling rested and re-energized?  We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions about oral appliance therapy.