Want a Better Night’s Sleep? Visit the Dentist

Sleep Apnea Dental Device

When you just can’t seem to catch your z’s, your first thought may not be to visit your dentist–but it should be!  An oral examination of your mouth, neck and jaw speak volumes about your quality of sleep. Worn-down enamel can alert your dentist to teeth grinding. Jaw shape can also indicate if you are at risk for sleep apnea. Dr. Ania can help you with your sleep quality by fitting you for a mandibular advancement device – an oral appliance that looks similar to a sports mouth guard and opens up your airway while you sleep. If you are currently tied to a CPAP machine every night to treat your sleep apnea, let Dr. Ania show you another way!

 

Sleep – It’s More Important Than You Think

Insomnia or waking with constant fatigue isn’t just an annoyance, it’s a red flag.  Poor sleep isn’t something to just brush off as an aggravating part of life. If not addressed, poor sleep can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety and hypertension. 

You may know why you are suffering from poor sleep, or you might not. Dr. Ania can help.  A common reason that you may be waking feeling sleep deprived is a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea. 

 

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

The Mayo Clinic defines Obstructive Sleep Apnea as a condition: “when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. A noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring. Other symptoms or signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea include: 

Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Loud snoring
  • Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
  • Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
  • Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • Morning headache
  • Difficulty concentrating during the day
  • Experiencing mood changes, such as depression or irritability
  • High blood pressure
  • Nighttime sweating
  • Decreased libido

 

How Dr. Ania Can Help

Dr. Ania’s office offers patients that are suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea a sleep device called  MicrO2.

The MicrO2 Sleep Device has been designed to successfully treat your Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The MicrO2 reduces night time snoring and mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in adults by holding your lower jaw forward during sleep which prevents your tongue and throat tissues from collapsing into your airway. The MicrO2 Sleep Devices are patient specific to maximize tongue space and the ability to open and close during wear. 

 

The Benefits of Using the MicrO2 Sleep Device

Patients (and dentists) like the MicrO2 Sleep Device because it is easy to use, precise and predictable. It uses CAD/CAM technology to ensure you get the best, comfortable fit possible. 

As the only OSA device made from control-cured PMMA, it is compact without compromising durability or retention.

Patients also like how easy it is to adjust and use. The lingual-free splint design offers a comfortable, roomy design for your mouth’s anatomy.

The MicrO2 design was by leaders in the field of Dental Sleep Medicine. A simple office visit with Dr. Ania can help you understand how the device works, fits and what it can do for you and your sleep!

 

Oral Wellness and Overall Wellness Go Hand-in-Hand

Dr. Ania is concerned with patients’ oral health, but also how their oral health relates to other aspects of their bodies and lives. She practices biological dentistry and considers the whole picture before prescribing treatments and focuses her treatments to alleviate chronic pains and stress points. Her expertise with treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea can help restore you to the sleep you need in the way you need it. 

To learn more about how to achieve a better night’s sleep with the MicrO2 Sleep Device, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

Posted: January 4, 2020 By: Comment: 0

Cavity Prevention is Easier Than You Think

Did you know that tooth decay—or cavities—is the most “prevalent, chronic disease” according to the National Institutes of Health? The amount of children and adults alike that get tooth decay outweighs all the other types of disease and chronic conditions a person can develop. The crazy part is, most people don’t even realize that their cavities are actually considered to be a “disease”, nor do many people realize they even have cavities. Tooth decay is a 100% preventable condition with the right oral health habits. Cavity prevention involves some simple steps that make a not-so-simple difference in the health of your teeth and mouth.

 

Brush Your Teeth

When you eat, sugars in your food combine with bacteria in the mouth to form plaque. Your mouth makes this sticky, acidic substance every single time you eat. That means, the more sugar you eat, the more plaque you make. Plaque sits on your teeth because it’s so sticky and erodes your tooth enamel. If it sits there long enough, you will get cracks and open areas of your teeth, where plaque then gets inside your tooth and decays it. That decay is known as “cavities”, and cavities can lead to tooth loss.

 

Your gums also become irritated by acidic plaque, and will start to pull away from the teeth, leading to mushy, red and bleeding gums as well as tooth loss. The biggest way to prevent both of these issues is to brush your teeth! The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes at a time to keep your teeth healthy. Brush after every meal for even better cavity prevention, and especially brush your teeth before bedtime, so that cavities can’t form overnight.

 

Use Fluoride Products

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral in the earth’s crust. In dental trials, it was found to act as a barrier between the teeth and acidic/sugary foods and drinks. Fluoride coats the teeth, helps them to remineralize, and diminishes damage caused by foods and drinks.

 

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association reports that fluoride was responsible for reducing tooth decay by 50-60% since World War II. This is because it was added to the public water supply to strengthen the teeth. If you want your teeth to be more resistant to the acid found in plaque, as well as erosion, use dental products with fluoride in them, or get a prescribed fluoride treatment from your dentist.

 

Don’t Forget to Floss

Did you know that flossing is integral to cavity prevention? So many people don’t floss, or don’t floss enough. However, studies show that about 40% of your tooth surfaces can’t be reached by simply brushing your teeth. That’s why you want to floss 1-2 times a day or after every meal to clean those areas of the mouth. Use new floss every time and floss all the way up in your gum line, making sure to gently scrape the teeth as you go.

 

Avoid Frequent Snacking

We mentioned brushing your teeth after every meal for great cavity prevention. This is what you definitely want to do if you are a frequent snacker. Snacking all day will continually expose your teeth to decay-causing plaque and acids. However, when you eat your 3-4 meals a day instead, you only have those times when sugars are hitting your teeth. For better cavity prevention, stick to set meals instead of all-day snacking.

 

Avoid Sugary Sweets and Drinks

Sugar is the main cause of cavities! Follow these tips for cavity prevention:

  • Limit your sugar consumption each day. Men should have no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) of sugar a day. Women should have no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams), children should stop at 6 grams and infants should have none.
  • Avoid acidic drinks like juices and sodas. Sodas contain carbonic acid, which is an acid that erodes tooth enamel. It’s also full of sugar. Citrus drinks and juices contain citric acid as a preservative, which has the same effect. Sparkling water also contains carbonic acid.
  • Avoid hard candies, chewy candies, suckers, taffys and other types of candies that stay on the teeth for long periods of time. These decay the teeth easier.
  • If you drink carbonated, acidic, or sugary drinks, make sure you sip through a straw. This limits the drink’s contact with your teeth.

 

Eat Tooth-Healthy Foods

Some foods are great for the teeth, and those are ones that have minerals such as calcium and phosphate. Look for dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese and eggs to help with cavity prevention. These foods will remineralize the teeth when you eat them, building them up stronger.

 

Visit the Dentist Regularly

What is the best way to prevent tooth decay from happening? Good oral hygiene! In fact, if you practice good oral hygiene, then you can potentially avoid tooth decay for your entire life. You can also avoid problems such as gum disease, which affects more than 64 million American adults.

 

We can detect the presence of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems if you’re visiting the dentist regularly. The ADA and other experts recommend visiting the dentist at least twice a year for comprehensive exams and dental cleanings. So many individuals fear the dentist because of the thought of shots and drills. Only 65% of people are visiting the dentist each year, and only once instead of twice. Exams and dental cleanings are non-invasive, don’t hurt and are the easiest dental services you can get. They are key in preventing tooth decay and gum health issues that would actually make you need dental work.

 

Cavity prevention is super simple if you visit the dentist and follow all of our tips. For more ways to keep your cavity prevention top-notch, call Dr. Ania’s office office at 303-443-0998!

Posted: December 12, 2019 By: Comment: 0

How Do Holiday Treats Affect Your Teeth?

Holiday cheer is often synonymous with rich, sugary indulgence in holiday treats. Don’t let your teeth (and smiles) suffer the effects of a sugary season. Learn just how sugars affect your teeth and what you can do to limit their toll on your pearly whites!

 

Cavities and Sugar: What’s the Relation?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease among both children and adults. You know tooth decay by the term “cavities” and they come from the everyday foods and drinks you consume. When you eat, sugars in foods will start to break down in your mouth in the first phase of digestion. During that breakdown, sugars will bind to certain types of bacteria, creating a clear, sticky paste called “plaque”.

 

Plaque doesn’t get washed away when you eat and drink, but actually sticks to your tooth surfaces. Because it’s clear, it can be tricky to see unless you’re looking for it. That plaque is actually acidic, and because of this, it will break up minerals in your teeth when it’s not brushed away properly. This leads to tooth decay, or cratered areas of the teeth where bacteria can cause damage. Your gums will even get irritated by acidic plaque and will start to pull away from your teeth over time, causing gum disease.

 

92% of Americans have had cavities by the time they are adults. 64.7 million American adults also have gum disease, as the two diseases go hand-in-hand. Both lead to tooth loss and mushy gums over time, but this process all starts with what you eat and drink! That means, if you adjust your diet, cut down on sugar and acidic drinks, you can potentially avoid oral health issues. This is especially important during the winter when sugary holiday treats and drinks are in abundance.

 

Sugar Limits: What Are They?

There are actually recommended sugar limits for men, women and children to help them avoid health problems and oral issues such as tooth decay. The American Heart Association—as well as many other organizations—recommend that men eat no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams/150 calories) of sugar a day. Women should have no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams/100 calories), and children should have less than 6 grams a day.

 

Infants should have no added sugars in their diets, and especially shouldn’t have juice or soda in their bottles. These limits help everyone avoid oral health diseases that happen due to sugar, plus, they help the population as a whole stay healthy. Always check food labels and eat sugar sparingly.

 

Holiday Treats and Sweet Desserts

Some of the most common holiday treats include dishes such as:

  • Traditional English Trifle
  • Christmas/Bread Pudding
  • Sugar Cookies with Icing
  • Baked Alaska
  • Gingerbread Men/Houses
  • Eggnog
  • Christmas Cake
  • Fruit Cake
  • Sugarplums
  • Christmas Candies and Caramels
  • Christmas Yule Log
  • Pumpkin Cake Roll

 

Did your favorite holiday treats make the list? Holiday treats can also come in the form of holiday drinks such as hot cocoa, warm apple cider, wines, coffees, teas and more. These foods are not generally bad for you, if they are eaten sparingly. Most—if not all—of these listed holiday treats and drinks are full of sugar or acids like citric and carbonic acid. The rest have the main ingredient of sugar, which is why they taste so sweet.

 

How Can You Protect Your Teeth?

To reduce your risk for tooth decay, use fluoride products on your teeth and drink through a straw. Also, try choosing sodas or products with carbonation that are at least sugar-free, so you don’t have both tooth decay and tooth erosion working against you. The more sugar you eat, the more plaque your mouth makes, so make sure you’re only eating your favorite holiday treats and saving those desserts for special times.

 

Your best friend when it comes to avoiding oral health issues will be great oral hygiene habits. The best to have are:

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes at a time.
  • Finish up brushing by flossing your teeth. Make sure to use new floss each time, floss all the way up in your gum line and gently scrape plaque off your teeth as you go.
  • Visit the dentist at least twice a year, as recommended by the American Dental Association.
  • Use fluoride products (such as in mouthwash or prescribed toothpastes) to give your teeth extra protection against tooth decay.

 

Enjoy Your Holiday Treats with Protection

If you know that you’re going to indulge a lot during the holiday season, it may be smart to invest in dental sealants to protect your teeth from cavities. Holiday treats are in abundance throughout the winter months, and there is actually a spike in how many cavities our patients get once the holidays are done. One way to protect your teeth is through dental sealants.

 

A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that Dr. Ania paints over your tooth surfaces. When you receive a dental sealant, it will bond to your tooth and seal away all the grooves and cracks of the teeth. This coating will prevent plaque and other acidic substances from causing erosion and decay in the grooves of the teeth. These are areas where food can more easily become trapped, and where a toothbrush may have a harder time cleaning. A dental sealant will also help prevent tooth decay from happening inside the tooth that commonly leads to root canals and more extensive procedures.These coatings can actually last you up to 10 years when you take care of your teeth.

 

To learn more about dental sealants, as well as how to enjoy your holiday treats without all the cavities, call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998 for your free consultation!

Posted: December 5, 2019 By: Comment: 0

CPAP vs. Oral Devices: Which is Better for Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

 

The two most common methods of treating obstructive sleep apnea are CPAP machines and oral sleep apnea devices. Which one is better for your needs? Compare the pros and cons of each to help you decide!

 

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Do you get plenty of rest, but find yourself struggling to get through your day due to being tired? If you’ve done every trick in the book out there to find your sleep problem, try looking into a sleep apnea study. The National Sleep Foundation reports that more than 18 million Americans struggle with sleep apnea on a regular basis. This is a serious condition where breathing is obstructed during the night, which prevents proper oxygen flow to a person’s brain. That constant lack of oxygen is what disrupts sleep, so a deeper level of sleep is never achieved.

 

The “apnea” is when a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more. Some patients can even go a minute or more between breathing, which severely limits oxygen flow to the brain, damaging cells. This can be life-threatening and deadly. During sleep, the throat muscles may relax too much, failing to keep the airway open so normal breathing can happen. With other patients, the lower jaw relaxes and the tongue falls back into the throat, blocking off air normal airflow. When the airway is blocked, it’s called “Obstructive Sleep Apnea”. No matter what type of apnea you have, you want to have a consultation immediately!

 

How Does CPAP Treat Sleep Apnea?

A highly effective method for treating obstructive sleep apnea is to wear a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine while you sleep. Oxford Academic’s study reported that obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by “snoring and repetitive pharyngeal collapse.” this means snoring or the throat becoming collapsed or closed during the night. Because of this, a CPAP machine was created to blow a constant stream of air down the throat to help keep your airways open.

 

Along with combating sleep apnea, CPAP also eases snoring and improves sleep quality. It is made for all severity levels of obstructive sleep apnea, whereas certain oral devices may not be able to treat severe cases the same.

 

The problem with a CPAP machine is that many people struggle to adapt to the machine. The small, lightweight machine sits on your nightstand. A large tube connects it to a mask that fits over your nose and mouth, which can be uncomfortable. Some side effects of using a CPAP machine include nasal congestion, dry mouth, nosebleeds, stomach bloating, chest discomfort, and feelings of confinement while wearing the mask.

 

How Do Oral Devices Treat Sleep Apnea?

If those side effects don’t appeal to you, consider an obstructive sleep apnea oral device, which we can custom-make in-office. Dr. Ania offers the MicrO2 Sleep Device, which we believe is the most advanced, effective oral appliance for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It resembles a mouth guard like those worn in sports.

 

The device snaps over the upper and lower teeth and stays small in the mouth. The Micr02 lacks cumbersome metal hinges, screws and elastics. We custom-make these devices to fit the shape of your mouth with control-cured PMMA, which makes it durable, precise and predictable. It’s less bulky, but helps clear up problems related to obstructive sleep apnea, without the side effects a CPAP machine can bring.

 

CPAP Vs. Oral Devices in Medical Studies

Honestly, it depends on how comfortable you want to be during your night when it comes to choosing what device you want for your obstructive sleep apnea. Medical studies have found that both CPAP machines and oral devices work wonders for keeping obstructive sleep apnea in check so you can get a great night’s rest. However, one is worn in the mouth, while the other is worn on the face and hooked up to a machine. Here are some pros and cons of both:

  • The CPAP mask must be worn over the nose and mouth, strapped to the face. It may prevent you from being able to sleep on your side comfortably or on your stomach. In comparison, an oral device is worn inside the mouth without anything else being attached to your face.
  • CPAP machines can be very loud as they blow that constant stream of air down the throat. You will have to be okay with the loud noise it makes, and so will a significant other. Oral devices don’t make noise, but still treat various levels of obstructive sleep apnea effectively.
  • 30%-50% of CPAP wearers find the mask uncomfortable or the machine too loud.
  • Compliance with wearing the CPAP machine (about 50%) is generally lower than compliance with wearing an oral device that is smaller and quieter.
  • The CPAP machine is large, cumbersome, and requires electricity, whereas oral devices are small, portable and are easy to travel with.

 

Call for Your Free Consultation Today!

If either type of obstructive sleep apnea device works for your sleep situation, then try out both! Most insurances will cover a CPAP or an oral device because obstructive sleep apnea can be a life-threatening condition. However, you may only have a mild case of sleep apnea, which would not require you to need a CPAP. Studies have found that oral devices for mild to moderate cases are just as effective as a CPAP machine for “reducing the risk of fatal cardiovascular events.”

 

However, a CPAP machine is recommended for extremely or morbidly obese persons or those that have more severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea. Speak with your doctor about your medical situation, do the sleep studies required and see what oral device is best for you. Obstructive sleep apnea doesn’t have to interfere with your life or your sleep! To learn more about our oral devices and how they can help you get a better night’s sleep, call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998 for your free consultation!

 

Posted: November 27, 2019 By: Comment: 0

Signs and Treatments for TMJ Disorder

A man and a woman in front of a bright yellow background that are both holding their faces with jaw pain.

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. You can feel your TMJ if you place your fingers in front of your ears while opening and closing your mouth. If you have jaw joint pain, you might have a TMJ disorder, also called TMD. November is National TMJ Awareness Month, so if you’re having problems with your jaw or facial muscles, learn more about TMJ disorder below.

 

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder is referred to as “TMJ” or “TMD”. Both are the same disorder that has to do with pain and other symptoms in the joints of the face. Your muscles, tendons and ligaments are all types of connective tissues that pull on your bones and allow them to move. However, that’s only thanks to your joints, which are the hinges that connect bones to one another and allow bones to move and pivot separately.

 

The temporomandibular joint is located in your head by the temporal bone and the mandible (hence the name “temporomandibular). This is the joint that connects this bone to your mandible (jaw). This joint is located on each side of the face. Most people don’t have pain in these areas of the face. However, if you have TMJ disorder, you may have pain and much more.

 

Signs and Causes of TMJ Disorder

Do you have pain in your jaw or with your teeth? Has it continued for weeks, months or even years? Do you experience chronic headaches or migraines seemingly without a cause? It would be wise to have a dental consultation to see if TMJ disorder is the culprit of these symptoms.

Millions of people have TMJ disorder. Patients commonly report having symptoms such as:

  • Tenderness or pain in the jaw
  • Pain in the area of one or both of the temporomandibular joints
  • Pain around the ear but not exactly in the ear
  • Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
  • A jaw that clicks or pops
  • A locked jaw joint, which makes it difficult to open or close the mouth
  • Chronic headaches or migraines, sometimes daily

 

If you have one or more of these symptoms, consult a dentist and/or a physician. A physician, however, will likely refer you to a dental office for treatment.

 

At-Home Treatments for TMJ Disorder

If you are unsure of the cause of your mouth or jaw pain, see if these at-home remedies can help you:

  1. Over-the-counter medication. For patients and non-patients experiencing mild to moderate jaw pain, over-the-counter medication can help soothe painful symptoms. If you use an anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen), it can also help soothe inflammation that has happened. Consult your dentist or physician for dosage.
  2. Heat and cold therapy. Warm compresses and ice packs can help calm down inflammation in the face and jaw, while also helping the area heal. Heat helps speed up blood circulation to an area in pain, while cold therapy helps to quell swelling and pain.
  3. Diet comprised of soft foods. You don’t want to be chomping down on hard foods when your mouth hurts, so stick to pastas, breads, yogurts, and other soft foods. Just always make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day to avoid dental decay from food, as prescribed by the American Dental Association.

 

Professional Treatments for TMJ Disorder

The many signs and symptoms of TMD often lead the patient to a physician prior to seeking dental consultation. Confronted with these symptoms, the medical profession often treats these conditions with anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medication or tranquilizers. Often, those treatments wear off quickly without actually treating the cause of your jaw pain.

 

Dental professionals agree that TMJ disorder should be treated in the most conservative manner possible, with surgery being a last resort. Here are some of the most common methods to treat TMJ disorder:

  1. Prescription drugs. Until the cause is known, you may be prescribed drugs to help with the pain and inflammation if it is severe. However, drugs can often mask symptoms of a condition, do not treat the underlying cause and may have severe side effects. If you’ve been prescribed medicine from a doctor, make sure you make a dental consultation to know if there is a more conservative, effective way to treat your symptoms.
  2. Night guard. With growing technological advances, dentists are able to custom-made night guards and other mouth devices to alleviate pain placed on the temporomandibular joints. The cause of your issue can also be traced to a poor occlusion (bite), tooth grinding or other issues instead of actual TMJ. We will extensively evaluate your dental health and provide you with a guard to help the actual issue, especially when it is TMJ.
  3. Dental work. If the issue does trace back to occlusion, malocclusion, bruxism or other dental issues, we can potentially do cosmetic dental procedures to realign the teeth and bite. These are simpler, yet effective means of correcting dental issues that cause you pain.
  4. Surgery. Your bite can be a factor in many types of pain and functional problems because of the inter-relationships of the overall musculoskeletal system. Through new technology, we can evaluate your bite and determine if it is a major contributing factor of your condition. In the case where surgery is needed to correct bite and alignment, it is used. However, other methods are generally effective before surgery.

 

Help for Your Symptoms

Do you have symptoms of TMJ disorder? If so, make sure to schedule an appointment by calling Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998. We can thoroughly examine your dental and facial joint health to determine the cause of your pain. We have devices to help stop TMJ disorder that are comfortable for your mouth. If TMJ is not the cause, we can look into treatments for sleep apnea, teeth grinding, tooth decay, or refer you for treatments such as dental botox. Don’t wait to be pain-free. Become that way by calling Dr. Ania’s office today!

Posted: November 20, 2019 By: Comment: 0

10 Facts About Your Toothbrush

Red-headed woman with curly hair that is smiling straight at the camera holding a toothbrush. She is wearing a pink shirt, lavender sweatshirt and is in front of a mustard-yellow background.

You use it twice a day to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free, but how much do you really know about your toothbrush? Some of the facts may surprise you!

 

Are You Doing Enough?

How often do you brush your teeth? Once a day? Twice a day? Once a week? If you have established rules for brushing your teeth, it may seem like second nature to keep those pearly whites clean. It’s not so with everyone. In fact, the New York Post reported that when it comes to certain age groups (like millennials), studies found that only 3 in 10 brush their teeth once a day. Some go several days without a good teeth cleaning. 22% of that age group also avoid going to the dentist, with 6 in 10 Americans as a whole being afraid to visit the dentist.

 

Dental visits, brushing your teeth, flossing, having a good toothbrush and more are all essential habits to avoid oral health diseases. Those types of diseases are actually the most common ones that people get on a worldwide scale, and many don’t realize it! The lack of oral hygiene knowledge and daily habits is one reason why 64.7 million American adults have gum disease, and why tooth decay affects more than 92% of people. You can help yourself avoid these issues by learning just how important simple habits—like brushing your teeth—are for your oral health.

 

The ADA Seal of Acceptance

This is the gold standard for toothbrush quality, and is something you want to look for on every oral health product you buy. If a product has the “ADA Seal of Acceptance”, it means that it abides by strict rules of quality to help reduce your risk for oral health problems. With this seal, you can know the product has been tested and proven effective for combating decay-causing bacteria. These products must also contain fluoride, which is a natural mineral that helps provide a barrier between bacteria and your teeth.

 

Toothbrush History and The First Toothbrush

Some sources have found that people used toothbrushes as far back as 5,000 B.C., with their use being common in 3,000 B.C. by the Ancient Egyptians. Over millennia, the types of devices used to clean the teeth eventually morphed into the toothbrush we know and love today. However, that wasn’t until just a few hundred years ago.

 

The first mass-produced toothbrush was invented in prison by an inmate named William Addis in 1770 that was imprisoned for causing a riot. He observed how other inmates cleaned their teeth with cloth and other items. After some experiments, he created a tooth-brushing device out of an animal bone saved from dinner. He later inserted bristles, thus creating the first idea of a toothbrush. He later got out of prison and started his own toothbrush company that now manufactures over 70 million toothbrushes a year!

 

Manual or Electric?

Many studies have found that there isn’t a clear winner when it comes to the type of toothbrush you buy. For those who may tire easily with brushing, electric may be the better choice. However, what studies have found is that it’s more important to simply brush your teeth, period! Electric brushes do have an added advantage of helping to break up food and plaque on the teeth, but you can make up for that with thorough manual brushing.

 

4 Minutes a Day

The American Dental Association has found that 4 minutes of toothbrushing a day has been found to be incredibly effective at limiting your risk for tooth decay, gum disease and oral disease. They recommend to brush your teeth twice a day, for at least 2 minutes at a time. Brush in circular motions and in all different directions as you move along your teeth. Especially get along the gum line of your teeth where food and plaque are more likely to collect.

 

Brushing and Flossing

Even if you were taught a specific way to brush and floss your teeth, there is no perfect way to use floss or a toothbrush, nor is there an order to it. The point is to simply do both habits, in whatever order, twice a day! Do what works for you. But remember, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth with a quality toothbrush for 2 minutes at a time, at least twice a day. Pick a method that works for you and helps you to prevent cavities.

 

Choose Soft Bristles

Next time you go to the store, notice how every toothbrush will say, “hard”, “medium”, or “soft”. Softer bristles are generally better for your teeth, as harder bristles (more rigid ones) can actually take layers of your tooth enamel off. Ask your dentist, as your specific oral situation (like tarter buildup) may necessitate a harder brush.

 

Toothbrushes Prefer Open Air and a Short Life

The ADA’s recommendation for maximum toothbrush use is 3 months due to bacteria buildup. You may need to discard your toothbrush sooner if the bristles have become frayed, as it cleans less effectively. Dry your toothbrush after use and store it in a clean container that is somewhat open to the air so it fully dries. If not, more bacteria could grow.

 

Don’t Share Your Toothbrush!

Typically, sharing a toothbrush is not a good idea. Sharing a toothbrush with your significant other can transfer bacteria that causes illness in yourself, even if the other person doesn’t show signs of sickness. Detected mouth bacteria in studies has found bacteria numbering in the 700s—yikes! The average mouth has between 32 and 80 different types of bacteria. Sharing is not caring in all situations!

 

Get A Quality Toothbrush Today

Find a quality toothbrush, toothpaste, and other oral health products, and follow the recommended guidelines for use if you want to avoid oral health diseases. To find out what products we recommend, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

Posted: October 31, 2019 By: Comment: 0

Diagnosing & Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Do you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? This potentially serious sleeping disorder causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly as often as 30 or more times an hour all night long. You might have OSA if you snore loudly, feel drowsy even after sleeping for a full eight hours, or wake up with a sore throat, dry mouth, or headache. Fortunately, options are available for treating obstructive sleep apnea. You just need the right diagnosis and an effective treatment method.

Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Many different health problems can cause symptoms similar to OSA. After all, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Everything from your mouth and nasal cavity anatomy to sleep position and alcohol consumption can lead to snoring.

Other sleep disorders can also cause excessive daytime sleepiness, including insomnia (difficulty falling asleep), narcolepsy (falling asleep suddenly during the day), and restless leg syndrome.

There are even multiple types of sleep apnea. While obstructive sleep apnea stems from overly relaxed throat muscles, central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. When someone has both obstructive and central sleep apnea, the condition is known as complex or mixed sleep apnea.

Each type of sleep apnea calls for a different treatment, so it’s important to diagnose the condition correctly. There are two primary tests for diagnosing OSA: polysomnography and a home sleep apnea test.

Polysomnography is a sleep study conducted in a lab. You are hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart, lungs, brain, breathing patterns, limb movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep. Polysomnography is useful for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea and ruling out other sleep disorders.

A home sleep apnea test provides your doctor with information similar to a polysomnography test, but you get to sleep in the comfort of your own home.

Ask your doctor about these tests if you ever snore loudly enough to disturb your partner, wake up gasping for air, or feel excessively tired during the day. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine if your sleep apnea could be wholly or partly caused by an anatomic blockage in your nose or throat.

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Once you have a formal diagnosis, treatment for obstructive sleep apnea can begin.

Lifestyle changes

If you have a mild case of OSA, lifestyle changes may be sufficient to get your symptoms under control. Your doctor may recommend the following:

Lose weight and exercise regularly

Limit your alcohol consumption

Quit smoking

Avoid sleeping on your back

Use nasal decongestant

Avoid taking sleeping pills

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, consider treating obstructive sleep apnea with other methods. Your doctor may recommend a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This involves wearing a face mask hooked up to a device beside your bed. It delivers constant air pressure to keep your throat open while you sleep.

Sleep apnea oral device

While CPAP is the most commonly prescribed method for treating obstructive sleep apnea, many people find the mask burdensome. It may prevent you from getting comfortable enough to fall asleep, and the noise of the machine might keep you awake.

If you have mild to moderate OSA, you may qualify for another option called a sleep apnea oral device. This popular alternative to CPAP involves wearing a custom-made mouth device that holds your jaw forward slightly, preventing your tongue and other soft tissues from blocking your airway.

Many types of sleep apnea oral devices are available today, but Dr. Ania recommends the MicrO2 Sleep Device. Made from control-cured PMMA, this appliance is more durable, precise, and predictable than other oral devices. It’s also more streamlined for a comfortable, retainer-like fit that makes you more inclined to wear it every night.

Surgery

You should only consider surgical intervention if severe sleep apnea drastically affects your quality of life, and you have attempted other non-invasive options first without success. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)—the standard surgical procedure for treating obstructive sleep apnea—involves removing some of the soft tissue from the back of your throat. Other surgical options include implants, jaw surgery, and tracheostomy.

Begin Sleep Apnea Treatment Today

After attempting to improve your sleep apnea with lifestyle changes, the next best option may be to try a sleep apnea oral device. Dr. Ania administers home sleep tests and creates custom-made oral sleep apnea devices to change the lives of our patients for the better.

If you still have questions, schedule an appointment with our Boulder dentist by calling 303-443-0998. We look forward to helping you achieve a more restful sleep than you’ve had in years!

Posted: October 16, 2019 By: Comment: 0

Healthy Fruits and Veggies for Your Mouth

Fruits and Veggies

Eating more fruits and veggies can benefit your health in many ways, including promoting strong teeth and healthy gums. Learn which produce items help out your mouth the most in honor of National Fruit and Veggie Month this September.

Apples

They say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but this crisp, nutritious fruit is also great for promoting healthy teeth. The crunchy texture of apples allows them to mimic a toothbrush, scrubbing your teeth to remove plaque. The chewing required to eat an apple also increases salivation, which helps neutralize the citric and malic acids that may stick to your teeth after eating fruit. Apple-chewing even stimulates your gums to help keep them healthy.

To be clear, apple juice contributes to tooth decay because it’s high in sugar and doesn’t have the scrubbing or saliva-increasing effects of eating fresh apples. Juice also lacks fiber, which is found in the skin of the fruit. To maximize the benefits, choose fresh fruit instead of juice whenever possible.

Produce Rich in Vitamin C

Many fruits and veggies are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant which helps protect the gums and other soft tissues from cellular damage and bacterial infection. Foods rich in vitamin C include apples, pears, strawberries, pineapple, tomatoes, cucumbers, grapefruit, and oranges.

As a quick note, citrus fruits are a rich source of vitamin C, but they are also highly acidic. Shortly after enjoying the taste and health benefits of a grapefruit or orange, brush your teeth or swish with water to prevent citric acid from lingering.

Carrots, Celery & Other Fibrous Vegetables

Healthy gums are vital to your overall oral health. Chewing on raw fibrous or hard vegetables stimulates the gums, generating higher saliva flow in the process.

Carrots and celery are particularly beneficial for your teeth because they are also a good source of beta carotene. This relates to oral health because your body needs beta carotene to create vitamin A, an essential nutrient for building strong teeth.

Leafy Greens

Eating salads regularly helps you get more folic acid in your diet. This type of B vitamin promotes a healthy mouth by supporting new cell growth in and around your teeth. In general, the darker the leaf, the more nutrients it contains. Some of the best leafy greens for a healthy mouth include spinach, kale, chard, and green and red leaf lettuce. Cruciferous vegetables, such as asparagus and cabbage, also rank high on the list.

Nutrients found in leafy greens include vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. Your body stores phosphorous in your teeth and bones, which helps increase the absorption rate of calcium and magnesium.

Berries

Blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, and more are high in anthocyanins. In fact, that’s what gives berries their vibrant colors. Anthocyanins are thought to prevent pathogens from attaching and colonizing on host tissues, including teeth. Then, cranberries, in particular, contain compounds that have been shown to disrupt the enzymes that allow tooth decay-causing bacteria to form.

The only problem with berries is that their rich colors can stain teeth. Remember to brush shortly after eating a handful of berries, or at least swish with water, to help prevent staining.

When to Eat Healthy Fruits and Veggies

Many fresh produce items are considered “functional foods,” which means they offer additional biological benefits beyond just their nutritional value. To get the most out of functional foods, you must eat them at the right time.

For instance, the tooth-scrubbing, gum-stimulating benefits of apples benefit you the most if you eat them last. This way, you help remove food particles from your teeth and get a gum massage at the end of your meal. It’s also helpful to eat acid-neutralizing foods after enjoying citrus fruit, such as milk, cheese, or unsweetened tea. This way, you get all the benefits of eating foods high in citric acid without the tooth decay to go with it.

How to Get More Fruits and Veggies in Your Diet

Sometimes, including enough fresh produce in your diet is easier said than done. Follow these tips to increases your daily fruit and veggie intake:

  • Add strawberries, bananas, or blueberries to your waffles or oatmeal.
  • When you need a snack between meals, reach for an apple or carrot sticks.
  • Freeze fruits and veggies to use in smoothies.
  • Set produce out on the counter where it’s easily visible.
  • Buy ready-made salads for a fast, convenient lunch.
  • Add spinach, tomatoes, and other favorite veggies to your pizza.
  • Stir vegetables into noodle dishes and soups.
  • Have fruit for a healthy, sweet dessert.

Maintain Good Oral Health with Regular Dentist Visits

Eating plenty of fruits and veggies helps to strengthen your teeth, promote healthy gums, and prevent cavities, but just because you have a healthy diet doesn’t mean you can skip routine dental exams and cleanings. If it’s been six months since your last trip to the dentist, consider scheduling an appointment with our Boulder dentist, Dr. Ania, by calling 303-443-0998. Our team will help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile you can be proud of!

Posted: September 4, 2019 By: Comment: 0

What is the MicrO2 Sleep Apnea Oral Device?

Sleep Apnea Oral Device

If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep, or your partner complains about your snoring, you might have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Finding an effective treatment is important to prevent the harmful side effects of OSA, which may include daytime sleepiness, headaches and migraines, high blood pressure, balance issues, weight gain, increased risk of stroke, and more.

Dr. Ania’s office fits patients with a minimally obtrusive sleep apnea oral device called the MicrO2, an effective option for treating mild to moderate OSA. This could be the solution you’ve been looking for!

What is the MicrO2 Sleep Apnea Oral Device?

You have a few options for treating sleep apnea, one of which is wearing an oral device while you sleep. The MicrO2 is an appliance that fits over your upper and lower teeth. The intention is to hold the lower jaw forward slightly, which helps keep your tongue and throat tissues from collapsing into the airway and blocking your breathing. To maximize the usefulness of this sleep apnea oral device, you must have it custom-made by a certified dentist like Dr. Ania.

Features & Benefits of the MicrO2 Sleep Apnea Oral Device

Several brands and styles of sleep apnea oral devices are available today, but we stand behind the design and innovation of the MicrO2, which is based on the clinical expertise of leaders in the field of Dental Sleep Medicine. Here are some of the features and benefits the MicrO2 offers:

Durable and strong

The MicrO2 is the only sleep apnea oral device made from control-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This plastic is extremely strong and durable, allowing it to last for years with proper care. In fact, the manufacturer offers a three-year warranty permitting a free one-time repair, reline, or replacement per arch.

Still, if the appliance wears out, gets lost, or breaks, your unique bite model is saved digitally in your dentist’s computer. This allows a replacement to be manufactured in just seven days.

Comfortable and easy to use

The MicrO2 feels similar to wearing a plastic retainer. Because it’s designed using CAD/CAM technology, the spot-on accuracy means it fits over your teeth with incredible precision.

Inserting the device into your mouth is easy, and the contoured cheek and lip borders prevent it from digging into your soft tissues. It’s not overly bulky, either. The lingual-free design leaves plenty of room for your tongue. You can also open and close your jaw during wear, which is different from many other sleep apnea oral devices.

Easily adjustable

While other sleep apnea appliances have cumbersome metal hinges, screws, or elastics, the upper and lower arches of the MicrO2 feature unique 90-degree non-radius posts that are custom-made to fit your bite. These posts hold your lower jaw forward without any moving parts.

There are even multiple arches in the set you take home, allowing you to achieve the perfect adjustment. Simply trade out the upper or lower arch for another one in the set until you feel as comfortable as possible.

Attractive design

The MicrO2 is made of crystal-clear material, giving it a sleek, beautiful look. The clear plastic is also easier to keep clean than colored devices.

Other uses

While the primary purpose of the MicrO2 is to treat sleep apnea, it also reduces tooth grinding. This helps protect your teeth and gums and minimizes the risk for TMJ disorders.

Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea

Many patients who try the MicrO2 quickly see the value of this sleep apnea oral device in their daily lives. Here are some of the benefits of treating sleep apnea with the MicrO2:

Decrease daytime sleepiness, the primary reason people seek treatment for OSA.

Improve your quality of sleep so you wake up feeling rested.

Reduce snoring to help your partner get a restful sleep as well.

Improve your mood and mental health so you feel happier from day to day.

Increase your cognitive function to help you concentrate and get more done at work.

Lower your risk of traffic accidents by making you feel more alert behind the wheel.

Boost your quality of life with higher energy levels and an overall more positive outlook!

Treat Your Sleep Apnea with the MicrO2 Device

Ready to take a giant leap forward to improve your sleep? Dr. Ania can test you for sleep apnea with a home sleep test. If you show signs of mild to moderate OSA, you may benefit from wearing an oral device at night. We’ll fit you with a custom MicrO2 and get you on your way to better health and wellness!

To learn more, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ania, please call our Boulder dentist office at 303-443-0998.

Posted: August 27, 2019 By: Comment: 0

7 Fun Facts About Your Teeth

Your Teeth

Aside from when you’re brushing and flossing, how often do you think about your teeth on a daily basis? You rely on them for eating, talking, and smiling with confidence, but you may hardly give them a second thought most days. Take a moment to learn these seven fun facts about teeth so you appreciate them a little more.

Teeth are like fingerprints.

Just as no two people share the same fingerprints, no one has exactly the same teeth as anyone else. Not even identical twins have the same teeth. That’s why dental records are useful for identifying deceased individuals.

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body.

Enamel is the outermost layer of a tooth. Its primary purpose is to protect the softer parts of the tooth underneath. Enamel is comprised mostly of calcium and phosphate, the same substances found in your bones. However, enamel is even stronger than bone because of the particular proteins and crystallites that form it.

With that in mind, it’s important to understand that enamel still isn’t invincible. It can chip or crack in traumatic accidents, and it’s vulnerable to decay. Sugar and acid in the food you eat interact with the bacteria in your mouth to form plaque, a white, sticky substance that attacks your enamel and marks the start of tooth decay. Soda and candy are especially damaging, so you should make an effort to avoid them.

Dentin grows; enamel doesn’t.

Dentin is the tooth layer located beneath the enamel. Small channels and passageways carve their way through the dentin, which is how nerve signals and nutrients pass into each tooth. Dentin is also harder than bone, but unlike enamel, it doesn’t remain static. Instead, dentin grows and changes throughout your life.

“Tooth worms” were blamed for cavities until about 60 years ago.

In centuries past—and up until as recently as 1960—people thought dental cavities occurred because tiny worms bored holes through teeth, like earthworms eating through an apple. It was thought that toothaches associated with cavities were caused by a worm wriggling around inside the tooth. Today, of course, we know that tooth decay is caused by bacteria feeding on remnants of food left behind in your mouth.

Up to 300 types of bacteria live in your mouth.

It’s estimated that 200 to 300 bacterial species inhabit the human mouth. This may gross you out, but only a few species contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. The species known as streptococcus mutans is the main culprit for poor tooth and gum health. When these bacteria eat the sugar and carbohydrates lingering in your mouth after a meal, they leave acids behind that eat away at your enamel.

The best way to get rid of the harmful bacteria and acids in your mouth is to brush and floss daily. A natural sweetener called xylitol, which you can find in some brands of chewing gum, is also an effective way to decrease the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Streptococcus mutans can’t feed on this sugar alcohol, so these bacteria die off, leaving your mouth cleaner and your teeth less susceptible to decay.

(Almost) everyone has the same number of teeth.

Both men and women of all races have the same number of teeth. First, you develop 20 primary teeth as a child. By the time your permanent teeth replace all of your baby teeth, and your six- and 12-year molars grow in, you’re left with eight incisors, four canines, eight bicuspids, and eight molars for a total of 28 teeth.

It gets complicated when the time comes for wisdom teeth, or third molars, to appear in your late teens or early 20s. If your wisdom teeth come in, and you have room for them in your mouth, you’ll end up with 32 teeth. Many people have their third molars removed because there simply isn’t space.

Then, about 35 percent of the population never develops wisdom teeth. Some scientists believe this anomaly will continue becoming more and more prevalent as humans evolve to no longer need wisdom teeth at all.

Your teeth start to develop before you’re born.

A baby’s first tooth may not erupt until around eight to 12 months old, but the tooth buds of all 20 primary teeth and 28 permanent teeth are already present in the jaw on the day a baby is born. The only ones missing are the wisdom teeth, which don’t begin to develop until adolescence.

Schedule your next dentist visit with Dr. Ania

Let these fun facts serve as a reminder that you can never know too much about caring for your teeth and gums! Make daily oral care a top priority. Then, schedule routine dental cleanings and exams to keep your teeth beautiful and healthy. Dr. Ania will make sure you can smile with confidence for years to come with preventative and restorative dentistry in Boulder, CO.

You can reach us at 303-443-0998 to learn more or to schedule your appointment.

Posted: August 14, 2019 By: Comment: 0

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