Machines that help people breathe at night may look funny, but they’re no laughing matter. Adjustable airway pressure machines are used to treat sleep apnea, a condition that causes people to stop breathing repeatedly during the night. One such treatment is called continuous positive airway pressure therapy, or CPAP.

CPAP is the most common machine used to treat moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults but is also safe to use on children. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, it is the most effective method for treating obstructive sleep apnea (although it is used to treat central sleep apnea as well). CPAP machines are also commonly used to treat patients whose sleep apnea is complicated by coronary artery disease or heart failure. If you’re interested in using a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, you can learn more about it below.

How CPAP Machines Work

CPAP consists of a machine and mask that are connected by a tube. The machine itself is usually small and light enough to be placed on a bedside table, and the CPAP mask is connected to your head by straps. There are several types of CPAP masks for you to choose from; the most common one covers only your nose (this is referred to as nasal continuous positive airway pressure, or NCPAP). Other CPAP masks cover your mouth and nose or consist of prongs that fit into your nostrils.

The CPAP machine gently blows pressurized air into the mask to help you breathe. Increased airway pressure supports the windpipe to keep it from collapsing, and the CPAP machine provides just enough air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. The pressure should be greater than room air in order to work, but it can be adjusted to meet each patient’s needs.

Why CPAP Machines Are Necessary

Why bother with the CPAP sleep apnea machine if it just keeps you from snoring or waking up throughout the night? Sleep apnea has been linked to serious health problems, including exhaustion, weight gain, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. CPAP machines help users maintain normal sleep patterns, which can decrease daytime sleepiness, ease anxiety and depression, improve work productivity and even improve your memory. Studies noted on WebMD have found that NCPAP may lower blood pressure and that people with coronary artery disease who use CPAP are less likely to have heart problems.

Keep in mind that while your snoring may stop, it does not mean your sleep apnea is cured. You will still need to continue wearing the CPAP mask to prevent sleep apnea until your doctor allows you to discontinue use.

CPAP Side Effects

As with any medical treatment, side effects are possible with CPAP. Reported side effects include:

Dry, stuffy or runny nose

Sore throat

Skin irritation or nose sores

Eye irritation

Headaches

Nosebleeds

Stomach bloating or pain

Upper respiratory infections

Nightmares or excessive dreaming

Claustrophobia from wearing the CPAP mask

Adjusting the pressure of your CPAP machine may prevent some of these side effects. You may also use your CPAP mask in combination with a humidifier or nasal sprays to help prevent sinus problems. A lightweight or cushioned mask or chin straps can also help ease irritation.

Other possible problems include CPAP masks that leak air, minimizing their effectiveness. You may also experience mild discomfort in the beginning but should adjust as you get used to wearing your CPAP mask. Even if you start to feel better rested, you should not discontinue use of your CPAP machine. CPAP is intended for daily use — skipping just one night or removing the mask during the night can greatly disrupt sleep patterns.

Some find the CPAP machine too cumbersome or noisy. If wearing a CPAP mask is uncomfortable for you, talk to your doctor. Not only have CPAP machines greatly improved over the years, but there are several other sleep apnea treatment options available. CPAP is usually not recommended for those who only suffer from mild sleep apnea.

Purchasing CPAP Machines and CPAP Masks

Obtaining a CPAP machine requires a visit to your doctor or a dentist visit. Because CPAP machines are FDA-approved medical devices, you must have a prescription to use one. You may also need to enter a sleep study to qualify, and it’s recommended that you regularly visit your sleep professional during treatment. The good news is some CPAP machines may be covered by insurance, and you can purchase or rent one according to your needs.

There are many types of CPAP machines and masks to choose from, and some contain special features to better fit your lifestyle. For example, some CPAP machines adapt to various currents and altitudes, come with a humidifier or gradually increase in pressure on their own, while others contain monitors that chart your progress. You may also choose a CPAP machine that comes in a fun color or includes its own travel case. Costs may vary according to the type of CPAP machine you choose, so you should verify your insurance coverage prior to making your purchase. Once you decide on a CPAP machine and CPAP mask, a technician may come to your home to set it up, and your sleep professional can prescribe adjustments as needed.

Your sleep professional can help you decide which type of CPAP machine is best for you. If you’re interested in CPAP, we may be able to help. Many dentists offer sleep apnea and snoring solutions and can help find the right sleep apnea treatment for you.

http://www.marilyncalvo.com/ Marilyn Calvo DDS - Accredited Member, AACD.  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self esteem in the patients she has helped serve through her Smile Makeovers. http://www.facebook.com/CalvoFanPage

Source: dentistry.com

Your dentist might recommend a dental crown or cap, for three, basic reasons: Your tooth has too much tooth decay for adental filling to work properly; your tooth is cracked and falling apart; or your tooth is discolored or misshapen. Another reason for your dentist to employ dental crowns is to anchor a dental bridge in place - by crowning your abutment teeth.

Whether for rescuing or cosmetic reasons, tooth crowns provide solutions to the most basic oral problems and save your teeth from future damage.

A tooth crown may cost several hundred dollars and require two or three visits to the dentist, but they may be worth the time and money investment when you consider the possibility of losing a tooth altogether.  Missing teeth sometimes require a dental implant or bridge (which, as we mentioned, may need anchoring dental crowns anyway) to save you from shifting teeth. Your dentist can help determine your best options for saving your teeth and your budget.

If you don’t fill the gap, shifting teeth could cause bite problems (or malocclusions) that lead to more damaged teeth, problems chewing and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD). So it may be best for a dentist to give you a royal dental crown treatment now to avoid uprisings in the future.

So what happens when you get a dental crown? Tooth crowns begin with a foundation, particularly if large parts of your tooth succumbed to decay or severe cracks. This foundation consists of a post and core. Your dentist files down part of the tooth to make room for the cap.

Next, the dentist pushes down your gum line with a piece of cord and applies rubber-like cement to make an impression of the tooth to fit the dental crown. Using the same method, the dentist takes impressions of the teeth above or below. This ensures the tooth crown fits into your normal bite properly.

You’ll get temporary dental crowns while you wait for a laboratory to make permanent ones from these impressions. Your dentist attaches this plastic crown with temporary cement. Feeling like a prince(ss) yet?

You should, this temporary cap protects your teeth from the masses of bacteria in your mouth waiting for an opportunity to invade your inner tooth.

On a second dentist visit, your dentist will replace the temporary cap with a permanent tooth crown. There might be some adjustments made at the time, but the dental crown should be a near-perfect fit for your mouth.

The laboratory makes your caps from all metal, porcelain fused to metal (PFM) or ceramics. Metal or PFM crowns last the longest, and generally go on your back teeth to handle heavy duty chewing duties. Ceramic crowns match your tooth color.

Generally, tooth crowns last seven years or better - though some lucky crown wearers keep their originals for 40 years without problems. If you have upstart crowns though, you might discover some royal quirks:

Sensitivity - You might be sensitive to heat and cold in the initial days after your procedure. The sensations should be a temporary condition.

Pain - Call your dentist if it hurts to bite down. It usually means your dental crown is set too high and your dentist will have to re-seat the cap.

Lines - Dark marks by the gum line shows where the porcelain meets the metal on your PFMs. This is normal.

Irritation - Your dentist might prescribe fluoride treatments to ease your gums at first. Though a tooth crown stops decay,gum disease is a job for another agent. Practice good oral hygiene to stop gingivitis.

Chips - Porcelain and ceramics chip occasionally and your dentist can repair these right away. However, numerous chips undermine the overall structure. Eventually, you may need to replace the entire dental crown.

Washouts - Cement erosion could undermine the airtight qualities, letting bacteria back into your tooth. If tooth crowns feel loose when you chew, see your dentist.

Dethroning - Sometimes a dental crown falls out of place because of cement loss or improper fit. If your cap unseats itself, put it in a plastic bag and bring it back to the dentist for a re-fit.

If you must reapply it before you get dental help, wash the tooth crown out thoroughly and remove the excess cement with a toothpick. Use a denture adhesive for a temporary fit, and get to your dentist as soon as possible.

Take care of your undesirable dentition! If you have a cracked tooth, too much decay, a discolored tooth or chipped teeth,dental crowns may be the right option for you. All you need to do is plot the possibilities with your dentist.

Need a dentist to help you choose tooth crowns or other cosmetic and restorative dental options?

http://www.marilyncalvo.com/ Marilyn Calvo DDS - Accredited Member, AACD.  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self esteem in the patients she has helped serve through her Smile Makeovers. http://www.facebook.com/CalvoFanPage

Source:dentistry.com

http://www.marilyncalvo.com/ Marilyn Calvo DDS - Accredited Member, AACD.  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self esteem in the patients she has helped serve through her Smile Makeovers.

The top secret behind the popularity of cosmetic dentistry is the real wish to reach a flawless smile. Moreover, the individuals affected by accidents essentially need the help of cosmetic dentistry to reconstruct or to clean. The scope of cosmetic dentistry may be wide; yet, the ultimate focus of every treatment is to enhance the beauty of a patient.

Popular cleaning treatment:

When you seek a particular treatment like teeth whitening, ensure to ask the steps involved in completing the procedure. You will know the advanced techniques involved and how clean your teeth can truly become. Tray bleach whitening is a method, which is much affordable to everybody. Make sure to enquire about the charges.

Satisfaction:

The chances for the teeth to become sensitive are more. The tray kept during tray bleach whitening increases this sensitivity. If such problems are found, the doctors are friendly enough to remove it. Generally, complete satisfaction is guaranteed in cosmetic dentistry and that is why it has become a hot cake. The portraits of the patients, before and after tray bleach whitening treatments induce people to engage in cosmetic surgery.

Want to smile with confidence? Consider Tray bleach whitening for flawless smile… Beautiful smile is all yours and just be ready to freak out!

Source: http://www.cosmeticdentistryarticles.com

This newsletter from Smile Studio LA  contains articles such as: What’s that about implants, Oral Cancer, The Heart and Dental Health, How to stay happy, healthy and smiling and How to say goodbye to a bad breath. This information is provided by Dr. Calvo (Accredited Member: AACD) of Smile Studio LA. Marilyn Calvo and her team provide both cosmetic and restorative dentistry services in the Beverly Hills and Los Angeles areas.

Smile Studio LA Newsletter Download Here.

It’s a simple and painless examination that lasts 15 to 20 minutes and it can save your life.

Julie DiNardo is encouraging everyone over the age of 17 to get an oral cancer screening.

“Unfortunately oral cancer is on the rise,” said DiNardo, a registered dental hygienist for 23 years who offers screenings at her Mountain clinic.

The Canadian Cancer Society expects 3,400 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed this year and more than 17,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with the disease in the past decade.

DiNardo says doing the screenings and raising public awareness about cancer of the mouth and throat is a passion for her.

She noted a friend, also a dental hygienist, is still alive today because her oral cancer was caught early.

“Don’t be afraid - just get checked,” DiNardo said.

At the Gleam Smile Centre on Upper James, DiNardo uses a multi-spectral oral cancer screening system, similar to the system that was used to check as many as 800 athletes at the Vancouver Olympics.

Some athletes in Nordic events chew tobacco or expose their mouth and lips to excessive sunlight that can lead to oral cancer

At the Mountain clinic, patients sit in a dental chair and the screening starts with DiNardo feeling the client’s neck.

“We’re looking for any hard nodes or hard bumps that are not supposed to be there,” she said.

A white light is then shined into the patient’s mouth.

“We’re looking at all the areas, all the tissues, inside the cheeks on the roof of the mouth, underneath the tongue, at the back of the throat,” DiNardo said.

She then shines a violet light in the mouth for a second look.

DiNardo said this is a reflective light than can catch abnormalities the first visual check might miss.

“With normal cells, the light will go through,” DiNardo said. “With abnormal cells the light will reflect back so it looks like a dark hole.”

After she checks with the violet light, a green-amber light is used for a third look.

DiNardo said the green-amber light highlights blood vessels in the mouth.

“If there are a lot of blood vessels going to an abnormal black spot, you have a problem,” she said.

DiNardo said clients with black spots or other serious concerns are referred to an oral surgeon for a further examination and biopsy that will confirm if cancer cells are present.

She noted the earlier cancer is discovered the better someone’s chances are for treatment and recovery.

“I truly believe every oral health-care professional should be doing a thorough oral cancer check with every client,” she said

“The dental professional care community has an important role to play in oral cancer detection,” said Sarah Bouma, senior manager of research at the Ontario division of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Bouma said the best thing people can do to reduce their risk of oral cancer is not to smoke or use chewing tobacco.

DiNardo said she’ll be working with the Hamilton-Wentworth unit of the Canadian Cancer Society next year to raise awareness and run oral cancer screening clinics at the society’s Mountain office.

She also runs oral cancer awareness days where her clinic provides free cancer screening.

The next one is slated for Aug. 19.

Source- http://www.dentistryiq.com/index/display/news-display/1198729281.html

Many mouth cancer sufferers ignore the first symptoms of the disease and do not seek the advice of a healthcare professional during the early stages – the results of a new study have shown.

The research, which interviewed relatively young mouth cancer patients in Scotland, found that most had heard of oral cancer but they didn’t think their symptoms were indicative of the life-threatening illness.

Furthermore, 40% of participants decided to self manage their symptoms and sought over-the-counter treatments which were suggested by a pharmacist.

Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter says the study further confirms gaps in understanding and awareness of oral cancer.

Dr Carter explains: ‘Public awareness of oral cancer and the associated risk factors appears to be too low here in the UK.

‘An awareness of the risk factors and symptom recognition by the public is a critical issue in determining survival rates, as early detection greatly improves the chances of survival.’

Almost 9% of patients who were interviewed had a prior knowledge of oral cancer and the causes such as tobacco and alcohol.

However, this prior knowledge was neither instrumental for them to suspect they may have mouth cancer nor did it prompt them to visit a healthcare professional in the first place.

None of the interviewees thought it would happen to them.

A third of interviewees mentioned their first sign as some kind of ‘lump’, a few described a ‘white spot’ ‘mark’ or ‘patch’ and two described an abscess. Exactly 40% said their mouth felt sore while just fewer than 30% said they felt no pain or soreness at all.

It was also found that wasting time of a healthcare professional or appearing to be a hypochondriac was a delaying factor in patients seeking help.

‘The custom of not bothering the GP or dentist unless it was thought as “serious” is a big obstacle for earlier access. Much research supports the notion that greater awareness of oral cancer and its symptoms is required. We need to let the public know that if their symptoms continue past three weeks then they need a professional opinion.’

Mouth cancer is a potentially fatal condition that is taking more lives each year. Without early diagnosis chances of survival plummet down to 50%.

For those attempting self treatment there was an inevitably some delay in visiting their GP or dentist.

This period of delay in these cases ranged from a few days to two months. The period of time which elapsed between the interviewees noticing their symptoms and them making contact with a health care professional varied from a few days to a year, although two thirds saw someone within eight weeks.

Participants who had taken part were all in their thirties and forties and from Scotland.

Mouth cancer has previously been found to be more common in men than women and people over the age of 40, though an increasing number of women and young people are developing the condition.

Tobacco and alcohol are thought to contribute to at least three–quarters of mouth cancer cases.

Poor diet is linked to a third of all cancer cases. Evidence shows an increase in fruit and vegetables lowers the risk, as can fish and eggs.

Around 5,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year, claiming the lives of almost 2,000, making it the UK’s fastest growing cancer.

That is why the charity, who organises Mouth Cancer Action Month during November, strongly advises people of all ages to start checking their mouths more frequently and continue to attend their check–ups on a regular basis.

Dr Carter added: ‘It is tremendously important to follow our Mouth Cancer Action Month campaign slogan: If in doubt, get checked out.’

For information and expert advice on mouth cancer and other oral health issues call the National Dental Helpline on 0845 063 1188, alternatively visit the website at www.mouthcancer.org.

The Scottish research, entitled ‘The experiences of young oral cancer patients in Scotland: symptom recognition and delays in seeking professional help’, was conducted by lead author Liz Grant, a Public Health Pharmacist from NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

The study was published in the May issue of the British Dental Journal.

Source- http://www.dentistry.co.uk/news/news_detail.php?id=2836&e=,-Oral-health_Mouth-cancer-patients-qaposignoreqapos-symptoms#

There’s a good reason why they call it a “million-dollar smile.” The smile is considered our most valuable feature and studies actually show that people who smile more tend to have more friends and a brighter outlook on life.

But if you’re afraid to smile because of the less than perfect condition of your teeth, you may be interested in the emergence of the new field of cosmetic dentistry.

Today, cosmetic dentists are able to literally remake your smile by changing just about everything relating to the  appearance of your teeth, including stains, gaps, chipped teeth, and even crooked smiles.

The most common and most impactful techniques employed by cosmetic dentists are:

Teeth Whitening:

Many things we do on a regular basis can contribute to stained teeth, such as drinking coffee, tea, cola and red wine or smoking. Professional in-office teeth whitening can instantly restore a dazzling white to your smile.

The procedure involves applying a highly-concentrated peroxide gel directly to the teeth after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for approximately an hour (at most).

The professional grade whitening systems used by dentists offer significantly better results in a single visit than the consumer kits sold in drug stores.

Porcelain Veneers:

Why are veneers so revolutionary? Because they look 100% real. In fact, every time you see a supermodel with a perfect smile, chances are you’re looking at a set of veneers without even knowing it.

Why can’t we tell the difference? It has to do with the way light reflects off our enamel, the outermost layer of teeth. Our enamel is translucent—that means that it both reflects and absorbs light. Older dental bonds would only reflect light, making teeth appear shiny and fake. But porcelain is also translucent, making teeth seem perfectly life-like and real.

Porcelain is also stain-resistant, just like real teeth. Since porcelain is ceramic, and therefore glass-like, its surface is smooth and impervious and unlike older bonding materials, it will not be stained coffee, tea, red wine or cigarette smoking.

The procedure is quite simple. A dentist removes a thin amount of the enamel, then takes molds (impressions) of the mouth. These impressions are sent to a laboratory where they are carefully crafted into porcelain frames. In about two weeks, the dentist fastens these frames to the fronts of the teeth, instantly and permanently improving the teeth’s appearance and strength.

Invisalign

This process is now widely used to straighten out the teeth of adults.  It’s the perfect, discreet alternative to the braces our kids wear.  It uses a series of removable clear aligners that are custom-molded to fit over your teeth. They are almost invisible, extremely comfortable, and will gradually straighten your teeth into the perfect smile. They are so discreet that they’ve actually been worn by TV performers on air.  The Invisalign system typically takes less than a year to produce amazing results.

But how much does it cost?

The best cosmetic dentists are truly smile “artists”.  They can design a comprehensive plan that can transform your smile and your face. The procedures they employ involve minimal discomfort and can produce amazing results quickly.  But how about the cost?

It really depends on what you get done, but treatments can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.  Typically, these treatments are not covered by insurance, but most cosmetic dentists can help arrange financing.

Remember when considering the price, consider that the results of cosmetic dentistry are designed to stand the test of time. You’ll be able to spend the rest of your life smiling with confidence.

Click the link below to learn more about some great cosmetic dentists in your area that are transforming smiles.

Source-http://thinkbeauty.com/

Somehow, I was expecting a more violent way of achieving this or perhaps beer froth spewing all over the place, but that did not happen. Either way, my message is the same… don’t do this if you’ve just got porcelain veneers fitted!

It pays to be a well-informed consumer especially when it comes to dental care. You see, there are plenty of possible solutions out there for your teeth problems so it’s good to be at least knowledgeable when you dentist recommends something. For today, we’ll explore dental crowns.

Dental crowns, also known as teeth caps or dental caps, are applied over the whole of your tooth. They are normally suggested if you have major teeth problems that the more traditional dental solutions (e.g., teeth whitening, dental bonding, etc.) do not cover.

Dental caps can be made from either porcelain, gold metal, or a mixture of both.

Porcelain Dental Crowns and Metal Tooth Caps – Which is Better?

In a way, location partially affects whether you should get a porcelain crown of a metal one. For instance, say the tooth on which the dental crown to be placed is at the very front of your mouth. You may then opt for a porcelain crown because porcelain looks more like real teeth.

In the same vein, if the crown needs to be placed on a back tooth where ‘heavy chewing’ is required, then a metal dental crown will be more applicable.

Another thing to consider is you suffer from bruxism, which is when you gnash or grind your teeth. If you do, where does the ‘grinding’ usually take place? At the front or at the back of your mouth? Wherever it is, and this is the place where the tooth cap will be placed, you may opt for the metal cap option here.

Following are more reason to go metal.

-      In most cases, a metal dental crown will make use of a gold metal alloy, which is easily pliable. As such, chances are, a metal dental crown will be a better fit than a porcelain one.

-      Metal dental crowns are TOUGH. These caps will not chip and will not break easily.

-      Gold metal caps last about the same time as porcelain ones. Now you may think it is a disadvantage but it’s not. This means that the crown will not be pushing or scratching against your real tooth forever, which is good since this means your real tooth is not further damaged.

So if you want sturdiness, go for metal dental crowns. If you’re after aesthetics, go for the porcelain variety. But what about the porcelain and metal crown combo?

If you want the best of both worlds, ask your dentist about porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns, where a layer of porcelain is applied, most likely, on the visible side of the metal cap. Mind you the pros and cons of each type still apply so it’s really best to discuss this with your dental professional.