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Tips to Tame Your "Sweet Tooth"

The Holiday (Candy) Crunch

It starts with Halloween and carries through the holiday season right into Valentine's Day - the sugar train that travels through many households throughout the fall and winter. While it's up to you to control your household's consumption, there are some candy categories that you'll want to steer clear of from a dental perspective.

Sticky treats, such as toffee, caramels and jujubes are probably the most harmful for teeth as the remnants from these soft candies stick to teeth and are difficult to remove. It's not actually the amount of sugar in candy that can cause decay, but the amount of time that the candy stays in the mouth, which is why hard candies that you suck on over a long period of time are also a poor choice.

Candy that is present in the mouth for an extended time offers a sustained food source for bacteria, which feed off the sugars in the candy to form an acid that then works to dissolve the tooth enamel, initiating the decay process. If you need a quick sugar fix, popping a solid chocolate bar in your mouth is a better choice than munching on one filled with a gooey center, as the candy filling from the sticky contents may adhere to the teeth and provide a longer-lasting food source for the natural bacteria to feed on in the mouth.

Remember to floss and brush thoroughly immediately after having your treats. If you can't brush right away then at least rinse your mouth out with water to flush away any residual candy, and get rid of the sugary culprit!

Say "Cheese" for a Smart Snack!

When you feel a snack attack come on, the first thing you need to identify is if it's a true hunger or thirst-related need for food, or if you're just reacting to stress or boredom. If you are indeed responding to a physical mid-morning or afternoon tummy growl, it's tempting to just grab the first thing that comes your way, so it's wise to plan ahead for snack attacks by making sure that there are always healthy options available close at hand.

Nutritious snacks that are also teeth-friendly include fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, plain popcorn, nuts, seeds and cheese. In fact, cheese is recommended even after a meal. If you can't brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out with water after you eat, munching on a piece of cheese is proven to help protect your teeth against cavities. It may sound strange, but there are a couple of ways this works:

1.     First of all, eating cheese helps to increase the amount of saliva in the mouth, which helps to rinse food particles away.

2.     The second helpful factor is that cheese provides a coating of calcium on the teeth. After a meal, the pH level in your mouth often drops and your mouth becomes more acidic - a potentially damaging situation for teeth. Eating a piece of cheese neutralizes the acids and helps maintain a pH balance in the mouth that is safe for teeth.

Aged cheddar, Swiss, blue cheese, Monterey Jack, Brie, Gouda and processed American cheese have all been shown to reduce dental cavities. Cheese is also an abundant source of natural dietary calcium, making it a smart snack in the most delicious way.

Healthy New Year's (Dental) Resolutions!

The holiday season tends to be a time of excess - too much food and drink, too many sweets and too many treats that are bad for everything between your mouth and your waistline. It's now time to shake off the holiday habits and start the new year with some healthy resolutions, courtesy of your local dental office!

My Top Five Dental Resolutions for (insert year):

1.     I will pay more attention to what I put in my mouth - from food, drinks and tobacco to pens that I chew.

2.     I will brush my teeth at least twice a day for at least 3 minutes each time, no matter how tired or how rushed I am.

3.     I will floss between my teeth every day to remove the stuff that my toothbrush can't reach.

4.     I will schedule regular continuing care appointments with my dentist, ensuring a visit at least every 6 months.

5.     I will check my dental insurance right now to see what it covers for this year. After all, if it pays for me to maintain my good dental health, why shouldn't I take full advantage of it?

There's no better time than the present to start on ensuring a new year of healthy, bright smiles!

Wishing you a bright and healthy smile, and as always don't forget to swish, floss, brush and swish again at least twice a day.

 

Happy Holidays to all.

 

----Dr. Rob-----

 

SCHOOL’S ALMOST BACK IN SESSION!

SCHOOL'S ALMOST BACK IN SESSION!

TEAM AND CLUB SPORTS TEAMS ARE ON THE GO!

LET'S NOT FORGOT ABOUT OUR TEETH!

 

Summer time tends to be very busy with many activates yet is somewhat unstructured at the same time.  Summer goes by very quickly and before you know it: school has started.  Many families welcome "back to school" as a way to reorganize and get back to a consistent schedule of events.  As you review all of the items on your summer to do list, you find the one thing that didn't get checked off.  Oops, forgot to make that dental cleaning and check-up appointment for you and your family.  Start the school year off right with a thorough dental exam and cleaning. Discuss with your dentist any sports that your child participates in.  Many coaches feel mouth guards are optional and don't force kids to wear one (especially custom fit ones).  Even if your child doesn't participate in teams sports but does visit the neighborhood bike/skateboard parks they should consider wearing a sports mouth-guard.  I have seen kids injure their teeth in both contact and none contact sports including swimming, diving, bicycling and baseball.

 

It's important to note that all mouth guards are not created equal.  You can buy over-the counter mouth guards that are fitted by softening in hot water and placing in the mouth to cool and form around the teeth.  They are usually large, bulky and difficult to adjust to.  It's also hard to talk while using them.  These are some the reasons why your child probably will NOT wear the guard.

 

Your dentist can provide a custom made mouth-guard that not only protects the teeth but since custom guards fit better and are more comfortable to wear, your child WILL probably wear this guard.

 

Your first homework assignment for this new school year is to please call your dentist and make your dental cleaning and check-up appointments for you and your family.  Discuss mouth-guards with your dentist if your child participate in athletics, and discuss your remaining dental benefits and if there is any needed dental work which should be completed before the years end to maximize your insurance benefits and improve your oral health.

 

Wishing you a bright school year, and as always don't  forget to swish, floss, brush and swish again at least twice a day, and of course see your dentist regularly for your dental check-ups.

 

-Dr. Rob-

 

 

 

Elder Confusion

                                 

           This story hits too close to home... I just found out that my mother-in-law, has been refusing to go to the dentist and when she did go, she refused to let her dentist take X-rays of her teeth! At 87 she felt no pain and didn't feel it was necessary to maintain the good habits she always practiced and preached to her family. Because they don't live locally, my wife and I cannot do as much as we would like to support our parents in their later years. We have been engaged in discussions of her medical health and helped advocate seeing specialists for changes in medications which have greatly improved her mental state. However this whole time we assumed she was continuing the high level of dental care she had committed to many years ago. We knew her "new" dentist when her original dentist retired. We knew the periodontal specialist she was alternating hygiene visits with. We thought we were very engaged in helping her stay healthy, especially her oral health.
               Dental problems in our later years can come on swiftly and devastate even the healthiest of mouths. The excuses I've heard were "I'm just too tired at bedtime to brush my teeth", " I've been good and watched my diet my whole life, a little candy now can't hurt me", "I didn't want to go to the expense of dental care when nothing bothers me".
My mother-in-law's dentist was nice enough to email her X-rays and to review her treatment options with me. 7 teeth need to be extracted because of gum line cavities that could have been easily filled if found earlier. Prior to this she had lost only 1 out of 28 teeth! That tooth was lost 2 years ago and at that time none of the other teeth were decayed. She was getting her teeth cleaned 3 times a years and proud of the preventive dentistry she was more than happy to ask for.
             Too often our parents are giving up on their teeth figuring it is not important and it's too expensive. I think the opposite... Prevention is still the most cost effective way to be healthy. Our seniors should be strongly encouraged to see a dentist for X-rays at least once a year and should have their teeth cleaned as often as possible because preventative cleanings are cost effective. It's very difficult to tell a senior that they are in good health but they outlived their teeth and now they must sacrifice their teeth in order to be healthy or else risk pain and infection.
             Please tell your parents to Swish, Floss, Brush & Swish again and make sure they are still seeing a dentist (hopefully your dentist).

              If you have any questions or would like me to write about a specific dental question please email me at robwaldmandds@gmail.com and also visit my website at

roberthwaldmandds.com.

 

Happy Smiling,

-Dr. Rob-

Congratulation to all the graduates

GRADUATION IS GREAT…SUMMER IS GREAT!!!!!

                                                                                                                  CONGRATULATION TO ALL THE GRADUATES!!!!

 

                You have graduated…your child has graduated…Everyone is smiling!!!!!!! Are the smiles as bright and clean as they can be.  Do those congratulatory kisses leave a trailing odor of halitosis behind? Has it been a while since you have seen your dentist?  Summer is the perfect time to visit your dentist.   

Many people have extra time during the summer but fail to take advantage of this time and never call their dentist to make their check-up appointment.

                Many people find out too late in the summer that upon graduating they have lost their parents dental coverage.  Please take the time to call your insurance carrier to double check on your benefits so that you can take advantage of them before they disappear.

                Many people over the hot summer months indulge in sugary beverages, popsicles, etc.  These summer treats can play havoc in the mouth.  This sugar leaves a film on the teeth which can lead to cavities.  Please make sure you brush after drinking that cup of lemonade.  If you are unable to brush, rinsing with water is better than not rinsing at all.

                Many people eat foods such as corn on the cob and ribs in the summer months.  These sticky foods usually leave food deposits between your teeth.  Please don't forget to floss extra when you are eating these summer BBQ delights. 

                Many people go camping in the summer months.  Make sure you don't forget to put dental floss on your camping list (and of course your tooth brush and paste).  Just because you're in a tent doesn't mean that your dental hygiene should suffer.  Swishing, flossing and brushing are important whether you are camping, vacationing in a 5 Star resort or just hanging around the house.

                Please remember to always swish, floss, brush and swish again and continue to see your dentist at least every six months or as often as your dentist prescribes

            Congratulations again to all Graduates!!! Congratulations of all families of Graduates!!!

And in closing, Congratulations to all of you whom have made your summer DENTAL CHECK-UP APPOINTMENT!!!!

                                                                        -DR. ROB- 

Seeing is Believing

The hardest job for a dentist is to explain to patients the need for dental care before it HURTS.  or BREAKS. I hear it every day "if it's not broken then don't fix it".   The problem is if you wait until it hurts or breaks, you have waited TOO LONG!  That's when the cost of dentistry goes way up.  Patients tell me all the time that their fillings are 20 or 30 years old.  I am glad that dental services are a value and can last a long time but are they still doing viable when they are that old?  In today's world Dentists have 2 fabulous tools to help you "see" your own teeth and help you understand why a filling should be replaced. They are the digital X-ray and intra-oral camera. The digital X-rays have an 80% less exposure to radiation and since they are uploaded to a computer I have the ability to magnify the image for better diagnosis and viewing. With my inta-oral camera I have the ability to let my patients see a video image of their teeth on a TV monitor and then they can see first hand what I am seeing. With these 2 tools we then have the ability to see both the inside of the tooth and the outside of the tool and then you, the patient, can see exactly why your dentist is recommending replacing an old restoration.  When you see for yourself the cracks and decay that starts to breakdown on your older fillings you can really understand why you shouldn't wait for pain or the surprise of a broken tooth to change out the damaged filling.            

Summer time is the perfect time to make your dental appointments you have been putting off because you and your family have been just too busy.                                                                                           

Please remember to swish, floss, brush and swish again every day and see your dentist regularly.

-Dr. Rob-

  Please visit my website at roberthwaldmandds.com or email me at robwaldmandds.com if you have any questions.  I will be very happy to offer you a complimentary consultation.

Mom's are Special

MOMS are SPECIAL... MOMS always know before a child gets a new tooth. Call it mothers' intuition or ESP. Even a new mom who hasn't experienced the phenomenon before knows her child's temperament is different before the "teething" starts (usually at 6 months old) and of course usually figures out how to soothe her child during this very uncomfortable stage. Frozen wash rags and teething rings are very soothing. With my daughters, my wife used to get the hard baked Dutch pretzels and they would gnaw on them for hours!! Sometimes the gums get so sore during eruption that it helps to use an over the counter numbing agent. It's a liquid so only a little is necessary otherwise a baby's whole mouth goes numb and they start crying even louder!

Care for baby's 1st teeth is very important. Most pediatricians do an oral exam on infants but by the child's 1st birthday it's time to take the child to the dentist. I always encourage Mom and/or Dad to bring her baby to her or his appointment when the child is 6 months to 1 year old. Now many dentists, myself included, feel it's most appropriate to bring your child in for their first dental appointment (I call it a Happy Visit) between 2-3 years. At that age most children will actually sit in the chair by themselves and cooperate fully with the dental team. Having said that, I'm always happy to meet with Mom and/or Dad and baby at 1 year in order to teach, especially 1st time Moms and or Dad, about infant dental care. Habits of brushing and flossing must start early and of course the responsibility falls on Mom and or Dad! This is where dads can give MOM a really mother's day present and share the ritual of oral care. I have to say one of the most important lessons you can give your child is to have them "witness" you flossing and brushing your own teeth!

We all know that 1st time parents are very eager to do the right thing (dare I say overprotective... I was certainly guilty!). That's why I find it very ironic when the 2nd child seems to have more dental disease then the 1st child, even though it seems we are treating the both children identically the same. More times than not we parents have learned from our mistakes. However, for many reasons, not to make parents feel guilty, each individual child has his or her own risks of getting tooth decay. Remember that it takes a combination of genetic factors (hard or soft teeth is an old wife's tale), bacteria and sugar for decay to form. Healthy snacks still contain sugar so it's still most important to build good habits early and clean your child's teeth after each meal AND snack! I get the funniest look from kids who have been taught to brush and floss every morning and bedtime when I ask "how many times a day do you eat" and when they say 3 times and I say you eat 3 times a day but you only clean your teeth 2 times a day! Their little faces just light up! But again…. extra work for Mom and/or Dadto get kids to brush after lunch!!!
Let' face it... the best present you can give your MOM is a big SMILE  and hug and thank her for all the wonderful things she's done selflessly for you. THANKS MOM!
(Dedicated to Faye S. Waldman 1923-2011)

 

As always, please remember to always swish, floss, brush and swish again and continue to see your dentist at least every six months or as often as your dentist prescribes.

 

-Dr. Rob-

Please visit my webpage roberthwaldmandds.com and feel free to email me at robwaldmandds@gmail.com with any questions.

 

TOP 3 MISUNDERSTOOD COMMENTS FROM YOUR DENTIST

TOP 3 MISUNDERSTOOD COMMENTS FROM YOUR DENTIST

1.       Dentist says: "You have a small amount of decay. There is no rush but we should take care of this at some point."

Patient hears: Decay….that's not a problem treatment is optional.

Patient thinks: It doesn't hurt why fix it. Is my dentist trying to sell me more dentistry

than I need?

                Actually Decay is a problem; it means you have a cavity. If you don't treat the cavity it will get  

               bigger which means the decay is more extensive. When that happens there is a

               bigger risk of possible root canal therapy, crowns or even loss of a tooth.  Fixing a simple cavity

               is not very invasive or expensive but if you wait until it hurts the treatment will become

              more invasive and more expensive.  

2.       Dentist says:  "You have very old worn fillings and you should consider replacing them."

Patient hears: I have old fillings.

Patient thinks: It doesn't hurt why fix it. Is my dentist trying to sell me more dentistry

than I need?

                When fillings get old and worn they start to leak around the edges which means bacteria  

               can seep in undetected and can eat away at your tooth. This will lead to pain and more extensive and

              expensive treatment.

3.       Dentist says: "As we have discussed previously, you have periodontal disease and I recommend that you come in 3 or 4 times a year to get your teeth cleaned so we can try and control the bacteria attacking your gums.

Patient hears: I can come in 3 or 4 times but just because it is recommended doesn't

mean I have to.

Patient thinks: Just because no one said "I have to" means it is optional. Is my dentist

trying to sell me more dentistry than I need?

When a patient with periodontal disease waits 6 months between cleanings, the bacteria have a lot more time to re-establish in the gums.  This usually causes more detachment (gums pulling away from the tooth causing pockets for bacteria to live in) and can lead to continued bone loss.  Studies show, when you have your teeth cleaned every 3-4 months the bacteria won't have the time to attack your gums and your gums have a better chance to heal.

In the 21 century, most Dentists and Doctors prefer their patients play a participating role in their treatment decisions.  They like to work as a team with their patients, giving recommendations of treatment. Many times there are several different options to treat the same issue.  At my office, (as well as at most dental offices) we try and explain the problem and treatments in detail but never say to a patient "You MUST fix this or else".  I feel that after hearing all the options it is ultimately up to the patient to accept treatment or not.  We dentists and doctors are trying to help you, the patient, be as healthy as possible. Just because we don't say fix it immediately or you must accept treatment, does not mean the treatment is not important or you should not fix your problem without delay.

As always, Swish, Floss, Brush and Swish again.

-Dr. Rob-

"BUT DOC……..YOU'RE NOT ON MY LIST"

"BUT DOC……..YOU'RE NOT ON MY LIST"

            Come October many employees go through "Open Enrollment" with the opportunity to stay with or select a new dental insurance from a grouping picked out by their employer.  As a sign of the times, the employer may be giving employees a choice between an HMO or a PPO type plan.

The HMO plan usually has a lower premium and sometimes no deductible.  These plans are marketed very well and may look very attractive on the surface, but restrict the dentist you can see and also may not cover all dental procedures. I know of some insurance products that only have 1 or 2 dentist in the whole county on their list and may not have any specialists at all.

The PPO plans give the patient the ability to go "out of network".  This means you can choose a dentist on the list or a dentist  NOT on the list.  Most of the time the coverage is the same if you go "in" or "out of network".   The insurance company will tell you that if you go "out of network" and  if your dentist's fees are higher then what the insurance company feels is appropriate for the geographic area then you may incur a cost.  In most cases I know my fees are very comparable as well as many of my colleagues.  To be sure you can ask your dentist and they will be able to let you know if you will incur any out of pocket cost for your preventive care. If you will incur any costs I can honestly bet you it will only be a couple of dollars.  In some plans your coverage for non preventive services may drop 10%, which in reality equates to about $20 for a simple filling.  Not that much for the privilege of staying with a dentist that you know and trust and is conveniently located for you.  In rare cases your maximum may be reduce by going to an "out of network" dentist, however that being said, if you are in good dental health that really should not be an issue.  It is not only my opinion that choosing a PPO plan is worth the extra premium expense it is also the opinion of many of my patients.  Most times I have even found that as an "out of network" provider my patients do not incur any extra out of pocket costs. 

Again, I want to stress the MOST important detail in choosing any dental plan is the ability to go "out of network" and see anyone you want to see.  I've never known a patient to be happy with a plan where they are limited in where they could go and the treatment which is considered to be a covered benefit.

My staff is trained in the nuances of many different insurance plans, and since we know what kind of specialist and care our patient's are likely to need we can help them choose the best plan. I am confident that your dentist's staff is also well trained and can help you make the best choice as well.  Don't let premiums dictate which insurance plan you choose.  The benefits the plan offers should be examined very carefully before choosing your dental coverage. 

Also remember that if you have an HSA-Health Savings Account, you can use those funds to supplement your dental care.

Please remember to "SWISH, FLOSS, BRUSH AND SWISH AGAIN" and of course visit your dentist regularly. 

Please visit my website at roberthwaldmandds.com. 

  -Dr. Rob-

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Marci W <marciwaldman@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Aug 25, 2015 at 10:15 PM
Subject: HEADLINE
To: Blog <roberthwaldman.Sm1l3s@blogger.com>

WHY IMPLANTS

 

Hello Readers,

 

Let's talk about your missing teeth. Here are is a fact about periodontal disease.  If you have periodontal disease and you don't address it than you have potential to have bone loss.  Bone loss in your jaw will usually (in the time) follow with the loss of a tooth.  Dental Implants can help you avoid:

1.       Facial changes

2.       Speech changes

3.       Diet changes

All of these changes over time can happen if you don't replace the lost tooth.  This is because over time as teeth shift, your jawbone recedes and in extreme cases your cheeks take on a collapsed look.  Dental Implants can replace those lost teeth and fill the void in your tooth arch therefore helping prevent the above possibilities.

 

Here are my top 10 reasons for Implants.

1.       Implants require only normal brushing and flossing for maintenance.

2.       Implants are anchored permanently in your jawbone.

3.       Implants preserve and strengthen the underlying bone just like the roots of your natural teeth.

4.       Implants do not alter or comprise adjacent healthy teeth.

5.       Implants require no plates that can affect comfort or fit.

6.       Implants can replace the form and function of only one tooth or two, or can replace the teeth in your entire upper and/or lower jaw.

7.       Implants can anchor dentures to prevent shifting, or replace partial dentures & bridgework.

8.       Implants have no age barrier.

9.       Implants are safe & reliable.

10.   Implants look completely natural so that no one will ever know you have them.

 

Implants are placed many times by an Oral Surgeon or Periodontal Specialist and restored by your general dentist.

 

This is an introduction to Implant Therapy.  Please feel free to email me at robwaldmandds@gmail.com or call my office at 925-682-6940 if you have any questions.

 

As always, please remember to "SWISH, FLOSS, BRUSH AND SWISH AGAIN"

 

Dr. Rob

 

 

Your Nails? A latte? Or…Your TEETH?

The choice is yours

My wife, Marci, recently shared a story with me and I felt compelled to share it with all of you.

She was getting her hair cut and started to chat with another client at the hair salon. The conversation went something like this.  How long have you been getting your hair done here? What do you do? My wife answered that she manages our Dental Office and then the client asked the big question. How often do you think a person should get their teeth cleaned?  The client continued, I don’t have dental insurance and about 3 years ago I had to give something up to stay on budget.  She stated that she couldn’t give up getting her hair cut or colored ($125 every 6-8 weeks), would not think of giving up her weekly manicure ($12x4=$48 monthly), monthly pedicure ($20) and how could she possibly give up her daily delicious latte ($4 a dayx5=$20 per week)? So, she gave up going to her dentist.  What do you think, she asked my wife.  

This was the answer…. Going to the dentist at least once a year should be mandatory, especially if you are a coffee/tea drinker. Of course 2 times a year is best but if you can only afford one time a year that is better than nothing.  Going to your dentist for your annual oral/cancer screening exam and cleaning or what we like to call Continued Care is not as expensive and you may think.  Your exam will cost approximately $65 (may be more may be less) and your cleaning $108 (may be more may be less).  If you need x-rays they can range from $44 -$180 depending on how many you need, but remember that is not every year.

So let’s just say you need an: exam -     $ 65

Cleaning-$108

2 x-rays-  $ 71

TOTAL:     $244

Now let’s look at your budget for Coffee, Mani/Pedi:

        Coffee budget: 5 large latte’s a week at $4 each=$20 per week X 52 weeks = $1040 per year (WOW!)                                         

        Manicures:        4 manicures a month at $12 each=$48 x 12 months=$576

        Pedicures:         1 month at $20 each x 12 months = $240

My wife does agree that it would be difficult to give up the hair thing because that she couldn’t do by herselfJ.

So the bottom line is to help keep you and your mouth healthy it may cost you approximately $250 annually ($23.80 a month). Please also keep in mind it is recommended that you do get your teeth cleaned 2 times a year if possible. That may cost approximately $350 annually ($29.16/month) Even if it costs you $450 annually that is $37.50/month. It is still less than the budget for manicures or just give up 2 of your 5 latte’s a week.  Your teeth and body will love you!

I like to tell my patients that your mouth is the gateway to your body.  When you smile it has been proven it not only puts you in a good mood but a smile is contagious and puts everyone else around you in a good mood also. 

If you are not being seen by your dentist regularly please give your Dentist a call and I guarantee that your Dentist will help try and make your dental care fit your budget.

As always…Please remember to always swish, floss, brush and swish again and continue to see your dentist at least every six months or as often as your dentist prescribes.

Please visit my website, roberthwaldmandds.com for more topics of interest. Just hit the Blog tab for many of my articles or the video tab to see many educational dental procedure videos.

Keep Smiling-

JDr. Rob

ALL I WANT FOR THE HOLIDAYS IS FOR MY FAMILY MEMBER TO STOP SNORING

ALL I WANT FOR THE HOLIDAYS IS…..

FOR MY FAMILY MEMBER TO

STOP SNORING!!!!!!!

Most people who snore suffer from no serious medical condition.  However, approximately 12 million Americans have a sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can be deadly.

Sleep apnea deprives the body of normal blood oxygen levels.  This may cause morning headaches, excessive fatigue, and in some cases high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, even stroke. 

I started making dental snore appliances when one of my patients came to me asking for help because as he said, “I've  tried everything but still snore.  I’m desperate”.  I’m happy to report that he loved the appliance I made him! In doing more research and taking extra continuing education classes on snoring, I now encourage all patients to speak with their physician and have the proper sleep studies done to know the difference between excessive snoring and sleep apnea.

While the medical community has successfully treated mild to severe cases of OSA with the CPAP therapy mask, (Continuous positive airway pressure). The mask is connected to a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask placed over your nose while you sleep. With CPAP (SEE-pap), the air pressure is somewhat greater than that of the surrounding air, and is just enough to keep your upper airway passages open, preventing apnea and snoring.

Although CPAP is a preferred method of treating sleep apnea, some people find it cumbersome or uncomfortable. Don't just stop using the CPAP machine if you experience problems. Check with your physician to see what modifications can be made to make you more comfortable. Additionally, contact your physician if you are still snoring despite treatment or begin snoring again.

The dental community has found that many people who find the CPAP mask uncomfortable and cumbersome to use benefit from an Oral appliance called a “Snore Guard”.   The snore guard is a custom made oral appliance designed to keep your throat open. While the CPAP is more effective than oral appliances, this oral appliance may be easier for you to use. This guard is designed to open your throat by bringing your jaw forward, which can sometimes relieve snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.

A number of other devices are available from your dentist. You may need to try different devices before finding one that works for you. Once you find the right fit, you'll still need to follow up with your dentist at least every six months during the first year and then at least once a year after that to ensure that the fit is still good and to reassess your signs and symptoms.

Other options to help with your snoring may include but are not limited to:

·         Surgery
 Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

·         Maxillomandibular advancement

·         Tracheostomy.

·         Nasal surgery to remove polyps or straighten a crooked partition between your nostrils (deviated nasal septum)

·         Surgery to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids

: Additional Therapies include:

·         Treatment for associated medical problems. Possible causes of central sleep apnea include heart or neuromuscular disorders, and treating those conditions may help.

·         Supplemental oxygen. Using supplemental oxygen while you sleep may help if you have central sleep apnea. Various forms of oxygen are available as well as different devices to deliver oxygen to your lungs.

·         Bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP).  BPAP builds to a higher pressure when you inhale and decreases to a lower pressure when you exhale.  Some BPAP devices can be set to automatically deliver a breath if the device detects you haven't taken one after so many seconds.

·         Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV). This more recently approved airflow device learns your normal breathing pattern and stores the information in a built-in computer..

Lifestyle and home remedies for sleep apnea.

In many cases, self-care may be an appropriate way for you to deal with obstructive sleep apnea and possibly central sleep apnea. (Check with your physician before trying these tips):

·         Lose excess weight. Even a slight loss in excess weight may help relieve constriction of your throat. Sleep apnea may be cured in some cases by a return to a healthy weight. If you don't already have a weight-loss program, talk to your doctor about the best course of action for weight loss.

·         Avoid alcohol and certain medications such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills. These relax the muscles in the back of your throat, interfering with breathing.

·         Sleep on your side or abdomen rather than on your back. Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft palate to rest against the back of your throat and block your airway. To prevent sleeping on your back, try sewing a tennis ball in the back of your pajama top.

·         Keep your nasal passages open at night. Use a saline nasal spray to help keep your nasal passages open. Talk to your doctor about using any nasal decongestants or antihistamines because these medications are generally recommended only for short-term use.

If you’re a snorer or sleep with someone who is I hope you have found this article helpful….If you have any questions please feel free to email me at roberthwaldmandds@sbcglobal.net  or visit my website roberthwaldmandds.com.

As always please remember to:  Swish, floss, brush and swish again and continue to see your dentist at least every six months or as often as your dentist prescribes.

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON!!

Do you know DHCQ!

Do you know DHCQ!

How’s your DHCQ – Dental Home Care Quotient? Take our quiz and find out!

What can cause Bad Breath?

·         Plaque, tartar and other food particles and mineral deposits on and between the teeth

      bleeding gums and other signs of gum disease, also known  as gingivitis, periodontal      

      disease, pyorrhea, periodontitis 

·         bacteria that wasn’t brushed away from your tongue, gums and teeth

·         All of the above

The number-one cause of Tooth Loss in adults is:

·         Sports accidents

·         Tobacco use

·         Advanced age

·         Gum disease

Plaque, the fuzzy layer of bacteria that you can feel on your teeth, can begin to form within:

·         6 months of brushing

·         36 hours of brushing

·         12 hours of brushing

·         1 hour of brushing

Your Dental Home care includes:

·         Swishing (rinsing) with medicinal rinse once or twice daily (before you brush is best)

·         Flossing once or twice daily

·         Brushing twice or three times daily

·         All of the above

upside down)Regular dental visits and a thorough home hygiene routine can keep your mouth healthly, breath fresh and your smile bright!

No matter what your score, just remember to Swish, Brush, Floss, and Rinse!

Answers: all of the above; gum disease; 1 hour of brushing, all of the above.  

If you would like me to write about a specific dental topic please email me at roberthwaldmandds@gmail.com.

Please visit my website, roberthwaldmandds.com, and you will find many helpful videos which will explain many dental treatments.

        

:)DR. ROB

Dr. Rob’s Top 10 Treatments that can help your Smile

Dr. Rob’s Top 10 Treatments that can help your Smile When do you smile? When you’re greeting someone ... When your trying to reassure someone...When you are sharing joy ... When you are putting a good face on things… and …. When you are happy! Smiles not only help us communicate, we express ourselves with them.  Like our hair, clothes, job and home, smiles convey who we are.  Smiles make us feel good in another way…They release endorphin's which gives us a natural high. Whitening or Bleaching lightens your tooth color which may have darkened due to age, smoking, coffee, tea, red wine or medication.  Crowns cover cracked, broken and poorly shaped teeth to restore a natural appearance.  Veneers are laboratory fabricated porcelain shells which cover the front of a tooth to improve their shape and  color. Depending on the type of the veneer and the laboratory used will depend on how much or little of your enamel is reduced.  Chair side bonding typically uses a resin material and covers discolored teeth and can camouflage other flaws without reducing excessive enamel.  Resin bonding is not as strong as a porcelain veneer Bridges replace one or more natural teeth by supporting a false tooth which has been attached to one or two other crowned teeth. Braces correct crooked or crowded teeth, under bites, overbites or uneven bites. Composite Inlays/Onlays restore and strengthen decayed areas while looking like your original tooth. Implants are used to replace missing teeth without involving other teeth for support. Your 3,4, or 6 month continual recare visit to your dentist will help keep your gums  and teeth healthy so you are proud to show them off! Remember to always SWISH, FLOSS AND BRUSH….at least 2 times a day.                If you would like me to write about a specific dental topic please email me at roberthwaldmandds@gmail.com. Please visit my website, roberthwaldmandds.com, and you will find many helpful videos which will explain many dental treatments.          :)DR. ROB

PERIODONTAL DISEASE TAKES NO HOLIDAY

PERIODONTAL DISEASE TAKES NO HOLIDAY

Ahhhhh … The year is coming to and end and it's time to think about the

 The New Year and Resolutions…

“I’m going to Floss everyday”,  ” I’m going to brush 3 times a day”…. 

Well the bacteria in your mouth have not taken the holidays off.  They live and replicate in the space between your tooth and gum called the sulcus.  They cause the gum to lose it’s attachment that protects the bone that holds your teeth in place.  As the bacteria collects deeper and deeper, the sulcus becomes a “pocket” that contains bacteria, toxins and the waste products of their existence.   Once established, it won’t matter how much you swish, floss, brush and rinse, your too late!!!.  You've got PERIODONTAL DISEASE , also called gum disease.  The bone holding your teeth in place has been compromised.  It’s time to get help.  Your Dentist and Dental Hygienist have Therapeutic Treatments to clean these pockets thoroughly so you can get back to basics:  SWISH with an anti-microbial mouthwash, FLOSS to remove food and bacteria and bring the mouthwash between your teeth and under your gums,  BRUSH to massage your gums and leave the tooth surfaces,  tongue,  plate and cheeks clean,  and then RINSE again.

 Ahhhhh…   your teeth will love you if you keep the following resolutions:

    “I’m going to Floss everyday”

    “I’m going to brush at least twice a day and try my best to brush 3 times a day”

    “I’M GOING TO VISIT MY DENTIST FOR MY REGULAR 6 MONTH CHECK-UP( SO MY DENTIST CAN RECOMMEND IF I NEED TO COME IN MORE OFTEN )”

    “I’M GOING TO KEEP SMILING BECAUSE I KNOW THAT MY MOUTH IS HEALTHY!!!”

In closing remember best way to keep your smile healthy and bright is to “swish, floss and brush” everyday and visit your dentist regularly!

  

If you would like me to write about a specific dental topic please email me at roberthwaldmandds@gmail.com.

Please visit my website, roberthwaldmandds.com, and you will find many helpful videos which will explain many dental treatments.

:)DR. ROB

                                                                                

WOULD YOU LIKE WHITER TEETH????

WOULD YOU LIKE WHITER TEETH???? 

There is something for everyone and every budget.

First of all, people have been whitening teeth for over 100 years.  Currently the best products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamine peroxide or a combination of both.

Personally I have seen successful results with all of the following systems:

      Least expensive is over the counter home kits.  They are formulated on the mild side (so you may need to buy more than one kit). The kits come with bleaching strips or trays. The strips are difficult for some people to manipulate and most trays are “one size fits all.”

      Most expensive is “in office” bleaching. You will spend 30 minutes to 1 hour in the dental chair.  These are the most potent, strongest systems and post- operative tooth sensitivity is well documented.  Depending on the results, many people need to return for additional sessions or continue to bleach with home kits.

      The most successful system I have found is “At Home Bleaching” prescribed and dispensed by a dentist. This system uses custom-made bleaching trays or dual purpose mouth guards with peroxide based products.  To me this is the best of all worlds.

      You and Your dentist discuss and decide what strength bleach is best for Your teeth.

      Your dentist makes You a custom-made appliance for your bleaching treatment.

      YOU bleach YOUR teeth to YOUR desired whiteness.

In closing remember best way to keep your smile healthy and bright is to “swish, floss and brush” everyday and visit your dentist regularly!

  

If you would like me to write about a specific dental topic please email me at roberthwaldmandds@gmail.com.

Please visit my website, roberthwaldmandds.com, and you will find many helpful videos which will explain many dental treatments.

:)DR. ROB

GETTING ANSWERS TO YOUR DENTAL QUESTIONS.....

GETTING TO KNOW YOU!

I was so excited when a BLOG reader contacted me and asked me what all this “swishing” was about, so I thought maybe other readers might have the same question.  This sparked a great idea, incorporating your dental questions into my column.

 I have set up a special email address roberthwaldmandds@gmail.com  just for you.  Please fee free to email me dental topics which you would like me to write about.

Here’s what all the fuss is about… more research every year shows links between gum disease and other medical disease like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Remember… prevention, prevention, prevention!!!
  SWISHING
  By first swishing vigorously with any liquid you loosen food and debris from around your teeth.
       Why not swish with something medicinal!  I like to recommend hydrogen peroxide 3%  
       found at any drug or food store. You may prefer minty mouthwashes (now available alcohol
       free), salt water, or even prescription mouth rinses.
  FLOSSING
  Not only are you removing food from between your teeth, you’re bringing the medicinal rinse in between your teeth. There are many floss aids available at your local drug or food stores.
  BRUSHING
  Gives your whole mouth a cleaning and massage also!
  Leaves your mouth clean and fresh.
  SWISH AGAIN (THE FINAL RINSE)
  Now is the appropriate time to rinse a final time with extra fluoride, the leading over the counter brand is ACT™.  It’s not just for kids!

I look forward to your emails and discussing relevant dental issues.  Remember, the best way to keep your smile healthy and bright is to Swish, Floss, Brush & Swish again, and of course visit your dentist regularly.

Please visit my website, roberthwaldmandds.com, and you will find many helpful videos which will explain many dental treatments.

:)DR. ROB

TMD=JAW PAIN & HEADACHES

If you suffer from TENDER JAW MUSCLES that limit your ability to open your mouth, have unexplained pain to the face, head or neck, you are one of many Americans afflicted with a condition called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD.  Most people will experience an episode of unexplained facial pain once in their lives.  However, some people experience TMD on a much more regular basis and for longer periods of time.  While no one prime factor is to blame, usually combinations of etiological events are taking place at one time.  These factors can include general upper body stress (both emotional and physical) along with jaw anatomy, worn teeth and irregular biting alignment. This can all add up to an overload to our finely balanced muscular system.  You dentist can help. You may be a candidate for treatments as simple as; adjusting/balancing your bite by polishing aberrant tooth contacts call enameloplasty or a custom fitted night guard, bite appliance.   Other people may benefit from replacing old worn fillings and crowns or by wearing braces. 

As always, don’t forget to “SWISH, FLOSS, BRUSH AND SWISH AGAIN” and of course visit your dentist regularly.    

Please visit my website, roberthwaldmandds.com, and you will find many helpful videos which will explain many dental treatments.

:)DR. ROB

HOW MUCH WILL YOUR DENTAL CARE COST IN 2015?

HOW MUCH WILL YOUR DENTAL CARE COST IN 2015?

How much dental care will you need in 2015?  How much dental care can you afford in 2015?   Some people are fortunate enough to have the ability to put pre tax dollars away for future dental care; a cafeteria plan or a health savings account, to name a few.  Many people just rely on their dental insurance and can predict how many out of pocket dollars they will need to maximize their insurance benefits.

Most dentists practice Managed Care, not to be confused with managed care insurance products.   Our job as dentists is to tell you what’s going on in your mouth.  It is for you to decide when, where and how much to spend on your dental health.  We are still a generation of people who believe, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”  However, most dentists agree if you wait until it hurts or breaks you have waited too LONG!  Most dentists also agree that if you would just come in a couple of times a year and “Work at Keeping Your Teeth Clean”,  many of your problems can be managed with the goal of reaching optimal dental health.

Sometimes the easiest way to view your ageing dentition is by making a 4 year plan.  This is treatment which is not time sensitive but is being suggested to you by your dentist to improve your overall dental health.  Each year plan to repair a quarter of your mouth; the upper right, the lower right, the upper left, the lower left.  It’s best to make your plan early in the year, however if you have dental insurance you may wish to complete your treatment in the last quarter of the year, leaving benefits open for any unforeseen emergencies.  The timing of dental treatment and area of treatment is something which you should discuss with your dentist.    

See your dentist and take control of your Dental Health. Find out what’s going on in your mouth and make a plan to get healthy.  Remember, people don’t plan to fail, they FAIL TO PLAN.

Wishing you a bright and healthy smile, and as always don’t forget to swish, floss, brush and swish again at least twice a day.

Please visit my website, roberthwaldmandds.com, and you will find many helpful videos which will explain many dental treatments.

----Dr. Rob-----