• Cold Sores

  Sep 28th, 2010 by admin | 0
  New treatments reduce the occurrence of this minor but irritating problem

  Herpes Labialis, commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters among other names. Herpes is the name given to a virus that causes it, the Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) type I that infects the lips (labialis). The HSV II type is a similar virus that causes genital infection.

  What is unique and frustrating about these viral infections is that in some people they tend to recur. Most, but not all viral infections only occur once because the body is able to make antibodies that prevent further attack, but in some people the virus is able to hide in the nerve roots away from the protective effects of these antibodies.

  These breakouts recur under adverse circumstances, namely stress, exposure to sunlight or trauma to the lip. Most individuals will first notice a slight itching or burning around the lips or mouth, followed by increased swelling, redness, severe itching and blistering. The breakout begins to wane as the sores crust or scab over with full healing usually taking seven to ten days. Unless they become severely infected, the outbreaks will more or less follow this course. It’s also important to note that between the first irritation and healing - the period when the virus is active - the outbreaks are especially contagious. However the virus can "shed" even when there are no symptoms or outbreaks, which makes suppressive therapy helpful.

  During the last two decades anti-viral medication has proven quite helpful in both preventing outbreaks and reducing the healing time once they have occurred. For people who get these so-called "cold sores" on a regular basis (every few weeks or monthly), these anti-viral drugs can be used as suppressive therapy to stop recurrences. The most common type of Herpes anti-viral medication is called acyclovir or the newer valcyclovir. These drugs are available by prescription only; they are taken systemically, i.e. they are pills that have to be taken by mouth and work through your system. They are effective, relatively easy to take and have few side effects. Locally applied or topical agents are less effective, but may be helpful in reducing symptoms.

  While your description sounds very much like what we commonly call "cold sores", it’s important to be sure that’s what they are so that the appropriate treatment can be given. Check with your dentist or physician (dermatologist) to be sure. Thankfully, there are solutions for this and similar issues - good luck.

  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD 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 Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

  

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• What Age Do Children Start To Lose Their Baby Teeth?

  Sep 21st, 2010 by admin | 0
  As I am sitting anxiously at home today waiting for my granddaughter to arrive, I thought I would share with you some tips on how to care for the health of your children’s teeth.

  Even though baby’s teeth will start falling out sometime between 5 and 6 years old, some of your children’s teeth may remain in their mouths till 10 or 11 years old.  Here are some Healthy Tips for Caring for Your Children’s Teeth:

  Tip #1:  You should start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they come into their mouths.  Lay your baby in your lap with his or head close to your chest and then gently, but firmly rub a clean or damp piece of gauze or washcloth and clean their teeth.  Ideally, you should set the example of cleaning their teeth after every time they eat.  When your children are bigger, let them watch you brush your own teeth, as they will want to imitate you.  Dental visits should start at one year old or when their first teeth appear.  The earlier the first dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems.

  Tip #2:  What to feed your children—Parents should ensure their children are eating a balanced diet and limit the frequency of snacking which can increase a child’s risk of developing cavities.  If some days, you choose to give your child a breakfast cereal, be sure to select cereals that are low in sugar (7 grams of sugar or less per serving).  Multi grain Cheerios is a much better alternative than Captain Crunch or Apple Cinnamon Cheerios.

  The best beverages for children to drink are low fat organic milk and water.  Juices can have a great deal of sugar.  When you do give them juices, please dilute them with 50% water.  Soda is really unhealthy for children and adults alike.  Some may think diet sodas are OK because there is no sugar, but diet sodas are extremely acidic and acid softens tooth enamel and makes teeth more prone to decay.

  Stay away from sticky foods such as raisins and dried fruit as they stay in the grooves of children’s teeth and can cause tooth decay.  A better snack would be carrot or celery sticks with natural peanut butter.  Ice cream is a better occasional treat, as it doesn’t stick to their teeth.

  When kids are exposed to sugar for extended periods of time like when sucking a lollypop, they are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay.  If left untreated, this puts these young children at increased risk for pain and infection, which can lead to, missed school, lost sleep and loss of appetite

  Tip #3:  Young children require fluoride to help developing teeth grow strong.  If your children have fluoride from birth until 14 years old, they will have a 70% reduction in tooth decay.  If they are not drinking fluoridated water, talk to their dentist or pediatrician about giving them a prescription for vitamins with fluoride.

  Proper preventative care, fluoride use and a balanced diet are the keys to healthy teeth and be sure to take your children to visit the dentist every 6 months.

  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD 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 Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

  

  photo:Empirically Grounded

• Sharing Information On Getting Your Body Healthy As Well As Having A Healthy Mouth

  Sep 21st, 2010 by admin | 0
  Hi Everyone,

  In this and future postings I will be periodically sharing information on getting your body healthy as well as having a healthy mouth.

  Both my husband and I are in our fifty’s and together we decided to finally confront some of our body and health issues.  Although I have not gained a lot of weight since John and I got married 25 years ago, I have not paid a lot of attention to keeping my body toned and strong.  Some of you may know that when I was 12 years old I was sick with rheumatic fever and this caused irreversible damage to my heart.  Thirty years later, my heart started failing and I had open-heart surgery and that required me to get a new prosthetic heart valve.  Since I’ve always been thin, I have not paid a lot of attention to eating as healthy as I should nor keeping my bones and body strong by exercising on a regular basis.

  Over the last 25 years, my husband has put on about 40 pounds.  Although I have always found my husband very attractive, one starts thinking about the longevity of life.  I wanted both of us to stay strong, and look and feel better so that we could be healthy in our retirement years to have fun with each other and always be strong to share life with our grandchildren.

  Two and a half months ago, John and I decided to start working with Tony Marshall, an expert on fitness and nutrition (MyFitnessDoc@yahoo.com).  In future blogs, I will go over some of the steps John and I have taken to get healthier.  At the top of this page is a photo of John and I before he lost 30 pounds in 2 ½ months.  I haven’t really lost weight, but I am stronger and John says my body is looking “toned”.  Below are a couple of photos of John and I and Tony taken last week.

  Stay tuned for more.

  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD 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 Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

  

• Healthy Cooking Thursday: Roasted Garlic Dressing

  Sep 16th, 2010 by admin | 0
  Few dishes are as divinely fragrant to prepare (and devilishly simple) as roasted garlic.  Whenever I make this healthy recipe at our women’s weight loss program, I invariably am asked, ”What were you making that smells so amazing?” from the ladies who were working out in the room above our kitchen.

  The resulting dressing is a great addition to many dishes.  I like to heat it up briefly in a small pan and then pour it over baby spinach or arugala.  The greens wilt as they are coated in the garlicky goodness, becoming a beautiful foundation for a lovely piece of fish or poultry.  Stir this dressing into some quinoa or rice just as it is finishing cooking for a sultry side dish.  Or use it as a marinade for tofu, lamb, poultry, salmon, or a lean cut of beef.  I don’t know about you, but my mouth is watering just thinking about the possibilities!

  Roasted Garlic Dressing – yields about 1 1/4 cups

  1 bulb of organic garlic *

  3/4 cup olive oil (not extra-virgin)

  1/4 cup lemon juice

  1/8 cup water

  1 teaspoon honey (or sweetener of your choice)

  1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

  pinch of dry oregano

  salt and pepper to taste

  Preheat an oven to 375 degrees farenheit.  Chop the stem side of the garlic off so that almost all of the cloves are peeking out (see photo above).  Place the bulb in a small oven-safe pan or dish, cut side up, and pour the olive oil over the bulb.  * If you cannot find organic garlic, you can substitute conventional, but I would recommend removing all the skin from the cloves and simply putting the cloves in the oil before baking.  Roast for 20-30 minutes or until the garlic is softened; it is best to check it with a thin sharp knife or a wooden skewer.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool to the touch.

  Squeeze the softened cloves of garlic out of the bulb and into a blender.  Add the lemon juice, water, honey, and dry mustard; puree.  Add the olive oil which the garlic roasted in and blend.  Remove from the blender and stir in the dry oregano and salt and pepper to taste; be aware that the flavor of this dressing will intensify as it sits when considering how much salt to add.  This dressing can be thinned out by adding additional water.

  For you die-hard fans of garlic, here is yet another reason to visit Vermont in the early fall:  The Annual Southern Vermont Garlic and Herb Festivalis happening on September 4 & 5 in Bennington, in the southwestern corner of the state.  Many different varieties of garlic, from the sweet to the spicy, are available for sale, as well as everything from garlic jelly to garlic ice cream.  And while you are in the area, swing by and visit our healthy weight loss program to see how you can continue to enjoy that ice cream and jelly and maintain your health. 

  How do you like to use roasted garlic?

  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD 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 Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

  source:
  

• Periodontal (Gum) Treatment

  Sep 16th, 2010 by admin | 0
  Even though I always see my dentist regularly, am I at risk for gum disease and what should I look for?

  These concerns are important. These are real issues that confront some people with advanced periodontal (gum) disease and make practicing periodontics challenging. Remember, periodontics is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting structures of the teeth, the bone and gum tissues.

  It sounds like you’re an aware and conscientious person and are probably doing as much as you can; brushing, flossing, having regular periodontal cleanings, and hopefully your general health has been good.

  Let me give you some perspective about the problems associated with advanced periodontal (gum) disease(s).

  Periodontal disease is actually a group of diseases and some forms are just more aggressive and more difficult to control than others - even when you’re doing "all the right things". They are the result of interactions between bacteria in dental plaque and your body’s immune system which determines your resistance to disease. In some highly "susceptible" individuals, their resistance to periodontal disease is low. Resistance to disease is genetically controlled and difficult to change, or to put it another way, some people are just more prone to disease than others. Stress can also affect resistance to disease, and especially when stress levels are high, periodontal breakdown can get worse. On the other side of the coin, the particular bacteria that make up the "plaque", that you try so hard to keep under control with your brushing and flossing, can also be a factor in perpetuating the problem. These issues can be tested for both genetic susceptibility and differing strains of bacteria. You should speak to your periodontist about them. Sometimes, however, periodontal (gum) disease may have already affected your teeth in an advanced way before anyone ever had the chance to treat it.

  For a minority of people, it’s not always possible to control all the factors that both cause and perpetuate periodontal (gum) disease. What this all says is that it’s not just about whether or not you had periodontal surgery, which attempts to control the disease and problems that already exist. What you must realize is that the majority of times we can control the disease but there is no cure for periodontal disease.

  A better and perhaps more realistic way to look at the situation is this: in cases of advanced disease that are difficult to control, what treatment does is to change "the house odds" in your favor, perhaps not to keep your teeth forever, but for years longer! According to what you’re saying that sounds very much like the case.

  In telling you "to think about implants", you’re at least being given a warning of what’s to come if tooth loss is in fact inevitable, a method of replacing the lost teeth, and time to prepare emotionally, psychologically and financially.
  Lastly, dental implants are modern dentistry’s most successful tooth replacements. The most fortunate thing about them is that in most cases if they are maintained properly, they will be healthier, stronger and last longer than the teeth that have been affected by periodontal disease.

  As health professionals we want you to be as healthy and happy as possible, but there are realities to face based on each person’s differing situation. I hope this helps, but do go back to your periodontist and have an open and frank discussion.

  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD 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 Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

  source:
  

• Enjoy our Premiere Issue of Marilyn Calvo DDS | September 2010

  Sep 14th, 2010 by admin | 0
  Greetings!
  We have joined the era of personal branding and social networking where we have a good excuse now to be up close and personal with you beyond the office!
  Welcome to the PREMIERE ISSUE of our NEW Lifestyle ezine, that’s short for electronic magazine. What you won’t see here in our monthly ezine is clinical, boring, hard to read information. Instead, we are bringing you lifestyle tid bits, health news, events, photos, videos, fun, and more to remain connected throughout the year.
  And we are thrilled… to say the least! Because we so enjoy and appreciate your relationship as a our patient family.
  Given that, we invite you to also join us at our Facebook fan page and send me a friend request in the left column here.
  In the era of relationship marketing and word of mouth, we hope to give you a reason to pass along the good word about Smile Studio LA and the team that cares about your health and well being!
  Enjoy the ezine and let us know how you like it, ok?
  Thanks so much,
  Marilyn Calvo DDS & Team

  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD 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 Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

  

• Health Research Updates - Green Tea Prevents Tooth Loss

  Sep 14th, 2010 by admin | 0
  Now that I’m getting older, I’m thinking more about getting healthier. Read this interesting snippet about drinking green tea.

  Green Tea Prevents Tooth Loss

  Drinking green tea may help to preserve teeth, according to a Japanese study published in Preventive Medicine. Researchers analyzed the correlation between tooth loss and green tea consumption among more than 20,000 people between the ages of 40 and 64, and found that those who drank one to two cups daily had 18 percent less risk of losing teeth, and those who drank five or more cups daily faced 23 percent less risk. Other research has shown that green tea or extracts in supplements may help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, protect vision, reduce risk for heart disease and some cancers, and help with weight loss.

   

   

   

  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD 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 Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

  source:
  

• Xylitol In Chewing Gum

  Sep 7th, 2010 by admin | 0
  A sugar that helps fight tooth decay!

    Xylitol is indeed becoming quite popular especially in dentistry and for good reason — it helps prevent cavities. It is a natural “sugar alcohol” similar to other so-called sugar alcohols such as mannitol and sorbitol used as sugarless sweeteners. Xylitol is a naturally occurring diabetic-safe, low-calorie carbohydrate that is obtained form the bark of birch trees, coconut shells and cottonseed hulls. However, it looks and tastes like sugar and is comparable in sweetness. It is also found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, including corn, raspberries, and plums.

  Unlike sucrose (regular table sugar), the main culprit associated with tooth decay, xylitol is not broken down by the most prominent decay causing bacteria, Mutans Streptococci, to produce acid. In effect, xylitol starves these particular bacteria to the point where it is almost like removing sugar from the diet completely.

  What you may not have known is that these bacteria are actually transmitted initially from a parent to their children through oral contact such as a simple lip-to-lip goodnight kiss. However, you can inhibit the growth and attachment of these bacteria to your teeth thereby interrupting the transmission to your children by including xylitol in your diet. Xylitol also has the added effect of stopping the saliva from becoming acidic so that decay not only doesn’t start, but rather your mouth becomes an environment that favors non-acid producing bacteria.

  Researchers have found that systematic use of xylitol chewing gum significantly reduces the relative risk of caries (tooth decay) when compared to chewing gums containing sorbitol/xylitol and sucrose. Additionally, xylitol gum is more frequently associated with halting the progression of very tiny cavities versus other combinations of chewing gum. The use of other products containing xylitol such as mints, candy, and cookies has shown a decreased incidence of dental caries by arresting active decay.

  Another benefit of using xylitol-containing products is that it increases salivary flow along with its acid neutralizing properties to cause a sort of natural reconditioning of teeth following an acid attack. In other words, the reaction between xylitol and your salvia’s mineral-rich calcium and fluoride content contribute to re-mineralization (hardening) of your teeth. And this benefit is not confined just to children, but rather is extended to many adults who experience dry mouth. The only side effect of too much xylitol ingestion is that it may have a mild laxative effect.

  The amount of xylitol needed for benefits against caries is slowly being refined. Current recommendations for moderate, high, and extreme caries-risk patients includes consuming two pieces of xylitol gum or two pieces of xylitol hard candy/mints for five minutes following meals or snacks four times daily. The target dose of xylitol is 6 to 10 grams (1-2 teaspoons) spread throughout the day. However, because excessive or prolonged gum chewing is not advised, most xylitol-sweetened products contain flavor that only lasts a short time to discourage excessive chewing. Adults who experience dry mouth or senior citizens who may not like to chew gum because of occlusion (bite) problems have the option of using xylitol in mints, candies, mouthwash, toothpaste, or mouth sprays. For these individuals, a minimum dose is 5 to 6 grams (1 teaspoon) three times per days.

  So yes, xylitol really is a different kind of “sugar” that is effective at fighting tooth decay and not just for your children.

  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD 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 Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click here to view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

  Source:
  

• Can’t get my kids to brush

  Aug 9th, 2010 by admin | 0
  Dear Dr. Calvo,

  I have twin daughters aged 7 and it’s a nightmare to get them to brush properly! Bad teeth already run in my family and truth be told, I had all my teeth rotten by the time I was 15 and I just don’t want my daughters to go through the same agony during puberty. Any tips you can provide to help me make them brush more? PLEASE!

  Thanks,

  Worried Mom

  Dear Worried Mom,

  It’s all about making tooth brushing FUN! Many parents make the mistake of making tooth brushing a boring routine. And no, scaring kids by telling them their teeth will all fall out does not usually work either.

  Here are my tips to help make your kids brush more without appearing to be trying!

  1. Go out for the sole purpose of buying new tooth brushing supplies but this time let your kids choose the toothbrush they want. The toothbrush with its own ‘timer’ or those that play music and stop to indicate it’s time to stop brushing are winners with kids!

  2. Try not to make tooth-brushing look like a TASK. For instance, after a meal, ask your daughters to accompany you upstairs (or wherever your bathroom) is to get a toy or a book or something. Once in the vicinity of the bathroom, grab YOUR toothbrush and start brushing and then just hand off their toothbrushes to them too. This way, it becomes a natural thing rather than a task to dread.

  3. Make things extra fun by coming up with a bathroom tooth brushing chart where you can even hand out ‘stars’ they can stick to the chart after every ‘brushing event’. Hand out certificates at the end of the month!

  4. Call our office as we are very “child friendly” and have many children as patients that love coming to see us. Sometimes a simple dental visit where a professional can educate kids is enough to convince kids that brushing is a GOOD thing. This can also serve to get rid of any unfounded fears of visiting a dentist when they are older.

  Good luck!

  Marilyn Calvo DDS

  Smile Studio LA

  Accredited Member, AACD

  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD 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 Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click here to view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

   

  photo:ralphhogaboom

• Sleep Apnea Treatment for a Better Night’s Sleep!

  Aug 3rd, 2010 by admin | 0
   

  If you’ve landed on this page, you may be looking for sleep apnea treatments for you or a loved one — and you should! Sleep apnea is a concern as it can cause exhaustion, memory problems, weight gain, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Luckily, sleep apnea treatment is available to help you get a better night’s sleep. Treatment for sleep apnea may vary depending on whether your sleep apnea is mild or severe — but regardless, you should see a sleep professional before choosing any of the sleep apnea treatments listed below.

  Treating Sleep Apnea at Home

  

  The type of sleep apnea treatment you choose depends on the type of sleep apnea you have. As you probably know, sleep apnea is a disruption of sleep patterns caused by a pause in breathing. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, where the muscles that support your airway become so relaxed that they collapse and block it. But you may have been diagnosed with central sleep apnea, where your brain fails to control breathing, or complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of the two.

  There are home remedies for treating sleep apnea. In some cases, mild or obstructive sleep apnea treatment may just be a matter of changing your lifestyle.

  Discuss the following sleep apnea treatments with your sleep professional to see what might work for you:

  Lose weight. Sleep apnea is more common in overweight people because additional fat around the neck can make the airway smaller. Treating sleep apnea may be as simple as losing a little weight.

  Avoid alcohol and depressants. Alcohol, sedatives, pain killers and muscle relaxants all affect the central nervous system. They not only relax the airway muscles but may reduce the ability to breathe normally.

  Stop smoking. Smokers are three times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than non-smokers. Quitting smoking may be the perfect obstructive sleep apnea treatment.

  Sleep on your side. Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to fall back and block your airway. If you tend to sleep on your back, there are special pillows designed to position your head correctly during sleep.

  Elevate your head. If you must sleep on your back, try elevating it from the torso up. Regular pillows push the chin towards the neck, which can make sleep apnea worse. Wedge-like pillows provide treatment for sleep apnea by keeping your back and head elevated during sleep.

  Maintain a consistent sleep pattern. Sleep apnea can get worse if you’re tired. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every night can help you control your sleep apnea.

  Open nasal passages. Breathing strips or a nasal spray may help keep your airway passages open.

  Professional Sleep Apnea Treatment

  Unfortunately, not all at-home sleep apnea treatments are effective. An oral appliance or sleep apnea machine may be needed if you help breathing on your own:

  Oral Appliances — There are two types of oral appliances used for mild obstructive sleep apnea treatment: the mandibular advancement device (MAD), which pushes the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open, and the tongue-retaining device, which keeps the tongue from falling back over the airway. Your dentist may choose to do a combination of the two when treating sleep apnea.

  Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) — Commonly used for obstructive sleep apnea treatment, the CPAP machine consists of a mask that’s placed over your nose while you sleep. It works by pumping high-pressurized air into the mask to keep passages open.

  Adjustable Airway Pressure Devices — Some sleep apnea sufferers may find wearing a CPAP mask too uncomfortable. If the CPAP doesn’t work for you, there are other sleep apnea treatments on the market. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) exerts a higher pressure when you inhale and lower pressure when you exhale to treat central sleep apnea. Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) learns your breathing pattern and stores that info in a computer, then adjusts the pressure to normalize breathing patterns while you sleep.

  Treating Sleep Apnea with Surgery

  When home therapies and machines don’t work, surgery may be necessary. When all else fails, talk to your dentist about your surgical sleep apnea treatment options:

  UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) — UPPP removes tissue from back of mouth or top of the throat. UPPP is more commonly used to treat snoring and may not cure sleep apnea if excess tissue is found further down the airway path. This sleep apnea treatment can now be performed with a laser.

  Maxillomandibular Advancement – This dental surgery moves the jaw forward from the face bone, enlarging the space behind the tongue and soft palate to limit obstruction of the throat. Oral surgery may be combined with orthodontics to complete your treatment for sleep apnea.

  Tracheostomy — A tracheostomy (sometimes referred to as a tracheotomy) is only used for severe sleep apnea. During the procedure, a metal or plastic tube is inserted in the throat through an incision in the neck. The protruding tube is covered during the day, but opened at night so you can breathe.

  Other Types of Surgery — Nasal surgery removes polyps or corrects a deviated septum in the nasal cavity, helping you breathe better. Your doctor may also choose to remove your tonsils or adenoids, which can be combined with the UPPP procedure for sleep apnea treatment.

  Finding a Solution

  Central sleep apnea may be part of a larger problem, such as heart disease or a neuromuscular disorder. In this case, the condition that’s causing sleep apnea needs to be treated in order to solve your sleep disorder. Your sleep professional can help determine the cause of your sleep apnea and choose the right sleep apnea treatment for you.

  If you need treatment for sleep apnea, we may be able to help! Many dentists are trained to diagnose sleep apnea problems and provide sleep apnea treatments so you can rest easier.

  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

Recent Articles

• Cold Sores
• What Age Do Children Start To Lose Their Baby Teeth?
• Sharing Information On Getting Your Body Healthy As Well As Having A Healthy Mouth
• Healthy Cooking Thursday: Roasted Garlic Dressing
• Periodontal (Gum) Treatment

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