18 million Americans are estimated to be living with one of the most deadly sleep disorders that exist today. It’s called Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It’s typically referred to as simply, “Sleep Apnea.” It is becoming as common as having a tooth ache. You might wonder, what is the connection between sleep apnea and dental care? I’ll explain, but first, what is Sleep Apnea? After all, you could possibly have this condition and don’t even know it.
Have you been told that you snore loudly at night? Perhaps you’ve awakened gasping for air. Do you find it difficult to stay awake during the day? These are just a few of the primary symptoms of Sleep Apnea.
Typically, you have to go through a sleep study to get the actual diagnosis of Sleep Apnea, and if it’s confirmed that you do have this condition, you are most often given a CPAP machine. A CPAP helps you sleep through the night by keeping the air flow regular and that’s a good thing. But, the CPAP equipment isn’t subtle. The machine is loud, and the person using it wears a very invasive mask that can be quite scary for others to see. In fact, many couples sleep in separate bedrooms because of it.
Thanks to new technology, there are several viable “dental” solutions to sleep apnea. No noise and not visible. That’s already an advantage. In fact, one of the most common dental options looks similar to a “bite guard” and what it does is simply adjusts your jaws to keep air flowing throughout the night. This leads to reduced snoring and an increased intake of oxygen.
Your dental office, will work with your primary care provider to have an integrated plan of wellness for you. Your dentist will determine which device is best for you, based in part on whether you have mild or medium diagnosis of sleep apnea. Fitting for the device is easy, and the great news is dental solutions for diagnosed sleep apnea is typically covered by your medical insurance, not your dental insurance.
Once diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, and then treating it if you do, could literally be a life saver. Fewer than 10 % of Americans who suffer from sleep apnea know they have it. So please, be proactive in taking the steps necessary to take, to ensure you’re breathing properly at night. You’ll be glad you did!
 Dr. David A. Bennett www.dublinohiodental.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Spreading Free Smiles Across Mid Ohio
Dr. Bennett will host Dentistry From The Heart – providing 100 people with free dental care on Friday, August 19th.
Dublin, OH – August 19th, 2011 – Dr. David A. Bennett will host the area’s second annual Dentistry From The Heart (DFTH) event – providing a free dental care event serving more than 100 residents.
Registration will begin at 6 a.m. Friday August 12th, all patients must pre-register. Patients can call 614-764-2845 to receive information regarding the event or to register to receive one free filling, cleaning or extraction. Patients are encouraged to remain at the event as Dr. Bennett and his team of dentists, volunteers and sponsors will work to serve as many patients as possible from at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The media is invited to join the our volunteers, patients and Dr. Bennett on August 20th, 2011 to spread free smiles across Mid Ohio through this Dentistry From The Heart event located at 5118 Blazer Pkwy, Dublin, OH 43017. Adults and Children are welcome to this event.
“It all comes down to wanting to provide something greater to my community,” said Dr. Bennett. “The services provided by Dentistry From The Heart helps more than just a patients teeth, it gives them a renewed reason to smile.”
In 2001, Dentistry From The Heart started with New Port Richey dentist Dr. Vincent Monticciolo as a way to giving back to the community and provide aid to the growing number of Americans without dental insurance. Since its inception, Dentistry From The Heart has grown to include over 200 annual events nationwide and provided more than 50,000 people with free dental care services.
Dentistry From The Heart is a registered non-profit organization that provides free dental work for people those in need. In the past ten years, Dentistry From The Heart events have contributed more than $10 million in free dentistry and helped more than 50,000 patients across the country. For more information, visit www.dentistryfromtheheart.org
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We have come a long way from the first set of porcelain dentures that surfaced in 1774, or the first dental drill invented by George F. Green in 1868. The commitment to continue the advance of dentistry is evident in today’s dental practices
Change is expected in the world of fashion and the arts, but dentistry?
Absolutely! Our teeth and smiles are impacted year after year by what dental researchers and consumers have identified as upcoming dental trends. Botox injectables for the mouth, oral devices for sleep apnea treatment and new and improved denture aesthetics are just a few of the trends to ask your dentist about when you plan your next visit to the dentist.
Botox injectables have been a leading cosmetic procedure to prevent the signs of aging for several years now. As more and more people have the desire to undergo “smile makeovers” it is becoming common for Cosmetic Dentists to offer the popular filler as a routine option for patients who want to improve the overall appearance of their smile and rejuvenate their look.
Do you find that your sleep patterns or those of your loved ones are interrupted due to snoring? If so, sleep apnea may be the culprit. It has been reported that 18 million Americans suffer from this disease and a trip to the dentist may be the solution to the problem. Treating snoring and sleep-disordered breathing using newly designed oral appliances that are less expensive and clinically proven, effective alternatives to CPAP machines that have been prescribed in the past.
Designing dentures and dental implants that appear more natural is also at the top of the list for what’s popular in dentistry. This primarily due to enhancements and the development of more natural looking materials that hold the same beauty as your original smile. As dentists, we are able to design dentures and implants that appear more real and in less time, in many cases same day.
So, during your next routine visit to the dentist, break the routine and inquire about these and other trends in the dental world. If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask your dental professional about what you now know to be “trending” in the world of the smile!
Wishing you a summer to smile about,
Dr. David A. Bennett
When we see a great smile, most of us think, “wow, great teeth”. What you might not know is that Dental Implants may be just the reason for that great smile. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million Americans currently have dental implants and that number is climbing rapidly. It’s estimated that approximately 500,000 people get implants each year.
There are several reasons as to why people consider dental implants. A common reason that many people consider implants is due to missing (one or several) teeth. The absence of any teeth can lead to a variety of orally related problems. One of the most common problems can be the increased risk of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). Other related jaw problems can arise as well, not to mention the general cosmetic concern. Missing teeth can impact your overall appearance, which often hinders the confidence that you deserve to have in your smile. Additionally, increased gaps in the mouth that can become a trap for food and debris and can significantly increase the risk for tooth decay and gum disease. These spaces also can cause shifting and tilting to the remaining teeth, often affecting eating habits, which could in turn, impact your nutritional well-being. Yes, there is a trickledown effect.
Dental implants are considered a type of prosthesis and act as a replacement for the root structure that would normally be the anchor for a natural tooth. Generally built from a titanium rod, these small structures are the best solution to replace a missing tooth in the most naturally appearing manner. To be considered a candidate for dental impacts, you must consult with your dentist. There are a number of factors that must be considered before moving forward with this procedure. If you need more information or would like to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, call our office to schedule an exam and consultation. Remember, missing teeth can lead to overall oral and physical health problems.
Take charge of your health today,
Dr. David A. Bennett
Of the many things that men, women and children share as a common need, few are more important than the need for water. In fact, our bodies are comprised, on average, of 70% water. For this reason, the quality of water we drink is very important to our oral health.
Although the idea of adding fluoride to our drinking water surfaced over 70 years ago, it has always been a controversial topic. That’s still the case today.
When it comes to dental hygiene, there is a good chance your toothpaste has fluoride in it. Fluoride has proven to be highly effective at both preventing tooth decay and acting as a warrior in the dental health war against cavities.
What is Fluoride? Simply put, it is a mineral found in both water and food.
Minerals are both added and lost to the tooth’s enamel every day. When acids are formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth, the tooth’s enamel is attacked. Fluoride helps to make your teeth more resistant to the acid and in turn, helps prevents tooth decay.
This year, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention went on record naming water fluoridation movement one of the “greatest public health initiatives of all time.”
Here are a few of the main reasons why fluoride, in the water we drink, are essential to our overall dental health.
1. Proven effectiveness. There have been multiple studies conducted over the years that have taken a close examination on the effects of fluoridation in water. The results have shown that there is a 25% reduction in tooth decay over a person’s lifetime.
2. Cavity reduction in children. In 1988, the National Institute of Dental Research set out to find the facts on how the addition of fluoride to water impacted the oral health of children. The findings showed 20 percent fewer decayed surfaces. Today, we know that fluoride still has a positive effect on children’s teeth if used in proper quantities,
3. Savings on dental care. On average, the costs associated with adding fluoride to public water equal close to .50 cents per person. The average savings in dental care as a result of the added fluoride have been calculated to yield roughly $38 per person/per year in dental costs. Although we have had years of studies that show support for public water fluoridation, there are still millions of Americans that do not have any added fluoride to their drinking water. As always, prevention is the key. The fact of the matter is a little extra fluoride can go a long way in keeping your teeth healthy for the long haul.
Keep Smiling,
Dr. David A Bennett D.D.S
Okay, face it, most of us begin our day by rolling out of bed and taking a zombie-like stroll to the kitchen for a cup of coffee before we truly wake up and begin our day. It’s true, The National Coffee Association’s latest study (2010) shows that 56% of adults living in the United States consume coffee daily. It’s even more interesting to note, economic challenges have no bearing on coffee consumption. When you consider the people who drink caffeinated tea and soda every day, sometimes multiple times a day, the amount of caffeine consumed is staggering. The fact of the matter is, we are a caffeinated world and the vast majority of people may even identify themselves as having at the very least, a mild addiction to caffeine.
Although for many of us our bodies have grown dependent on the extra jolt of energy that our caffeinated favorites provide us, the affects of caffeine can become quite harmful. Most of us are aware of the immediate damage it can cause to the heart and organs but, have you ever stopped to think about the negative and lasting impact caffeine has on your teeth?
The fact of the matter is, caffeinated beverages can pose a serious threat to overall oral health and directly impact dental care. Many caffeinated drinks are very dark in color. Beverages with darker pigments tend to lead to staining of the teeth, especially when consumed in high amounts. Another concern, our caffeinated favorites often contain very high amounts of sugar along with equally high levels of acid. The sugar and acid can become corrosive to your teeth and lead to plaque build up between your teeth and along the gum line. According to the American Dental Association, “When the environment in your mouth becomes more acidic, calcium and phosphate can be pulled directly out of your tooth enamel thereby weakening the tooth structure and perhaps eventually leaving you open to a cavity.”
It’s at this point, you may now need dental care.
So, ask yourself, does the caffeinated comfort you enjoy each day outweigh the long term affect on your teeth and gums? I’m pretty sure many of you are thinking, yes. Well, thankfully, there are ways that you can still enjoy your favorite drinks without compromising your oral health. For stain prevention, make sure you are choosing toothpaste that contains a mild bleaching/whitening agent to keep your smile bright. If you find yourself with a cup of coffee in hand multiple times throughout the day, be sure to add additional brushing to the day as well. To combat the wear and tear of acid on the gum line, rinsing with a pH balanced mouthwash can help regulate the acid levels in the mouth.
By protecting and caring properly for your teeth and gums, you can rest comfortably knowing that you can keep the energy and keep the smile!
Okay, this may seem like a real challenge, but you can do it. You might be saying, “how in the world can I make going to the dentist fun?” Well, why should a visit the dentist be any different than other good hygiene habits you instill in your children. Let’s be honest, children would rather play outside than take a bath and eating the healthy green veggies on their plate is just an “evil” necessity to get to the swirly ice cream they know will follow. Going to the dentist and practicing oral habits are usually not too thrilling for kids.
The bigger task at hand as parents is how do we take away the fear of visiting the dentist and establish a healthy dental routine and make sure that good oral health becomes a habit? Well of course, all you have to do is make it FUN!
Here are some tried and true tips for you:
- Choose products that are child friendly and exciting to use. Every child has a favorite cartoon character and loves the taste of familiar candy and treats that otherwise may be off limits. Parents now have options in multiple delicious flavors for toothpaste and a wide array of popular superheroes, cartoon characters and fun themed products to make the time to brush teeth much more appealing. While your son or daughter may not love the mint flavor and plain toothbrush you have in your bathroom, they may love brushing with bubblegum flavored toothpaste on a toothbrush covered with their favorite cartoon character. The best part is you can get these without a lot of sugar or sugar free.
- Reward them. When you see your child remember that it is time to brush his or her teeth or makes it through a visit to the dentist with no tears or tantrums, a treat or toy is a great way to remind them of the benefit of good behavior.
- Don’t be a scaredy-cat! Even if going to the dentist isn’t their favorite thing in the world, as the grown up you can’t act as though you are scared or dreading the dentist. Children are sponges and they will take the fear they see in you and apply it in their own lives. Be brave on the outside for your children even if on the inside you’re trembling. Use a little Psychology 101. Children love to be acknowledged as “brave” especially when they are “braver” than you. What a big boy or girl they are.
Dr. David Bennett, D.D.S.
When babies are 12 months or less, it’s difficult to keep up with the incredible development that your child has on a daily basis. As parents, we can’t wait to hear the first words, see the first crawl, watch those first wobbly steps and of course, to see the first tooth come in. While we as parent may scream with joy, babies often, just scream. Let’s face it, it’s challenging for parents to see our babies in discomfort. Teething babies can be one of the most difficult stages of infancy, often because soothing sore gums isn’t easy.
As parents we become so focused on easing the pain of the teeth that are coming in, that we often neglect the hygiene and growth of teeth developing below the surface. Although not intentional, in some cases this negligent behavior can lead to the onset of tooth decay before our babies are even able to walk.
According to the American Dental Association, by the age of 9 months an astounding 5% of babies will develop some sort of tooth decay. Naturally, we only want the best health and dental care for our children. By taking the following steps towards prevention and care, you can make sure that as a parent you are doing your part towards ensuring you have a healthy baby with an equally healthy smile.
- Gently wipe your babies teeth during sleep. If your baby falls asleep within 15 minutes of feeding, often enzymes that can decay teeth will remain on the surface of the teeth and gums while the child sleeps. Once a baby has fallen into a deep enough state of sleep, gently wiping the teeth and gum line can properly cleanse the mouth and promote healthy bacteria and saliva instead of sugars and other remnants of milk or formula. Use a warm, soft wet cloth.
- No sleeping with a bottle! I know it’s easy, but from a dental perspective, it is not a good thing. Most babies will fall asleep easier during or directly after a feeding. Allowing a baby to drift off to sleep while still sucking on a bottle can lead to pools of fluids in the mouth. These fluids settle around the teeth and can lead to an increase in decay, promoting bacteria. If your baby does fall asleep with a bottle in the mouth, carefully wiping the mouth with soft gauze or tissue can absorb some of the excess fluids.
- Watch the fluoride content in your water. Fluoride is one of the keys to strong and health teeth. Check with your local pediatrician for the fluoride content in your water. Ideally, your water should contain .6-1.12 parts per million for optimal oral health.
- Lastly, be the dental health example for your baby! As parents, we strive to be a good life example for our children. Oral hygiene should not be an exception to this. Properly caring for your teeth and demonstrating healthy habits will set the expectation and habits for healthy babies and older children.
Dr. David Bennett. D.D.S.
http://www.dublinohiodental.com
At one time or another, the majority of American’s will try to shed extra pounds by going on specialized diet. Low carb, raw foods, protein rich are just a few of the diets designed to affect our ability to lose weight in a healthy manner that is not destructive to the body, yet produces significant results. While these diets have can have some effect on your waistline, it can be easy to forget that what we eat and our dietary changes can impact our overall dental health as well.
Dieting means you are committing to making a change. Be mindful of the following facts, they can help you ensure that as you change your eating habits, you are not neglecting your smile and can improve your overall health.
- As we reduce calories, we can easily reduce the nutrients and vitamins that are essential for healthy teeth. Calcium is one of the most common vitamins that falls victim while dieting. Calcium is not only vital for healthy bones, it is one of the most important vitamins for strong teeth as well. By adding a vitamin supplement to your daily diet, you can make sure that you are replacing some of the nutrients that may be lost while you are losing pounds.
- More fruits and veggies, right? What diet doesn’t ask you to up the amount of fresh foods in your daily routine? While there is no denying that adding more from the fruits and vegetable food group is great for your overall health, they can have negative effects on your teeth. Fruits and veggies often contain high amounts of citrus and natural sugars that can wear on healthy teeth and cause erosion to tooth enamel. As with all meals, proper brushing after having a healthy serving of your favorite fruits and veggies can help protect your pearly whites.
By all means, dieting and improving eating habits when done in a healthy fashion is a great way to improve total body health. You will feel the results from head to toe, inside and out. Being aware of how diet changes can impact your teeth will give you more of a reason to smile about your new body.
Be healthy,
Dr. Bennett
We live in a society where white picket fences may not be the ultimate dream any more, but shiny white teeth? Well, that’s another story…
Yes, more and more people are seeking the “ultimate” smile and according the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), patients don’t mind paying for it. As a Dentist, that makes me smile and it has become a routine request. In fact, helping patients get their teeth as white as possible is a significant part of most dental business these days. It may be hard to believe, but the latest survey by the AACD, showed that Dental patients spent $139 million dollars on bleaching and whitening alone and another $529 million on other cosmetic procedures. And now that bleaching is covered by some dental insurance plans that number is expected to noticeably rise.
As common as teeth whitening is, patients still have a lot of questions regarding the process.
Here are just a few questions I regularly answer for my dental patients:
1. Are there side effects to tooth whitening?
Bleaching gels can cause some degree of tooth sensitivity to cold and hold liquids. Even air can cause a little sensitivity. Patients can help this by using an over the counter toothpaste containing “potassium nitrate” which will help to desensitize.
2. How white will my teeth get?
Well, of course, that depends how the color of your teeth when you begin the process and the cause of the discoloration. Teeth that are brown or yellow due to smoking and caffeine consumption usually will get whiter. If your teeth are grayer in color caused more by pigment deep inside the tooth, the chances of bleaching are reduced significantly.
3. How long will it take to see my teeth whiter?
Again, it depends on the color at the time the treatment begins, but you could see results in just days. The average is 2 to 3 weeks.
4. How long will my whitening results last?
The color should remain noticeable for 6 to 12 months.
5. What is the best way to care for my teeth after whitening?
To keep your smile as bright as possible, you should make some changes to your diet, such as: drink white wine instead of red, grapefruit juice instead of cranberry, etc. Use whitening toothpaste as well.
Note: Bleaching only works on your natural tooth structure, not dental work. You should consult with your personal dentist to get answers to these and other questions you have regarding all Cosmetic Dentistry.
All smiles to you,
Dr. David A. Bennett, D.D.S.
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