How Can the Dentist Help with Sleep Apnea?

            More people than ever before are being diagnosed with sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious disorder when your breathing starts and stops. Some of the initial signs and symptoms can be snoring or still feeling tired after a full night of sleep. The proper way to be diagnosed is to undergo a sleep study under the supervision of a sleep physician. From there, they can help determine whether a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or an oral appliance is needed.

            The most important thing to remember is treatment should begin with the physician. Even though a dentist can help identify some key factors of sleep apnea, it is important that a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan is done with a medical doctor. Here are some examples of when you may be directed to try an oral appliance to help treat your sleep apnea:

• You have attempted to use a CPAP, and have been unable to tolerate it.
• You have a mild form of sleep apnea and the physician believes it can be adequately controlled with an oral appliance.
• Your apnea is so severe that it requires a CPAP and an oral appliance to adequately control.
• You don’t like to travel with your CPAP, and you need something to help your apnea while out of town.

Whatever the reason may be, it is just as important to do a follow up sleep study after receiving the appliance. This is the only way to measure how it is helping you and if any adjustments need to be made.

            What if you know you snore at night, but don’t think you have sleep apnea? We would still recommend you get a sleep study to verify. If you find out you do not have apnea and would like to reduce or eliminate your snoring, we can make a similar appliance to advance the lower jaw forward and reduce the snoring.

            We are always happy to discuss the different options available to help treat your sleep apnea or snoring. But it is important to remember that the role of the dentist should be completely dependent on the recommendations of the sleep physician.

For more information, visit us at www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Candy that Won’t Ruin Your Teeth!

            We have always been taught that candy and sugars are bad for your teeth and will lead to cavities. This has not changed. Traditional sugar can definitely lead to tooth decay when not used in moderation and when homecare is not up to par. However, there is a new sugar substitute called xylitol that does not lead to tooth decay. It is an all natural substance that is commonly derived from renewable resources like corn cobs. Even more encouraging than the fact that it is does not cause cavities is that research has shown it may even help fight tooth decay. 

            One of the best applications we have found so far for xylitol is for helping patients who have reduced saliva flow. There are many medications that reduce the amount of saliva produced and can even alter the cavity fighting properties of your saliva. To compensate for the dry mouth feeling, people will often use candy to stimulate saliva. Unfortunately, this can lead to cavities because of the sugar present in the candy. This is where the xylitol candy can prove so useful. People can still use candy to stimulate saliva flow, but not have the negative effects brought on by traditional sugars.

            There are also a number of different types of xylitol products. There are hard candies, gum, simple sweetener, toothpastes, gel and even rinses. So far, the best results we have been through using the hard candies. There is a higher concentration of xylitol in the candy and the prolonged exposure of the candy in the mouth has proved to be more effective.

            There is still more to be learned about the potential benefits of xylitol vs. sugar, but so far we have been pleased with what we have seen. While I don’t believe it will ever replace fluoride as a powerful cavity fighting tool, I think it can be an excellent adjunct to good homecare if used properly. Feel free to contact us about how it may be helpful for you and go to www.xylitol.org for more information.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Are Silver (amalgam) Fillings OK for my Teeth?

            There has been some controversy involving amalgam (silver) dental fillings and possible issues they present to the patient or environment. Dental amalgam is a mixture of copper, silver, tin, and zinc. However, the controversy exists because trace amounts of mercury are added for strength and durability to the filling. Claims exist that the amalgam is toxic and can cause serious issues for anyone who has these fillings or may receive them. But it must be understood that the American Dental Association still supports use the use of dental amalgams as an appropriate restorative material for children and adults because there are no reliable studies that show any harm.

            I believe it is admirable when people are conscientious about what materials are put into their bodies. So it is justifiable to question if dental amalgam is safe. Since mercury has become the key concern, we need to know more about how trace amounts can affect us. Mercury occurs naturally in the environment and also comes from industrial pollution. Nearly everyone has trace amounts of mercury in their bodies, regardless of the presence or absence of amalgam fillings. Make no mistake, I am not disputing that at high levels mercury can be toxic. But for the average person, the consumption of fish accounts for about 70% of the mercury present in our bodies.

            Numerous studies have been conducted to discover if harm is caused by the miniscule amounts of mercury released from an amalgam dental filling. So far none have shown convincing evidence of harmful effects to our bodies or increased risk of toxicity from silver fillings. In fact, the CDC, FDA, EPA, NIH, World Health Organization, and the American Dental Association have all concluded that dental amalgams are safe. And if you saw the Dr. Oz show that reported on the potential harm of mercury vapor in the mouth, I encourage you to visit www.dentalwatch.org/hg/oz.html for a full critique on that segment.

            We frequently discuss the pros and cons of having existing amalgam fillings removed for cosmetic reasons. From a clinical stance, we sometimes argue that removing undamaged dental amalgams is typically unnecessary and potentially damaging to the teeth. However, we certainly understand and empathize with the esthetic reasons for removing the silver fillings and we are always open to discussing your options for cosmetic reasons. As far as having silver fillings placed, we believe that unless you have a history of high exposure to mercury or you have had classic symptoms of mercury poisoning in the past, there is no clinical reason to avoid amalgam fillings. In fact, there are still many situations where a dental amalgam filling is recommended over a white (composite) filling to increase the prognosis of the restoration.

            At the end of the day, they are your teeth and you can typically decide what type of filling material you feel comfortable having placed. Nearly all of our fillings are tooth colored, but certain situations may arise where it is beneficial to consider an amalgam filling. At that time, we would take time to review the positives and negatives of each to help you make the best decision for your dental and overall health.

If you have other questions on dental fillings, please visit us at www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

(513) 860-3660 

Is there a new way to help with sensitive teeth?

            Many people suffer from sensitivity on there teeth when eating or drinking something hot or cold. If there are no cavities or other issues, we would typically recommend trying to use sensitivity toothpaste twice each day. However, we found many people do not prefer the sensitivity toothpaste over their normal toothpaste. With compliance lacking, the sensitivity would often persist. But recently Crest rolled out a new product aimed to alleviate tooth sensitivity for up to 1 month per application.

            The Crest Sensi-Stop Strips are placed over the teeth and the gums for only 10 minutes, and this can help with sensitivity for up to a full month.

• Advantages over sensitivity toothpaste:
• Immediate relief in 10 minutes vs. days/weeks with toothpaste
• As little as 1 time per month vs. 2 times per day
• Lasts for up to 1 month vs. wearing off without consistent use
• Delivery aimed to specific areas vs. being diluted through the mouth.

The strips use potassium oxalate gel to relieve the sensitivity, which is a common ingredient for treating historically sensitive teeth. The Crest Sensi-Stop Strips have found a way to harness that ingredient into the strip in a way that allows you to effectively deliver it to the problematic area.

            So what are the drawbacks or limitations of the strips? The first would be limited research when compared to the historical success of the sensitivity toothpaste. If you are having success with sensitivity toothpaste, I would suggest you continue with what is currently working. I would also recommend you consult with you dentist before using the strips to make sure there are no other underlying areas of concern or tooth decay. Otherwise the strips may mask an area of sensitivity that needs to be treated differently.

            The new Crest Sensi-Stop Strips look like they could be very helpful for a lot of people with sensitive teeth. If you are thinking about using these, I still strongly recommend you discuss the potential pros and cons of your situation with your dentist.

For more information, visit us at www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc. 

How Important are Oral Cancer Exams?

            During each dental appointment, the dentist and the dental hygienist make an extra effort to screen for any signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer is a disease that occurs in the mouth or the throat. It can be found inside the lips and cheeks, the salivary glands, the gums, the tongue, the roof of the mouth, the floor of the mouth and the bone.

            When performing an oral cancer screening, some of the signs and symptoms we examine for are:

·        Patches of red, white, or a mixture of the two that are new or changing

·        Sores on the lip that do not resolve within 14 days

·        Unexplainable sores or bleeding in the mouth

You should also consult your dentist or physician if you have pain or difficulty swallowing, an abnormal lump in your neck, or an earache that does not go away.

            As we try to help limit the threat of oral cancer now and in the future, we need to be aware of potential risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing an issue. Tobacco use is the most commonly known factor, but few people that the abuse of alcohol and/or exposure to ultraviolet light are also known to be a risk factors. There are also several studies that suggest a diet that is very low in fruits and vegetables may be linked in an increase risk in cancer.

            So how can we best diagnose the signs and symptoms of oral cancer? Some have easily identifiable symptoms or clinical presentations that cause us to seek immediate medical or dental attention. However, others types of oral cancer can reach a more advanced stage without manifesting as obvious signs to the patient or even the dentist. This is why it is so important to maintain regular dental check ups and x-rays. Early diagnosis is the best defense.

            When an area of the mouth is identified as suspicious, we may choose to monitor the area with photographs, measurements and return visit to see if anything has changed. If are area is deemed potentially more serious, we may recommend you see a specialist for an exam and possible biopsy. And if you have a history of prolonged tobacco use or other risk factors, we will use extra caution and make sure you see the necessary specialist as quickly as possible.

            If you have other questions regarding oral cancer or how we perform our examinations, please feel free to contact us or check our website for more information at www.brownandkupper.com

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc

Should I get a Dental Implant or a Dental Bridge?

            When faced with the question of how to best replace a missing tooth, the first two options discussed are a dental implant or a dental bridge. Each individual situation is unique, and our goal is to assist in making the best possible decision for your dental health.

            In the majority of cases, when replacing a single tooth in the front or the back, a dental implant is the standard of care. It is the closest we can get to restoring the feel and function of a natural tooth. Unlike a dental bridge, an implant allows you to brush and floss the area the same way you would a natural tooth. Even though gum disease around the implant can develop if proper care is not used, cavities can not exist on a dental implant or crown. Since there is no remaining natural tooth structure, there is no place for traditional tooth decay to attack.

Another major advantage of the dental implant is it does not require drilling or invasive work on the adjacent teeth. The entire procedure is isolated to one specific tooth. A bridge requires substantial work on at least two other teeth to work properly. Subsequently, if these adjacent teeth develop a cavity in the future, the entire bridge may need to be removed to treat the growing tooth decay.

When discussing the advantages of a dental bridge, we always talk about the original time commitment of the procedure. Dental implants can take up to 6-10 months to fully restore, but sometimes only one month is needed to complete a new bridge. Because of the time involved and the materials used, a bridge is often less expensive and can be more appealing to patients from a financial standpoint. However, depending upon the location of the bridge of the patient’s history, a bridge may end up costing the patient more in the long run if it needs to eventually be replaced.

Since each individual circumstance is different, the safest approach is to consult your dentist about your situation. Dental implants have become the standard of care in many cases when replacing missing or lost teeth, but dental bridges still have a very viable place in the modern dental practice.

For more information on dental implants or dental bridges, check our website at http://www.brownandkupper.com/questions.php.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc

(513) 860-3660

In-Office Dental Savings Plan vs. Dental Insurance

            While the Affordable Care Act mostly effects the regulations concerning medical insurance, it has affected dental insurance indirectly. With rising health care costs for employers, many have cut back on their dental benefits they offer employees. In an effort to encourage good dental health while offsetting dental insurance limitations, we have instituted am ‘in-house’ dental savings plan. It is designed for patients who have very limited options through their employer or no longer have dental insurance.

What are some of the benefits of our dental savings plan?

• No yearly maximum
• No deductibles
• No claim filing
• No pre-existing condition limitation
• No waiting period

What is covered under the dental savings plan?

• Semi-annual dental cleaning

• Annual dental x-rays
• Semi-annual dental exams
• Fluoride applications for children of the appropriate age
• Percentage off all dental procedures, including cosmetic procedures.

How do you know if you are a good candidate for the dental savings plan?

            The value of this plan depends on your oral health. If you are generally healthy and typically only require professional cleanings and exams each year, this plan could offer significant savings over other options. These plans have been recommended for seniors by Forbes Magazine who have retired since it is likely less expensive than dental insurance plans not subsidized by an employer. This could also be a good option for single people or those with very young children and tend to be in good dental health.

            Please feel free to contact us with questions regarding our dental savings plan and whether or not it would be a good fit for you or someone you know. You can also visit us at www.brownandkupper.com for more details.