Sleep Apnea and Brain Damage

Posted October 9, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Awareness about the detrimental effects of sleep apnea is increasing. Sleep apnea is responsible for a growing list of health problems for millions of individuals. Some of these troubles are less urgent, but some are life threatening.

James Stewart, DDS, is a sleep apnea expert, and he offers various treatment options to help his patients lead healthier, more rewarding lives.

So what kind of connection does a sleep disorder have on the brain, and why are dentists playing such a huge role in the fight against it?

There are three kinds of sleep apnea:

1) Central Sleep Apnea [CSA]. This occurs when neurological mechanisms controlled by the brain fail to signal the body to inhale, resulting in missed breathing cycles. The lapse in breathing happens again and again throughout the night.

2) Obstructive Sleep Apnea [OSA]. The most common form of sleep apnea. OSA is caused by upper airway obstruction preventing airflow. The disruption causes the individual’s sleep pattern to become broken, and natural, critical sleep cycles cannot run their course.

3) Complex or mixed apnea. A combination of the two disorders.

The result of sleep apnea through the night is significant sleep loss. Other problems include:

Low productivity during the day.
Irritability, forgetfulness, and poor concentration.
Dangers of sleepiness when alertness is critical, such as when driving or operating dangerous machinery.
Health problems, including heart attack, stroke, impotence, and depression.
Comparable disturbed sleep for sleep partners.

But science is showing the deeper connotations are much more serious. Consequential sleep deprivation can eventually cause brain damage, with reduced gray matter density. Sleep scientists assert that sleep apnea sufferers’ brains eventually lose ability to rejuvenate and maintain plasticity, meaning accelerated aging of the brain. (more…)

Deadly Tooth Decay?

Posted October 4, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

When was the last time you had a cavity? Many people today—adults in particular—cannot distinctly recall the last time they had one. Fortunately, resources for taking care of our teeth are better than ever…

Many water supplies have adequate fluoride to strengthen teeth against decay.
New technology and materials have improved toothbrushes, floss, and other home care tools.
Superior oral rinses that kill harmful bacteria and protect teeth are available over the counter.

Can you imagine how bad oral care must have been thousands, or even hundreds, of years ago? Scientists say, the famous Egyptian emperor, Ramses II, died from heart disease caused by gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease can be deadly if dental hygiene is neglected. But don’t worry. Access to professional dental care is much better than it was in King Ramses’ time. Furthermore, you know that if your gums are red, tender, or bleed, you need to see a dentist, right? (more…)

You Might Be Affected by Bruxism

Posted September 30, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

What is bruxism?

Bruxism, simply put, is when you grind, clench, click, or “drum” your teeth. Anywhere from 10 to 50 percent of the population are affected by it. Most people who engage in this largely involuntary habit do so while asleep. However, plenty of individuals that grind (or clench) their teeth do so while awake. It’s a damaging habit that can cause problems not only with your teeth, but also your gums, your jaw, and even your heart.

So if it’s such a bad habit, why do so many people engage in it? Because bruxism is mostly involuntary, like so many bad habits, the indications often stem from any number of causes. These include:

• Depression.
• Stress.
• Earache.
• Eating disorders.
• Tooth sensitivity.
• Jaw pain.

And these are just a few. The seriousness of this tendency cannot be understated. And whereas most people who have been clenching or grinding their teeth for years would rather they did not, few ever do anything to end the practice. Sadly, it often takes severe consequences to bring about a desire strong enough to lead to action sufficient to break the habit. Since knowledge and awareness help to bring about renewed determination, consider some of the costs: (more…)

What Kind of Brusher Are You?

Posted September 30, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

What kind of tooth brusher are you? Do you scrub vigorously, like you’re scrubbing tile grout to make it gleaming white? Do you spend 5 or 10 minutes to “really do a good job?” Or do you quickly whisk across your teeth, taking less than a minute?

Chances are, no matter how much time you spend brushing your teeth you’re most likely brushing too hard. Nearly 70% of the people that do brush are applying too much pressure. And the problem is much more serious than you might even realize.

There can’t be too much emphasis on the detriment of brushing too hard. The two, immediately obvious problems that will occur from brushing too hard are: (more…)

Sleep Apnea Increases Risk for Dementia in Elderly Women

Posted September 22, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Approximately 10-20% of middle-aged Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Dr. Stewart is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and has extensive training in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

On this blog, we’ve covered the negative effects of sleep disorders, and you may already know that people with sleep apnea are at risk of depression, heart attack, stroke, impotence, low productivity, and forgetfulness. Accidents on the job and behind the wheel are also a serious concern. Researchers now believe that sleep apnea may be linked to dementia, particularly in elderly females. (more…)

Connecting Alzheimer’s to Gum Disease

Posted September 20, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

The number of Americans who have Alzheimer’s disease is 5.4 million, and climbing.

Dr. Stewart and our team observe official World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21^st. It’s the perfect time to inform our patients on the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s. While reserchers have suspected a link for years, scientists at NYU published a study in 2010 that shows how gum inflammation contributes to brain inflammation, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Age and genetics are the primary risk factors for Alzheimer’s, and you have no control over these. However, you do have some control over your oral health. By exercising preventive measures, such as brushing and flossing properly, and by scheduling dental checkups every six months, you will cut down a risk factor for developing not only tooth loss and gum disease, but other systemic problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

At your next checkup, Dr. Stewart and our staff will examine you for periodontal disease and treat accordingly. Alzheimer’s disease ranks 6th in leading causes of death in the United States. If gum disease makes the difference in whether or not you develop a fatal illness, your next dental visit could save your life.

Contact Dr. James Stewart, your family dentist in Livonia, MI, at 734-425-4400, to schedule your checkup today.

The Cold Harsh Facts on Ice and Your Teeth

Posted September 15, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

We have all done it. You leave your favorite restaurant, finish off the drink and start crunching on the ice. Crushed ice or cubed, we seem to be drawn to the frozen liquid in that cup. The problem you may not realize is that chewing on ice can damage your teeth.

Our teeth are covered with enamel, the hardest substance in the body and second hardest natural substance on the earth (next to diamonds). While tooth enamel is very durable, it can be worn away or chip. The acids produced by foods cause tooth enamel to soften for up to two hours. So, eating ice can cause the enamel to chip or wear down.

When tooth enamel is compromised, you can experience increased sensitivity, causing the tooth to react intensely to the cold. The temperature can shock the nerve of the tooth, causing discomfort or pain. (more…)

Sinus Infection or Toothache?

Posted September 13, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

It’s that time of year again. With the kids back to school and the weather changing on us, we are now being forced to face the dreaded cold and allergy season. No matter where you are, people are sniffling, sneezing, and coughing.

Did you know that sinuses and your dental health are connected? Your sinus cavities are closely located near the roots of your maxillary, or upper, teeth. Bad oral health can contribute to sinusitis or a sinus infection. Tooth decay and infections of the gums can cause sinus discomfort and add to, and/or lead to, a sinus infection. Or vice versa, a sinus infection can negatively impact your teeth.

Sinus infections can greatly influence the sensation of the teeth. When you are congested, the sinuses cause pressure on surrounding tissues, which causes discomfort and pain in upper teeth. The pain can be felt anywhere from the incisors to the molars. Sometimes, people aren’t sure whether they have a toothache or sinus congestion. Sinus infections can also cause drainage, which leads to bad breath.

At dental checkups, Dr. Stewart can determine whether your toothache is from a sinus infection or dental problem.

If you are experiencing sinus pressure, or maybe a toothache, contact Dr. James Stewart, your family dentist in Livonia, MI, at 734-425-4400, to schedule your consultation today.

Sweet Tooth vs. Oral Health

Posted September 9, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

A balanced diet is key to overall health, and the USDA’s guidelines encourage us to limit our intake of foods and beverages high in added sugar. No matter the age- young or old- we all get those got-to-have-it cravings for something sweet. If we stop and think about indulging in this sinful treat, however, we typically focus on counting calories rather than the effects on our oral health.

Candy and other sweets have long been connected to cavities. Why is this? As far as your oral health is concerned, it’s not so much what you eat, but how you eat it. Sugar is harmful to your dental health because it sticks to your teeth and turns to acid and plaque that can accumulate at your gum line and lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

Totally avoiding added sugar just isn’t realistic, so the key to indulging in sugary confections is to limit the time your teeth are exposed to the sugar. To do this, eat sweets as a part of a meal instead of as a separate snack. After eating sweets or drinking sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit juice, rinse your mouth with water or consume dairy, such as milk, yogurt, or cheese, to coat your teeth and minimize the accumulation of bacteria. Wait about 30 minutes to brush your teeth any time you eat or drink. Your tooth enamel, the natural protective coating on your teeth, becomes soft when you eat, and waiting half an hour allows it to become hard again so that you don’t damage it or the dentin underneath with aggressive brushing.

For more information on oral health, please contact Dr. James Stewart, a family dentist in Livonia, Michigan, at 734-425-4400.

Chronic Dry Mouth: The Beginning of Bigger Problems

Posted September 6, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

The clinical name for chronic dry mouth is xerostomia. Dry mouth is a symptom, not a disorder, and it will make your mouth will feel cottony or pasty. The problem is, you aren’t producing enough saliva. Commonly, medications cause dry mouth, but other causes include radiation treatment, salivary gland disease, diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, and even emotional stress. Hormone fluctuations, as occur with pregnancy or menopause, can also contribute to dry mouth.

For some people, dry mouth is simply uncomfortable. However, it can lead to other oral health problems. Saliva is an interesting and necessary bodily fluid. It controls bacteria levels, neutralizes acids, and generally cleans the mouth. When inadequate saliva is produced, you may experience increased tooth decay, oral yeast infection, a burning sensation, bad breath, and you’re more prone to developing gum disease. If you wear dentures, they may feel uncomfortable without sufficient saliva to help them adhere to your gums.

You can combat xerostomia by:

Increasing hydration (drinking water)
Using artificial saliva (from a pharmacy)
Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and carbonation in your diet
Chewing sugar-free gum
Using mouthwash without alcohol (more…)