Are You Falling Asleep During the Day?
If you or someone you know falls asleep during the day, or snores loudly or has interrupted breathing while sleeping, it may be sleep apnea. The usual treatment for sleep apnea has been the bulky CPAP device. A patient is fitted with a machine that forces a continuous stream of air into the patient’s nose or mouth during sleep. However, many people find this uncomfortable and they can no longer wear the mask.
If you have sleep apnea and can’t use a CPAP machine, dentistry now has new treatment options such as oral appliances. These appliances are small acrylic devices that fit the upper and lower teeth much like an orthodontic retainer or mouthguard. They gently realign your tongue and jaw, which opens the airway and allows more air flow as you sleep. They are easy to wear and clean and are convenient for travel. These have worked well for over 90% of those who use them and are an excellent alternative to CPAP machines. If you snore or a physician has given you a sleep apnea diagnosis, give us a call today to learn more.
Siranli Dental
Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD, FACP
2112 F St. NW, Suite 605
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 466-4530
SiranliDental.com
CrownsA crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken.
The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org
Siranli Dental Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD, FACP2112 F St. NW, Suite 605Washington, DC 20037(202) 466-4530SiranliDental.com
How To Get Rid Of Cold SoresIt’s easy to get them confused, but cold sores are not the same as canker sores. Cold sores are red blisters that appear on the lips as a result of infection with the herpes simplex virus. They almost never occur inside the mouth and they are not associated with gum disease. By contrast, canker sores, which are not associated with herpes or gum disease, almost always occur inside the mouth.
Usually, cold sores last for seven to 10 days, after which time the pus-filled blisters will rupture and ooze. Fortunately, cold sores usually heal without leaving scars. Most cold sores will resolve without treatment, but you can apply a topical medication such as lidocaine or benzyl alcohol to relieve pain and itching.
If you develop a cold sore, avoid skin-to-skin contact. And don’t share razors, eating utensils, or towels-those are other ways the infection spreads to other people. If you have frequent cold sores, or a cold sore that doesn’t go away after seven to 10 days, talk to your doctor.
It can be hard to reduce the risk of cold sores, but it certainly won’t hurt to maintain a consistent personal hygiene routine including regular hand washing. Also, using a lip balm with sun block throughout the year, not just during the summer, can help prevent cold sores, too.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Siranli Dental Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD, FACP2112 F St. NW, Suite 605Washington, DC 20037(202) 466-4530SiranliDental.com
Reduce the Risk
You don’t hear about it often, but oral cancer causes one American death each hour. This mortality rate hasn’t changed in 40 years. However, there is some good news. Early detection means a 90% cure rate!
That’s why we conduct visual screenings for oral cancer at each six-month checkup or cleaning. This examination includes all of the soft tissues of your mouth, as well as your throat, neck, and head.
If the hygienist or doctors see anything that causes concern, they’ll refer you to an oral surgeon. This type of screening could literally be lifesaving!
Siranli Dental
Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD, FACP
2112 F St. NW, Suite 605
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 466-4530
SiranliDental.com
What Is Oral Thrush?Oral thrush, also known as candidiasis, can occur in anyone of any age, from babies to the elderly. Oral thrush is a condition that occurs when a fungus called candida albicans builds up on the lining of the mouth. The result is white lesions on the tongue or inner cheeks.
Oral thrush can sometimes be confused with leukoplakia. But leukoplakia lesions are caused by chronic irritation from rough edges on teeth, fillings or crowns, not by an organism. And leukoplakia lesions develop over time, while thrush lesions may develop suddenly. A thrush infection can spread and involve the roof of the mouth and the gums, where it can cause symptoms such as redness and irritation. See your dentist if you have any type of lesions on your tongue or in your mouth so you can determine the cause of the problem and plan a course of treatment. The goal in treating thrush is to stop the infection from spreading.
Healthy babies and children may not need treatment-the lesions may resolve on their own. Sometimes adding yogurt to you or your child’s diet may do the trick and reset the bacterial imbalance caused by the excess amount of the thrush fungus.
People with HIV or other immunosuppressive illness are at increased risk for the infection to spread. If you are in this category, your doctor or dentist may recommend an antifungal medication.
To prevent thrush from occurring or recurring, follow a consistent oral health care routine, and try to include yogurt with live, active cultures in your diet, especially if you take antibiotics for a chronic condition. Frequent use of antibiotics can promote the growth of the Candida fungus because they upset the natural mixture of microorganisms in the body.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Siranli Dental Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD, FACP2112 F St. NW, Suite 605Washington, DC 20037(202) 466-4530SiranliDental.com
WhiteningWhen it comes to getting a whiter and brighter smile, there are a variety of teeth-whitening products you can try. Your main options are in-office and at-home bleaching. Before starting any whitening treatment, you should speak with your dentist. Your dentist will tell you what, if any, whitening procedures will work best for you.
The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org
Siranli Dental Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD, FACP2112 F St. NW, Suite 605Washington, DC 20037(202) 466-4530SiranliDental.com
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria on the tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque, a naturally occurring biofilm containing bacteria, can lead to gingivitis if not removed by daily brushing.
Who Can Get Gingivitis?Gingivitis is quite prevalent. But while almost 80% of adults will experience some symptoms of gingivitis, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inevitable. It’s important to note that occasionally there might be no noticeable pain or apparent signs, leaving people unaware that they have it. That’s another good reason to schedule regular checkups with your dental professional every six months so he or she can identify it and suggest treatment options.
Gingivitis SymptomsSome symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Chronic gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and chronic bad breath. If these symptoms persist, it's important to talk with your dental professional to determine the best treatment. In the meantime, learn what you can do to protect against gingivitis.
To read the entire article visit OralB.com.
Siranli Dental Samantha Siranli, DMD, PhD, FACP2112 F St. NW, Suite 605Washington, DC 20037(202) 466-4530SiranliDental.com
