Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

We care about your skin too!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

PROTECT YOUR SKIN

Summer is approaching!!!!!! Parents are anxious to let their little ones frolic in the sun. Locals are waiting to have the golf course to themselves. Many are visiting their drug stores to find a suitable sunscreen. The problem is, there are so many ingredients in so many sunscreens it could leave one guessing which is best. You should know, there are two types of sunscreens. First, there are chemical sunscreens which absorb ultraviolet rays. Some chemical sunscreens block UVA and some block UVB. Second, there are physical blockers which deflect the rays (both UVA and UVB) rather than absorb them. Below are some helpful tips recommended by Dermatologists:

1. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (spf) of 15 or higher.
2. Look for the following ingredients on the label to ensure broadspectrum UV coverage
(CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS)
oxybenzone,octyl methoxycinnamate, cinoxate, octyl salicylate, avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule (Mexoryl SX).
(PHYSICAL BLOCKERS)
titanium dioxide or zinc oxide
3. Use a water resistant sunscreen

Most chemical sunscreens are not very stable in the sun therefore, dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen every two to three hours. Avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. These are the hours when the sun is the most intense. For those who have sensitive skin, sunscreen should contain only the physical sunscreen ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. There is minimal benefit to using an SPF over 30. Consumers should remember that the SPF number only reflects the products screening ability for UVB rays. At present, there is not an FDA approved rating system to measure UVA protection.

A special note to golfers: Lips get sunburned also. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your lips. Most of the body is covered by clothing and a hat however the lips are the least protected especially the lower lip. Not all lip moisturizers contain sunscreen be sure your lip moisturizer contains sunscreen.

Remember: Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Got Tooth Sensitivity?

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

TOOTH SENSITIVITY

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects
millions of people. Tooth sensitivity is tooth
discomfort in one or more teeth that is triggered by
hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and drinks, or even by
breathing cold air.
Tooth Sensitivity is caused when the underlying layer
of your teeth – the dentin – becomes exposed as a
result of receding gum tissue. Your gums can recede
due to many things. Brushing too hard or using a hard
bristle toothbrush is the most common cause for your
gums to recede and the root surface to be exposed.
Other factors that cause tooth sensitivity are:
• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Whitening products
• Your age
• Plaque build up
• Toothpaste with baking soda or peroxide
• Long term use of some mouthwashes

The best way to reduce or prevent tooth sensitivity is
to floss and brush using a soft bristle toothbrush.
The use of desensitizing toothpaste (Sensodyne) and
flouride also may help. If you feel you grind or
clench your teeth, an orthotic may be needed to wear
at night.
If you are experienceing tooth sensitivity give us a call at 561-394-9000 or ask us on
your next visit how we can help you!

Faith A. Tracey

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Gecko's New High-Tech Bandage

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Gecko’s Feet Inspire New High-Tech Bandage

Geckos, they are a part of our everyday life. We see them in our gardens, walkways, and sometimes in our houses. They can be a nuisance, but they are now an inspiration for a new medical product that could help surgical patients heal better and may even one day replace sutures.

Geckos have tiny hairs on their feet that provide an amazing amount of sticking power, as we have seen when they run up the side of our houses. This suction power has been imitated in an adhesive that someday will be used to close surgical wounds inside the body. It will be an internal “Band-Aid.” This new bandage will also incorporate antibiotics or other drugs and will dissolve, at a controlled rate, on the inside of the body.

This product will be particularly useful with laparoscopic surgeries, where the incision is very tiny. Sutures in this type of surgery are difficult to place in such a small area. Current medical adhesives are difficult to work with and become brittle over time. The gecko inspired adhesive will be a good replacement as it will stay stuck even in wet places inside the body. It is our hope in the dental field that this discovery will help us to more effectively deliver antibiotics in periodontal disease.

Researchers feel the gecko inspired bandages will be in clinical trials within two to five years.
Please contact us at 561-394-9000 if you are over due to have your teeth cleaned!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

SLEEP APNEA AND DIABETES

Monday, March 17, 2008

SLEEP APNEA AND DIABETES

Think eight hours of sleep is just for kids? Think again. Research at Johns Hopkins University shows that adults who sleep for five hours or less a night, or get poor quality sleep, are at a higher risk of developing Type II diabetes. Lack of sleep may increase the release of glucose from the liver, and poor sleep quality may increase hormones that also increase the level of glucose in the blood. The rise in glucose levels can not only make you gain weight, but also increase your chances in becoming insulin resistant.

One major cause of interrupted sleep is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where the tissues in the back of the mouth and throat block the airway and cause pauses in breathing throughout the night. Sleep apnea is very dangerous. Not only does it affect your blood glucose levels, it can also contribute to stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure.

Studies also show that having Type II diabetes increases your risk for sleep apnea. The exact cause is not entirely clear, but it appears to be related to obesity. The more weight a person gains, the more tissue develops around the airway, possibly causing blockages that interrupt breathing and sleep.

Some symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Waking up and feeling tired after a night of sleep
Snoring loudly
Tossing and turning during sleep
Gasping or choking during sleep
Having headaches in the morning or at night
Having heartburn at night

Treating sleep apnea can give you more energy and improve your glycemic control, which would reduce your chances of getting Type II diabetes. These are two great reasons to discuss any sleep problems you may have with your doctor.

Katherine Danias, R.D.H ., BA,

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

A Healthy Gum-Ption

Friday, March 14, 2008

A HEALTHY GUM-PTION
Enjoy these foods and beverages that have shown to promote good oral health
GREEN TEA: University of Illinois- Chicago researchers found that drinking green tea reduced the number of bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. In a separate study. Pace University scientists found that flavorids a compound in green tea, work with the germ killers in toothpaste and mouthwash, boosting their effectiveness at warding off viruses and preventing cavities.
BLACK TEA: A study by the Vivekananda Institute reported in 2005 that people who drank black tea for one year had a reduced risk of developing oral cancer.
CRANBERRY JUICE: Researchers at the University of Rochester have shown that cranberry juice helps to stop bacteria from sticking to teeth, thereby preventing the formation of plaque, which is a cause of tooth decay.
RAISINS: In 2005, University of Illinois-Chicago researchers found that two compounds in raisins were successful In fighting bacteria in the mouth that causes cavities and gum disease
Enjoy these foods and beverages that have shown to promote good oral health
If you have any questions regarding your periodontal and dental health
please call our office at 561-394-9000

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Do You Grind Your Teeth While You Sleep?

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Do you grind your teeth while you sleep? Well research is now showing that people who grind there teeth at night may also be experiencing sleep apnea! Oksenberg & Arons at the Sleep Disorders Unit of Loewenstein Hospital-Rehabilitation Center in Israel have shown that obstructive sleep apnea was among the greatest risk factor for tooth sleep grinding, bruxism. The results of this study suggested that when sleep bruxism is related to sleep apnea, the successful treatment of these breathing abnormalities through CPAP or a dental oral device may eliminate bruxism during sleep.
If you think you may be experiencing grinding of your teeth at night or sleep apnea please call us for an appointment to evaluate your symptoms at 561-394-9000

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.