Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Monday, June 29, 2009

Do You Snore?

Often our society makes a comedic act out of snoring; and does a great job of making us laugh at ourselves.
Funny as it may seem snoring is a very serious issue that we need to pay much more attention to.
Frequently snoring is related to a Sleep Apnea. This is when during sleep an individual literally stops breathing for a short period of time, maybe 10 seconds.
Snoring is factually a partial obstruction of your airway!

Today 17% of adults in the United States have been diagnosed with some form of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). For every person who receives treatment for OSA, there are 20 who are undiagnosed. Frighteningly, 24% of OSA patients have reported falling asleep while driving at least once a week.

As a dentist, our role is to help screen our patients and make them aware of the potential consequences of not being diagnosed and treated. If you have been diagnosed, GREAT! If you are not able to wear a CPAP, oral appliances are available to treat your sleep disorder.
Please give us a call to schedule an appointment for screening Obstructive Sleep Apnea. We can be reached at 561-394-9000.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Don't Ignore Clenching your Teeth

Thursday, June 25, 2009

BRUXISM

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, clenching of your teeth. This condition can affect children and adults. People with bruxism unconsciously clench their teeth during the day, often when they feel anxious or tense. Clenching or grinding that occurs at night is called sleep bruxism. Adults are either daytime or nighttime bruxer"s, where children are at night.

Bruxism maybe mild and may not even require treatment. Others that do it frequently and severe enough then that can lead to TMJ disorders, and damage your teeth. People with sleep bruxism usually aren't aware of the habit, so they aren't diagnosed till a problem occurs. It's important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and have regular dental care.

Symptoms and signs of bruxism to look for:

- teeth grinding or clenching
- teeth that are worn down
- increased tooth sensitivity
- TMJ jaw pain or tightness in jaw muscles
- earache
- headache
- chronic facial pain
- chewing tissue on the inside of the cheek

Please call us for any appointment to have a complete examination at 561-394-9000. Bruxism is a serious disease that should not be ignored!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Get rid of numbness faster!

Monday, June 22, 2009

NUMBNESS GO AWAY!

One of the biggest complaints that patient's discuss is how long they remain numb after being given anesthesia for a dental procedure. The length of time that the 'fat lip' remains is variable depending on one's individual metabolism. I often relate to our patient's that if you exercise sometime after completing your dental appointment that the increase in your heart rate will help your body overcome the effects of the anesthetic.

There is now a new alternative to accelerate the return to normal sensations and function after routine dental procedures. ORAVERSE is administered like a typical dental injection and claims to bring back normal sensation in half the normal time.

If this is something that you are interested in having after your dental appointment, please let us know so we can be sure to have ORAVERSE available for you!
If you have any questions regarding ORAVERSE, please give us a call at 561-394-9000!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Hand Sanitizers

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Hand Sanitizers----Good or Bad?

With the Swine Flu in the media all day and every day the question of prevention comes up. We all know about hand sanitizers, but do we really know if they are good or bad?

The answer is---they are good. There is not a lot of research data that actually shows how effective hand sanitizers are against viruses. The main studies over the years have focused on the basics, which is washing your hands with soap and water. These studies have found that this is the best way to avoid catching a cold or flu. If you just can't be near a sink during the day, then hand sanitizers are the second best offense.

What hand sanitizers do is make your hands less hospitable to bacteria and viruses. When you put it on your hands, viruses and bacteria just don't want to cling to them. So it does reduce the amount you are exposed to but hand sanitizers do not kill viruses or bacteria.

The next question always is about causing antibiotic resistance down the road when using the hand sanitizers regularly. There have been many studies on this and so far the conclusion has been no, no antibiotic resistance has been shown.

Still to best protect yourself from exposure, avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose as much as possible. If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve. If you're sick, stay home and avoid close contact with others. Some viruses can live for hours on surfaces such as ATMs, doorknobs, even money.

So be methodical about good hygiene, all year long! Remember that the number of 2009 Swine Flu cases will most likely decrease over the summer months because viruses just don’t survive that well in the heat. But in the fall and winter, we're all going to have to remember that a new flu strain is likely and we need to be extra careful so we don't catch it.

Please call us to schedule your next appointment with us and be sure to ask us about any new information we may be able to provide you about flu symptoms or treatments.

Faith Tracey, R.D.H.,B.S.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Pregnancy, Periodntal Disease and Your Baby!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Many studies have shown the relationship between gum disease and premature birth, low birth weight and infant mortality. Women, especially those who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should aim for optimal dental health. Women who have periodontal disease that is not treated may be up to seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early or too small.

In response to this need to fight gum disease in women, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida have awarded a $100,000 grant to the Orange County health department to provide dental care to women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Kudos to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida for assisting these uninsured women and helping them have healthier babies.

Please let our team know if you are planning a pregnancy or if you are pregnant. We want to help ensure that you and your baby are the healthiest that you can be during this most important time. Please be sure to have your teeth cleaned during your pregnancy. You can contact us at 561-394-9000 to arrange an appointment to ensure the upmost periodontal health during your pregnancy.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Have a Cavity?

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

So You Have A Cavity

You came in for your exam and check up and we found a cavity. Of course you made your appointment to have it restored, but do you really know what a cavity is?

A cavity is really dental caries which is a bacterial disease process that damages hard tooth structure. The bacteria invade the enamel, cementum and dentin. These are the layers of the tooth, starting from the outside--enamel and progressing to the inside; dentin.

The two types of bacteria that cause cavities are Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli. These are acid producing bacteria that can cause damage to the tooth when fermentable carbohydrates are present. Fermentable carbohydrates are sucrose, fructose, and glucose. (In plain terms most forms of sugars.) All cavities occur when carbohydrates and sugars or starch in the foods we eat are left on our teeth after meals or snacks. This results in decay.

More than 95% of trapped food is left packed between teeth after your meals. However, 80% of cavities develop on the biting surface of your teeth. The biting surface is irregular and this is where most decay occurs.

So what can you do? Follow Katherine and Shari's dental hygiene tips and instructions. Also, see them on a regular three to four month recall so an examination of the biting surface can be done. Any cavities will then be found when they are small and easy to restore. Remember, the longer the cavity is left undetected, the bigger and harder it is to fill and the costlier for you.

Call us today to schedule an appointment with Katherine or Shari. Ask them about how you can prevent cavities. You'll be glad you did! We can be reached at 561-394-9000.

Faith Tracey, R.D.H., B.S.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

"JUST A CLEANING?"

Friday, June 05, 2009

'I want to make an appointment for just a cleaning'

I hear this phrase all the time when patients call to schedule their check up and exam with Katherine or Shari. Well, this appointment is more than 'just a cleaning' and more than 'just routine.'

Recent research has proven that regular dental prophylaxis 'cleaning' appointments are more prevention than routine. Of course they are a prevention for periodontal disease, but more importantly they are prevention appointments for far more serious health issues.

There are numerous studies that show the connection between periodontal disease and heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and low birth weights. How can this all be connected? The bacteria found in your mouth are also associated with periodontal disease and these medical conditions. Remember there are over 300 different types of bacteria found in your mouth.

During the prophylaxis 'cleaning' appointment Katherine or Shari will scale or remove the bacteria that have accumulated on your teeth. This will not only restore your gums and mouth to good health but can also help contribute to better overall health.

If it has been awhile since we have seen you, please call our office to make an appointment to see either Katherine or Shari. They would be happy to explain further this dental/medical connection!

Oh, by the way, you0 can still ask for a cleaning appointment. Just ask for Faith, I will know what you mean! Call us 561-394-9000 to arrange an appointment.

Faith Tracey, R.D.H., B.S.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Osteoporosis and Dentistry

Monday, June 01, 2009

So just what does osteoporosis and ostopenia have to do with dentistry? Many people with these conditions are prescribed medications call biphosphonates. Boniva, Fosamax, Actonel and Reclast are examples of these drugs. Studies indicate that these drugs help reduce the chance of broken bones in patients by reducing bone loss and increasing bone density.

Some news reports have cause alarm and confusion for patients taking these biphosphonates. These news stories reported on some patients who developed a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is a rare, but serious condition that can cause severe damage to the jawbone.

The vast majority of patients diagnosed with this condition are cancer patients who have received repeated high doses of biophosphonate drugs through IV infusion. A small percentage were patients taking pills by mouth for the treatment of their osteoporosis.

Your chance of developing this condition is extremely small. However, we do ask that you tell us if you have been prescribed these or any other new medication not included on your medical history. Good oral hygiene and careful monitoring are your best way to help prevent and reduce your risk for these types of side effects.

Remember, your doctor has prescribed these medication to treat a specific condition and the benefits, according to current research, greatly outweighs the low risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw. Please feel free to ask us any questions you might have regarding your treatment for osteoporosis and your oral health. You can contact us at 561-394-900 to arrange an appointment for a comprehensive examination.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.