Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Men,Sleep Apnea & the Consequences

Monday, August 31, 2009

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea!

The term "sleep apnea" has beome more commonly mentioned today than ever before. As it is with science we are constantly finding out new information and facts about the diseases that impact our daily lives. Such is the case with Sleep Apnea.
Recently, Dr. Naresh Punjabi, an associate professor of medicine at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine was quoted as saying that in a recent study that "sleep apnea can increase the risk of death by about 40%".
The most obvious symptom of sleep apnea is snoring, but other symptoms may include interrupted breathing and disruption of sleep.
Sleep apnea is more common than most people believe. Many people deny the symptoms of this dangerous disease out of embarrasment! Without treatment it can lead to excessive day time sleepiness and has been shown to increase the risk for automobile accidents.
Men between 40 & 70 are particularly at risk. Sleep Apnea affects approximately one in four men and one in ten women.
If you suffer with Sleep Apnea and have questions about how you can be treated please give us a call at 561-394-9000. We will arrange for a consultation to discuss your concerns and get you started back to have a great nights rest.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Your Pregnancy and Your Periodontal Health

Friday, August 28, 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.

Dental Treatment and Arthritis

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

DENTAL TREATMENT AND ARTHRITIS

A new study from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland has recently shown keeping current with your dental treatment can help reduce the aches and pains of rheumatoid arthritis.

Scientists monitored 40 people with moderate or severe periodontitis and severe rheumatoid arthritis to study the impact of treatments on arthritic pain, which is known to be caused and aggravated by toxins in the body.

This study has shown people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis reported a reduction of pain and symptoms when they resolved their dental problems. When their dental issues were taken care of, along with a course of anti – inflammatory medication, the results showed a reduction of pain and symptoms.

Visiting the dentist should be an important part of our overall health routine. This is especially true as current research shows a potential link between gum disease and not only arthritis, but heart disease, strokes, diabetes and premature births.

Remember, it’s not only your teeth that a regular dental check up is for. Call us today to schedule your appointment with Katherine or Shari.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Where You Live ...Beautiful Teeth?

Monday, August 24, 2009

Recently Totalbeauty.com asked Dr. Irwin Smigel, founder and president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA) and creator of Supersmile what in his opinion makes a beautiful smile?

Dr. Smigel criteria included patients that

1. floss and brush

2.No smoking

3.regular dental visits

4.Minimizing coffee, soda and red wine intake.

He also discussed that the city or climate that one resides in can have an impact. He believes that a dry climate or hard water can stain teeth or create a dry mouth, which can have an impact on your gums.

Totalbeauty.com took the criteria andmade a list of 14 cities that "fell short" on what it takes to have a healthy smile. Check it out at http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/32492885/ns/today-today_fashion_and_beauty?GT1=43001

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Growing Teeth In Mice

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Scientists in Japan have managed to grow new teeth in mice. While this news, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, sounds exciting it doesn’t mean that we can stop flossing just yet. In the study, the researchers developed a ‘bioengineered tooth germ’ and planted them into the jawbones of mice. The teeth grew and developed nerve fibers. And the mice had not problem eating with these new teeth.

This research is a step in the right direction for replacing missing teeth but even if this futuristic idea comes to pass how many people would want to wait with a missing tooth waiting for a new one to grow in.

Implants are the best option today for replacing missing teeth. A properly placed and restored implant looks like and feels like a natural tooth. Your smile remains intact and you can continue to eat the foods you like. You can learn more about implants on our website http://www.drmogell.com/serv_implants.htm.

Our teeth must be protected and properly cared for to last a lifetime. If you have lost or are in danger of losing a tooth, talk to our team about your options. Dental implants are a long term option for restoring the smile that nature intended. Call us for an appointment to discuss your concerns at 561-394-9000.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Not So Fast My Friends!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Not So Fast My Friends
Bill Cosby, Robert Klein, Steve Martin, Harvey Korman and Tim Conway…what do they have in common? They all have taken their collective comedic genius to allow us to look at the lighter side of dentistry. Honestly, I too have laughed at their routines with a degree of discomfort. Nobody truly likes having to sit in a dental chair to have a dental procedure performed. Nevertheless I still laugh every time I see Steve Martin perform as the sadistic dental ‘professional’ in Little Shop of Horrors. I can sing and hum the song he sings for day after hearing it! With that in mind I sometime object to the way dentists are portrayed on the big and little screen. Not that I can't laugh at what I do for a living. No not that at all, but for how it negative impacts and feeds on the fear of those already terrified of going to the dentist. I am amazed at how often patients relate how their perceptions of a dental visit have been shaped by a television program or a movie.
Today dentistry is not just about fixing a broken tooth or filling a cavity. We now know that the impact of gum disease, periodontal disease, can and is directly related to heart disease, stroke, low both weight babies and diabetes; and the list continues to grow. Of course the cosmetic aspects of dentistry have been well documented but so are the comedic skits about someone missing their front teeth.
Recently on The View, Whoopi Goldberg had the extraordinary courage to admit her dental fears on national television. Of course being the funny person she is, there were laughs, albeit nervous ones, but she got down right open about the seriousness of dental disease and the need for everyone to take it seriously.
I congratulate Whoopi for her bravery to not only admit her fear but to get the appropriate treatment for her disease. If you should have any question about the serious nature that dental disease can have, please give us at call at 561-394-9000 to arrange for an examination and consultation to have your questions answered.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Mourning the Loss of a Tooth!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Mourning the Loss of a Tooth!
What a terrible experience it is to lose a tooth. The feelings that have been expressed to me over the years have ranged from frustration to embarrassment to ambivalence to disappointment. I too lost a tooth; right in the front of my mouth! I even had my temporary bridge break and had to go around for 3 days without a front tooth. Nice, the cosmetic dentist toothless!
While it is never a pleasant situation to have to have a tooth removed fortunately with the scientific advanced in dentistry replacement has become highly successful with dental implants. Without sounding too cliché, a 99% success rate is occurring. At the same time, of course failures do occur; it happened to me! Yes me, but I now have an incredibly strong solid implant that functions as a normal tooth as a part of my beautiful smile!
Dental implants are made of a highly specially prepared titanium surface that once place into the jaw attracts bone to grow into and around the implant so that the implant become imbedded as part of the bone. Look gone are the days where we have to wait 6 months after placing the implant to put a 'cap' on the implant. Often a 'cap' can be placed within 2-3 months some times even immediately after placing the implant a temporary 'cap' can be used.
The best that dentistry has to offer today for a missing tooth are implants. Certainly removable partial denture, complete dentures and bridge are still viable options. But for longevity and function the closest thing to having your own tooth is an implant.
We can answer any of your questions regarding your missing teeth and how a dental implant can be made an affordable alternative to helping you maintain your healthy mouth. Please call us at 561-394-9000 to arrange an appointment.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Why a Veneer or Crown?

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

What is the difference between Crowns and Veneers?

We make beautiful smiles a reality with both crowns and veneers. What is the difference? Which is better? Both are used to correct many different dental issues, but both are not always right for your individual problem.

A veneer is a thin shell of ceramic porcelain that is bonded to the front of your tooth. It is primarily used to correct the color, the shape, the size, or to correct the position of a tooth. There are many good reasons to choose veneers. They include:
· Misaligned teeth
· Gaps between your teeth
· Chipped and cracked teeth
· Stained teeth
· Misshaped teeth
· Worn down teeth
If you have more of a cosmetic issue with your teeth, then veneers are the better choice for you. They can be color matched to your existing teeth, are stain resistant, and less tooth is removed when they are prepared. The veneer is bonded to the surface of the tooth and is permanent.

The other alternative is a crown. Crowns differ from veneers as they fit completely over the tooth. A crown is usually used when a stronger restoration is needed. A crown is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. There are also crowns made completely of porcelain. Which one is used depends on the placement and other factors particular to your bite. Crowns are very strong and help strengthen the underplaying tooth that is weak or damaged. They are also stain resistant.
If you are interested in either veneers to change your smile or crowns to repair your smile, please call the office for a consultation at

561-394-9000. We can discuss with you what the best is for you so we can “Make your smile a beautiful reality!”

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Why Teeth Get Darker!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Why Are My Teeth Darker?
There are many reasons why our teeth change colors and appear darker over time. When our teeth darken, it can not only make us self conscious of our smile, but can also affect our self confidence and self esteem. Over the years, our teeth darken for many reasons.

The most common reasons are:
*As we age, the enamel wears away and becomes thinner. The inner layer, dentin, is exposed which is darker in color.
*There are medications we take that can cause our teeth to darken. Tetracycline was a common antibiotic given in the past to children. It is used less often now as we understand its repercussions for our teeth.
*While we encourage the daily use of fluoride, over use can have a negative effect. If you fail to brush your teeth well after using fluoride, plaque is likely to stick to the fluoride and stain your teeth.
*One factor we cannot control is heredity. Some families just have darker teeth due to thinner enamel.
*What we eat and drink. When we drink dark liquids, red wine, coffee or tea, on a regular basis our teeth can stain or darken. They can also cause microscopic cracks in the enamel. If you are a soda drinker, the acid from the soda can dissolve the enamel resulting in exposure of the dentin underneath.
*Smoking or using tobacco of any kind can cause a yellow or orange stain.
*Poor oral hygiene

No matter why you are experiencing darker teeth, you do not have to live with dark colored teeth. There are ways we can whiten your teeth and bring back that beautiful white smile you always wanted or remembered. Call us today to set up an appointment at 561-394-9000 to discuss how we can help you attain that beautiful smile you always wanted.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Flossing Might Affect Your Memory

Monday, August 10, 2009

How many times can you hear it from your dentist about the importance of flossing?

We speak to our patient's all the time about how brushing and flossing your teeth will help to prevent periodontal disease and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke! Well now it looks like there is another reason for your dentist to nag at you about flossing!

Researchers at West Virginia University School of Dentistry have found that a clean mouth may help preserve memory! The school has documented in their group population they are studying that 23% of the elderly in their study suffers from mild to moderate memory loss. Dr. Richard Crout, D.M.D., PhD., an associate dean for research at WVU School of Dentistry is participating in a $1.3 million grant from the National Institute of Health to study the relationships between dental health and Alzheimer's Disease. Dr. Crout stated; "older people might want to know there is more reason to keep their mouths clean-to brush and floss-than ever."

If you have not had your teeth clean professionally by a dental hygienist recently please give our office a call at 561-394-9000 to arrange an appointment. We will provide at that appointment with the necessary skills to maintain your ultimate dental health between dental visits. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Teenagers & Sleep Apnea

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, have identified two key factors in sleep apnea in teenagers.

Using an x-ray technique commonly used by orthodontists the researchers at Case Western studied a group of teens to determine if they were likely to suffer from the condition. The technique will be used for earlier diagnosis for sleep apnea in teens before they become adults.

Sleep apnea is a condition which can have potentially serious consequences. People with sleep apnea can stop breathing for 10 to 30 seconds at a time, as many as 400 times a night. Most sleep apneas are the result of something blocking the passage of windpipe of the throat that brings air into the body.

In a recent study, the X-rays correctly identified 70 percent of teens with sleep apnea. Dr. Hans of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland says, "When you identify chronic illness early and treat it early, you really prevent more long-term problems."

Case School of Medicine pediatric pulmonologist and sleep specialist Carol Rosen, says the X-rays would help. "This would add another feature that we would look for in our evaluation."

If you are concerned that your teenager may be predisposed to sleep apnea, please call us to arrange to screen them. We can be reached at 561-394-9000.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Hormones and Periodontal Disease

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Did you know that hormones affect the gums, and women are particularly susceptible to periodontal problems? Hormone influenced gingivitis appears in some adolescents, in some pregnant women and is occasionally a side effect of birth control medications.

Before menstruation gingivitis may flare up, in some women a few days before the menstruation, when progesterone levels are high. Gum inflammation may also occur during ovulation.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can aggravated existing gingivitis, which typically worsens around the second month and reaches a peak in the eight month. Pregnancy does not cause gum disease. Any pregnancy related gingivitis usually resolves within a few months of delivery. Periodontal disease can increase the risk for low weight infants and cause other complications, it is important for pregnant women to see a dentist.

Some studies report that oral contraception's containing the synthetic progesterone desogestrel increase the likelihood of periodontal disease.

Estrogen deficiency after menopause reduces bone mineral density, which can lead to bone loss. Bone loss is associated with both periodontal diseases and osteoporosis. Bone loss in the alveolar bone (which holds the teeth in place maybe a major predictor of tooth loss in postmenopausal women. Periodontal disease is the major cause of alveolar bone loss. During menopause some women may also develop a rare condition called menopausal gingivostomatitis in which the gums are dry, shiny and bleed easily. Women may also experience abnormal tastes and sensation such as salty, spicy, acidic, and burning in the mouth.

If you have any questions, please call our office for an appt. to see Katherine or Shari at 561-394-9000.
Lea P Goldstein, C.D.A

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.