Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Fuzzy Feeling Teeth?

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Fuzzy kittens like Nikita (on the right) are cute. Fuzzy teeth are not so cute. Why do your teeth feel fuzzy sometimes and how can you prevent it?

Dental plaque is the reason your teeth feel like they are wearing socks. What is dental plaque? Well, here are the facts on plaque and how it affects your oral health.

Plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Plaque forms when foods containing carbohydrates come in contact with our teeth. When we eat something containing carbohydrates like sugar or starch, the bacteria that live in our mouths have a party.

The carbs serve as food for the oral bacteria and a by-product of the bacterial feeding frenzy are acids. These acids can destroy tooth enamel leading to cavities and the plaque can also form under the gum line damaging the gums and breaking down the bone that supports the teeth.

Preventing plaque means keeping up with your oral hygiene. You have to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Flossing is not optional, to keep bacteria in check you must floss at least once a day between all teeth. Professional dental cleanings need to be scheduled every six months (more often if you have gum disease).
Eating a healthy diet and limiting snacking can also help keep plaque from taking over your teeth. Raw vegetables, yogurt, cheese and fruit are all healthy choices that also great for your smile.

If your teeth are feeling "fuzzy" it is time to make the call. Contact us today at 561-394-9000 to schedule your next visit to Dr. Mogell's South Palm Beach County office.

Labels: oral hygiene

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Is Red Bull Rotting Your Teeth?

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Energy drinks like Red Bull may be damaging our teeth. These energy drinks have become a big business in our over-scheduled, sleep deprived lives. Most of us start the day with a cup of coffee, or two, or three... and as the day goes on we may reach for an energy drink.

Facts About How Energy Drinks Rot Your Teeth

All of the drinks like Red Bull and Monster have very high acidity levels which erode tooth enamel. The change in the pH levels of your mouth also allow bacteria to flourish. Bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Most of these drinks are loaded with sugar just like soft drinks. The sugar serves as food for the bacteria that now abounds in the mouth.

Too much caffeine can cause you to lose calcium in your urine. Bones and teeth suffer when calcium levels are too low.

Caffeine is a common stimulant in these drinks and it can cause your mouth to dry out. Dehydration or dry mouth increases the chances of tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath!

You don't need to completely avoid these drinks just follow some simple precautions. Before using any of these drinks you should check with your physician to see if they are right for you. Limit your intake of energy drinks, use the sugar-free ones if possible. Use a straw and rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming your energy drink but wait about an hour before brushing. Because the enamel has been weakened, brushing immediately could cause further damage. Chew sugar free gum with xylitol to help increase saliva production.

Don't forget to share your energy drink consumption with your dental hygienist at your next cleaning appointment. A special fluoride toothpaste may be just what you need to avoid Red Bull rot. Please contact us at 561-394-9000 if you are experiencing pain or sensitivity.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Fibromyalgia May Be Linked to Poor Sleep

Monday, January 09, 2012

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome with symptoms including long term pain throughout the body with increased muscle and joint tenderness. Research from Norway suggests that poor sleep may increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia in women. According to the study the risk of fibromyalgia increased with more severe sleep problems. The connection appears stronger among women who were past middle age as compared to younger women.

About 5 million people in the US suffer from fibromyalgia and most are women. Prior scientific studies have shown that waking at night, fatigue and insomnia are common in people with the condition. This study shows that the sleep problems occur before the patients develop fibromyalgia. Dr. Paul Mork explained "Our findings indicate a strong association between sleep disturbance and fibromyalgia risk in adult women. We found a dose-response relation, where women who often reported sleep problems had a greater risk of fibromyalgia than those who never experienced sleep problems."

While many people suffer from insomnia or waking at night, others suffer sleep disturbances because of their bed partner's sleep problems. Loud snoring or the snoring and gasping sounds of a bed partner with sleep apnea provide continual interruptions throughout the night for both parties. The big difference is the partner with sleep apnea doesn't remember the wakings but the exhausted spouse can detail the night all too clearly.
If a bed partner's sleep issues are affecting your health it is time to get a diagnosis and put a stop to the snoring once and for all. Not everyone that snores has obstructive sleep apnea but an oral appliance created by Boca Raton sleep medicine dentist Dr. Kenneth A. Mogell can quiet that snore and allow an open, quiet airway all night long. For more information please contact us at 561-394-9000 today.

Labels: fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, snoring

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

High Blood Pressure and Oral Health

Friday, January 06, 2012

High blood pressure affects about one-third of adults in the United States and blood pressure medications to control it are among the most common prescriptions written. Blood pressure medications need to be taken but some can affect the patients oral health.

Blood pressure meds are among the types of both prescription and over the counter medications that can cause dry mouth.

If you are taking medications for your blood pressure you should be aware that some can cause a condition known as xerostomia or dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when the production of saliva slows down. Since we rely on our saliva to help wash food particles and bacteria from our teeth you may be more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping the mouth moist by sipping water or chewing sugarless gum can help. There are also saliva substitutes that can be purchased or prescription substitutes may be needed in severe cases.

It is very important to keep regular dental hygiene appointments if you are experiencing dry mouth. Please contact Dr. Kenneth A. Mogell in Boca Raton, FL at 561-394-9000 today to schedule your next visit.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Untreated OSA Causes Health Problems

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Many patients who suffer from OSA leave their condition untreated which is a dangerous choice.OSA stands for obstructive sleep apnea and sufferers stop breathing many times each night because their airways collapse and they stop breathing during sleep. Signs of OSA include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring and gasping during sleep. It has been estimated that almost 90% of people who suffer from this disease have not been diagnosed.

Researchers in India found that OSA patients were three times more likely to suffer from obesity, hypertension, diabetes and a condition called hyperlipidemia. People who hae hyperlipidemia have high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The results of the study strongly suggest that sleep disordered breathing such as OSA is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome.

Weight loss has been shown to lessen the severity of OSA but we all know how difficult it is and how long it takes. When OSA is diagnosed the first therapy offered to patients is typically CPAP. Many patients find sleeping with the device difficult and abandon the machine and treatment of their OSA.

A highly effective treatment that is not as well known is oral appliance therapy from a dentist who is specially trained in Dental Sleep Medicine. An oral appliance is a small mouthpiece worn during sleep that allows the airway to remain open. Oral appliances reduce or eliminate snoring and apnea events allowing a full night of restful sleep.

To schedule your consultation to see if oral appliance therapy is right for you please contact Dr. Kenneth Mogell at 561-394-9000 today. Your health depends on getting a good night's sleep.

Labels: obstructive sleep apnea

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.