May 13th, 2010 amogell
Geographic Tongue sounds like the name of an alternative rock band. Actually it simply means a tongue that has lots of grooves and fissures in it. This “geography” gives lots of hiding places for anaerobic bacteria to live and breed. These bacteria cause bad breath. A geographic tongue does not mean something is wrong with your tongue, it simply means your body is shaped that way.
People who have a geographic tongue may notice that their tongue is sometimes a different color – white, yellow or even black. The way around the problem of bad breath and a funny colored tongue is simple – keep your tongue as clean as possible.
Most patients brush their teeth, floss and they are done. But tongue scraping or cleaning is a process that the majority of people in the United States don’t do on a daily basis but it is vital to keeping your breath fresh. You don’t need an expensive piece of plastic or special mouth rinses, all you really need is a simple tongue scraper (inexpensively purchased at your neighborhood drug store) .
Starting at the base of your tongue scrape in slow, sweeping strokes from back to front. You don’t have to press hard, but use several strokes to cover your whole tongue. Following this you can also spread a small dot of toothpaste on your tongue. Hold it there while you brush your teeth and then spit – don’t swallow the toothpaste.
Make tongue cleaning a regular part of your daily dental cleaning routine and enjoy fresher breath and a healthier mouth. For more information on geographic tongue and halitosis in the Columbus, Ohio area please contact Dr. Levy at 614-454-3488 today to schedule a consultation to discuss your dental concerns.
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May 12th, 2010 amogell
Case Western Reserve University researchers have suggested that inflammation from periodontal or gum disease and prostate problems may be linked. In the Journal of Periodontology the researchers discuss their initial study results. In this study the researchers compared two common markers – the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) which measures inflammation levels in the prostate and the CAL (clinical attachment level) of the gums and teeth which is an indicator for periodontitis. Both conditions produce high inflammation levels in the human body.
According to Dr. Nabil Bissada “Subjects with both high CAL levels and moderate to severe prostatitis have higher levels of PSA or inflammation”. He added that this might explain why PSA levels can be very high in prostatitis but sometimes the levels can’t be explained by what is happening in the prostate glands. Dr. Bissada feels that something outside the prostate gland is causing an inflammatory reaction and sees a link to gum inflammation.
Gum disease has already been linked to heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Thus researchers felt a link to prostate disease might also exist. The results of the initial study appear to conform this link. Men with the most severe form of prostatitis also showed signs of periodontal disease.
Keep your entire body healthy with regular dental hygiene appointments. Remember, depending on your periodontal health you may need more frequent dental cleanings. If it has been a while since your last visit contact our Gahanna, Ohio office today at 614-454-3488 to schedule an appointment.
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May 6th, 2010 amogell
A study completed at Leiden University Medical Center in The Netherlands has found that previously healthy patients who had just one night of reduced sleep time can show signs of insulin resistance. This is important because insulin resistance is often a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
The lead researcher, Dr. Esther Donga said that over the last 10 years the average night’s sleep has shortened in Western societies. This reduced amount of sleep coincides with an increase in the number of cases of type 2 diabetes. Dr. Donga states “a short night of sleep has more profound effects on metabolic regulation than previously appreciated.”
Previous studies had shown that several nights of shortened sleep could lead to reduced glucose tolerance, but this study from The Netherlands is the first to show how the sensitivity to insulin could change so quickly – after only one night.
There are many reasons why people have reduced sleep but a common reason is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a serious condition wherein the tissue surrounding the upper airway relaxes and collapses during sleep. This causes the sleeper to temporarily stop breathing. This can last for several seconds and may happen frequently during sleep – up to several hundred times a night.
If you have OSA night after night your sleep is disrupted placing stress on your brain and heart. Many people who have been diagnosed with OSA are not compliant with the most common method of treatment which is the CPAP machine. There is an alternative to CPAP – oral appliance therapy is approved by the FDA for the treatment of OSA. Your Dental Sleep Medicine practitioner, Dr. Mark Levy can discuss treatment options and discover whether you are a candidate for treatment with oral appliance therapy.
In the Columbus, Ohio area contact our office at 614-476-6696 to arrange a consultation and discuss treatment for sleep apnea. Get a good nights’ sleep at last and protect your health without the use of masks and machines.
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May 4th, 2010 amogell
Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Mike Roizen, authors of YOU: The Owner’s Manual offered up some tips for a healthier smile this week in their newspaper column. Under the heading Eat, drink and chew your way to a great smile… they included this advice:
1. Say no to bottled water. According to the doctors you’ll help keep plastic bottled out of landfills and help your teeth because tap water contains more fluoride than bottled.
2. Munch on Apples and Celery. Both of these healthy snacks contain substances that help fight gum disease.
3. Eat Low Fat Yogurt. Drs. Oz and Roizen say that it is good for your gums. Researchers in Japan found that people who ate about 2 ounces of sugar-free yogurt each day were less likely to have severe periodontal disease than those who didn’t eat yogurt.
4. Use a Straw. The acid in juice, sports drinks and soda erodes tooth enamel. The doctors suggest avoiding soda altogether since it does nothing good for your body. Drinking sports drinks, orange, cranberry and other juices through a straw limits the tooth enamels direct exposure to the acid in the drinks. They also suggest choosing cranberry juice when possible. Chemical compounds in berries keep bacteria from sticking to teeth which helps avoid cavities and they also keep inflammation from gum disease in check. Just pick diet cranberry to avoid the sugar overload that can give decay causing bacteria a boost.
Visiting your dental hygienist regularly, performing your brushing and flossing at home and following the dietary suggestions above can give you a beautiful healthy smile for life. If you have questions or concerns about your periodontal health contact our Gahanna, Ohio office today at 614-476-6696 to discuss your treatment options.
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April 30th, 2010 amogell
Medical and dental patients the world over can thank a young chemist named Humphy Davy who accidentally discovered nitrous oxide or laughing gas. In 1799 there wasn’t even a word “anesthesia”. When surgery was performed the doctors of the day actually believed that pain was a good thing – they believed that it helped the body rebound faster. The story of Mr. Davy and 18th century science is described in the book Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes and was the subject of a radio program on Morning Edition this week (listen to the broadcast).
Mr. Davy was actually seeking a cure for tuberculosis by experimenting with inhaling different types of gases. Unlike modern experimentation, he usually experimented on himself and his friends. Nitrous Oxide, he soon discovered, was not a cure for lung diseases but did become very popular among the “fast” crowd in London.
Fortunately Humphy Davy had a toothache one day while he was experimenting with the nitrous oxide and he noticed that the pain temporarily disappeared after inhaling the gas. Mr. Davy wrote an article suggesting that the gas might help patients undergoing surgery but it was another 40 years before the concept of pain-free procedures took hold.
Today we have a wide range of anesthetic and sedation choices to ensure that our patients are free from anxiety and discomfort. If you have questions regarding your options for anxiety free dentistry contact our Gahanna, Ohio office at 614-454-3488. Our team members will answer your questions and schedule an appointment most convenient for you.
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April 26th, 2010 amogell
Most people believe that tooth decay is the number one reason why people lose teeth. Not true – actually more teeth are lost because of gum disease. Gum disease is usually found in people who have a poor diet or who neglect brushing and flossing regularly. Alcoholism, auto-immune disorders and certain steroid drugs and cancer therapies can also leave people vulnerable to gum disease.
Gingivitis is the name of the condition when gums are red, swollen and bleeding. This is caused by a buildup of dental plaque. Removal of this plaque by a dentist or dental hygienist can restore a healthy mouth. Left untreated however, the infection can progress to become periodontitis. This is a serious infection that can cause teeth to loosen – even more serious are the now proven links between periodontal disease and heart disease. The bacteria from your gums travels throughout your body.
Proper brushing and flossing are key to a healthy smile. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. You can also help keep your gums happy and healthy by watching your diet. Make sure you each plenty of calcium rich foods such as low-fate milk, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables will give you a good dose of vitamins A and C to promote healthy gums. Drink tea – a good natural source of fluoride.
Avoid soft drinks and sugary snacks. The acids and sugars in the soft drinks are a one-two punch to your tooth enamel. Chewing sugarless gum stimulates the flow of saliva which decreases the acid in your mouth and helps wash away food particles.
If you haven’t scheduled your dental hygiene visit yet please call us today at 614-454-3488.
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April 13th, 2010 amogell
What is an abscess and how did I get one?
A dental abscess is an accumulation of pus that can form in the gum but generally forms in the bone and drains either through the gums or through a tooth. These events are painful and usually start with a bacterial infection either inside the pulp of your tooth or in your gums.
How do I know whether or not I have an abscess?
You need to visit your dentist for a diagnosis. The symptoms of a dental abscess almost always include pain. The pain can be throbbing and is may be severe, it may even radiate to the ear, jaw or neck. The affected area may be sensitive to hot and cold. You may also experience a nasty taste in your mouth. Other symptoms can include a fever and general feeling of “coming down with something”.
How is the dental abscess treated?
If you are experiencing symptoms of a dental abscess it is important to see Dr. Levy as soon as possible. Treatment will usually include draining the affected area and cleaning the surrounding tissue to prevent further infection. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for the infection. Do not attempt to “treat it yourself” by simply taking leftover antibiotics you may have at home. Left untreated, a dental abscess can cause life threatening infections when the bacteria travel to other parts of the body.
Can I prevent this from happening to me?
You can do a lot to help prevent ever experiencing the discomfort of a dental abscess. Brushing and flossing help remove the sticky plaque from your teeth and deprive bacteria of a place to live. Regular visits to your dental hygienist will ensure that your teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible and that you are performing your home care appropriately.
Contact us today at 614-454-3488 to schedule your dental hygiene appointment and be sure to talk to your hygienist about proper brushing and flossing techniques.
If you have been avoiding the dentist because you feel nervous or afraid – just let us know. Dr. Levy has several options available that will enable you to get the treatment you need in a relaxed, comfortable manner. Just ask us when you call.
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April 8th, 2010 amogell
A study in the October 2009 issue of the Neurology Journal discovered that sleep apnea, including central, obstructive or mixed type, was present in 50%-70% of stroke patients.
The scientists involved in the study “Sleep-Related Breathing and Sleep-Wake Disturbances in Ischemic Stroke” recommended that all stroke patients be screened for sleep apnea. The finding of this study are extremely valuable for possibly preventing future strokes with early diagnosis and management of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea has been linked to the most causes of the Center for Disease Control’s top ten causes of death. Stroke is in the top three of those causes of death, second only to heart attacks and cancer.
The National Institutes of Health say that sleep apnea is a very common but deadly disease if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk for high blood pressure, stroke, obesity, heart attack and diabetes. It can increase the risk for heart failure, irregular heartbeats and, due to fatigue, cause more accidents.
It is estimated that 95% of sleep apnea patients are never diagnosed and even for those patients who are diagnosed, it was reported that only 20% of them have good tolerance with the prescribed CPAP therapy. A no-surgery, no-mask solution to manage obstructive sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy available through Dr. Mark Levy who is trained in Dental Sleep Medicine.
Contact Dr. Mark Levy at 614-454-3488 in Gahanna, Ohio to schedule a consultation today to discuss sleep apnea.
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April 1st, 2010 amogell
How Bruxism, teeth grinding, from stress can impact your dental health
COLUMBUS, OH – We keep learning more about the negative effects that stress has on our physical health. But did you know that stress also takes a toll on your teeth? Dr. Jennifer Ashton, medical correspondent, discussed this matter on the CBS Early Show. All across the country dental offices are seeing more and more people abnormally grinding their teeth.
Grinding the teeth in this manner is called Bruxism. Dr. Ashton explained how teeth grinding can do more than just damage the teeth – it can also affect the muscles surrounding the head and neck which leads to other problems including temporomandibular joint dysfunction or TMJ, for short.
Typically patients do not even know they are grinding their teeth. Many times their spouse complains about the grinding noise at night and that is how the problem is discovered. You may be grinding if you have these symptoms:
- Unusual headaches, especially in the morning
- Tooth sensitivity
- Facial pain
- Jaw joint pain
- Biting the inside of your cheek
The New York Times reported that an increase of 20-25% in bruxism has been seen in a dental practice they surveyed.
Protecting your teeth and jaw joint from TMJ and other damage caused by bruxism calls for a visit to your neuromuscular dentist. While Dr. Levy can’t get rid of the stress in your life, he can create a custom orthotic appliance that will save your teeth, jaw joints and muscles from further damage and allow them to heal.
Protect your teeth and overall health by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Levy to discuss your dental health needs. In the Columbus, Ohio area contact us at 614-454-3488.
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March 28th, 2010 amogell
OSA, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, can be treated!
COLUMBUS, OH – Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that disrupts breathing during sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, OSA is a common breathing disorder that is characterized by frequent and repeated “instances of upper airway obstruction during sleep”. In simple terms, the airway becomes blocked and the sleeper actually stops breathing – this can happen hundreds of times per night.
Restless sleep and loud snoring are typical symptoms. While OSA is often associated with obesity there are other causes. The obstruction can be caused by excess tissue in the airway, a large tongue or tonsils or nasal issues that diminish the airflow. Patients often suffer from morning headaches and daytime sleepiness, memory loss, high blood pressure, heart disease and increased risk of stroke.
Depending upon the severity, OSA is treated by lifestyle changes, weight loss, breathing equipment (such as the CPAP) or surgery. A highly effective treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea is a customized oral appliance that is fitted by a dentist specially trained in dental sleep medicine. If you feel you or your spouse may be suffering from OSA please contact Dr. Mark Levy in Gahanna, Ohio at 614-454-3488 for a consultation and possible referral for testing for obstructive sleep apnea.
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