October 2020 – Southview Dentistry

Oct 22 Comments Off

What Type of Doctor do you see for Sleep Apnea?

Snoring and sleep apnea are the source of common health and oral health issues. So it isn’t surprising that patients often ask us – what type of doctor do you see for sleep apnea?

In short, the answer to that question – what type of doctor do you see for sleep apnea, varies depending on the severity of the sleep apnea and the causes. There are different types of sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Within both types, the symptoms and resulting health problems may range from mild to severe.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, sleep apnea is common, but it is more common with higher body weight. At least 3 percent of people with an average Body Mass Index and over 20 percent of obese people experience sleep apnea. Often the first clue is a comment from a roommate, spouse, or sleeping partner about snoring.

Sometimes, people are surprised to learn that a dentist is often the first medical professional to recognize potential sleep apnea. This is because dentists, like us, are very familiar with the face and head anatomy, so we sometimes notice signs of sleep apnea. We also understand the dispositions and risk factors. Regular visits to your dentist can be a vital part of identifying and treating sleep apnea.

Oct 22 Comments Off

What is a Myofunctional Therapist?

Posted by Southview Dentistry

Patients often ask us – what is a myofunctional therapist? We hope this article brings you up to speed on what is a myofunctional therapist, what it does and what kind of patients may benefit from this therapeutic treatment.

Please keep in mind that this article about what is a myofunctional therapist is not intended to substitute professional medical or dental care. It is simply part of our series to keep our patients well informed to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Let’s first understand what is a myofunctional therapist.

Oct 07 Comments Off

What are the Different Types of Mouthwash and Which are Best?

Posted by Southview Dentistry

Sometimes patients ask – what are the different types of mouthwash? The next question usually is, “which are best?” The answer depends on your needs and preferences.

This article is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Please see your dental health provider discuss any dental health issues or concerns. We hope this article empowers you to make healthy decisions for you and your family.

Some people use mouthwash for cosmetic reasons such as whitening their teeth or freshening their breath. Others use mouthwash for more therapeutic reasons such as cavity prevention or to fight gum disease. Some therapeutic mouthwashes are prescription-only while others are available to purchase over-the-counter.

Oct 07 Comments Off

What Causes Tongue Tie?

Posted by Southview Dentistry

Sometimes patients, especially new parents, ask us, what causes tongue tie? Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a congenital issue that originates at birth that may cause problems eating and eventually speaking.

Basically, some infants are born with a frenulum (the fold of skin beneath the tongue, or between the lip and the gum) that didn’t develop as normal. Usually, there is a short or tight band of tissue that tethers the tongue and limits movement. This limits the mobility of the child’s tongue. For example, children with tongue-tie may have trouble sticking their tongue out or moving it from side to side.

There are many variations in the severity of ankyloglossia, and it presents itself differently in different children. Since each case is different, individual medical attention is essential. This article is not a substitute for medical attention. We hope this article on what causes tongue tie raises awareness about an issue that affects some children’s dental and overall physical health.

Oct 07 Comments Off

Electric Toothbrush vs Manual Toothbrush: Our Complete Guide

Posted by Southview Dentistry

Everyone knows they must brush their teeth, but sometimes patients are unsure of the best way to brush their teeth. When it comes to choosing between an electric toothbrush vs manual toothbrush, some people feel overwhelmed by the choice.

We hope this guide will help you make the best decision for yourself and your family. This article isn’t intended to replace professional dental care. The choice between an electric toothbrush vs manual toothbrush depends largely on your preferences, budget, lifestyle, and oral hygiene needs.

Whichever option you choose, we urge all of our patients to brush their teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride. Please change your toothbrush every two to three months. We also urge you to floss daily. Finally, visit your dentist as recommended for a thorough examination and professional cleaning. Once you have the basics down, most of the other options are just details.

Archive for October 2020