How the Dentist Can Help with your Sleep Disorder

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you might not know a dentist can help you.  Sleep is so very important, but sadly so many people deal with sleeping problems that make it difficult to fall or stay asleep.  My husband is one of them.  He snores often, and has a history of diagnosed sleep apnea.  He’s even been awakened from his sleep by his apneas, which can be a very scary thing. 

While CPAP therapy is often the most common and recommended treatment for handling sleep apnea, not everyone is successful with this treatment option. Some people experience issues and irritation wearing the mask at night. Some people may accidentally even lose the mask while moving around in their sleep, which obviously negates having the equipment in the first place if it isn’t actually helping.   And, like my husband, many people just don’t want to wear a CPAP.

So, I made him a sleep apnea dental appliance, and he loves it.  It looks like the one on the right.  If you are someone for whom CPAP equipment just isn’t cutting it when it comes to managing your sleep apnea symptoms then it might be time to start talking to an experienced general dentist, like myself, about whether oral appliance therapy is right for you. We can work with you to help determine whether this is a great way to manage your symptoms and finally help you sleep more soundly.

This custom-made oral appliance can treat patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea but can often be used in conjunction with your CPAP equipment for those with more severe cases. The appliance is designed to fit over your upper and lower teeth to shift the jaws forward and prevent the muscles of the throat from collapsing and obstructing the airways while you sleep. 

There are many benefits to oral appliance therapy for those with milder forms of sleep apnea. Most people find that wearing this retainer-like appliance fits easily into their lifestyle. Patients like oral appliance therapy because it is:

• Comfortable
• Easy to wear
• Quiet
• Portable
• Convenient for travel
• Easy to care for

Those who suffer from sinus issues due to the drying CPAP mask won’t have these same issues when they wear this dental appliance. Also, there is much less of a chance of this appliance being removed or knocked out in the middle of the night and can be a great option for someone who tends to toss and turn a lot while they sleep.

And, yes, when medically indicated, it is covered by most insurances.

Here at the dental office of Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD with offices in West Hartford Center, and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut, we understand the importance of sleep. If you are ready to finally have quality sleep, then it’s time to call us and let us know that you are looking for a way to manage your sleep apnea symptoms once and for all.

Keep smiling,

 

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

Pregnancy and Dentistry: 5 Things You Need to Know

It can be a very busy time in your life if you’re pregnant, but between trips to the doctor, birthing classes and setting up the nursery, don’t let visiting the dentist fall off your pregnancy to-do list. Dr. ElzbietaW. Basil, DMD, who practices Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut says getting a checkup during pregnancy is safe and important for your dental health.

The American Dental Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics all encourage women to get dental care while pregnant. Dr. Basil says, “It is an important period of time in a woman’s life and preserving good oral health is directly linked with good overall health.”

Here are five things you need to know about going to the dentist during pregnancy.

1.  Do I need to Tell My Dentist I’m Pregnant?

Even if you only think you might be pregnant, Dr. Basil says let your dental office know.  Tell them how far along you are when you make your appointment. Also you should tell your dentist about the medications you are taking or if you have received any special advice from your physician. While uncommon, if your pregnancy is high-risk or if you have certain medical conditions,  Dr. Basil says your dentist and your physician may recommend that some treatments be postponed.

2.  Can Pregnancy Affect My Mouth?

Although many women make it nine months with no dental discomfort, pregnancy can make some conditions worse – or create new ones.  According to Dr. Basil, regular checkups and good dental health habits can help keep you and your baby healthy.

Pregnancy Gingivitis
Your mouth can be affected by the hormonal changes you will experience during pregnancy. For example, some women develop a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” an inflammation of the gums that can cause swelling and tenderness. Your gums also may bleed a little when you brush or floss. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious forms of gum disease. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to prevent this.

Increased Risk of Tooth Decay
Pregnant women may be more prone to cavities for a number of reasons. If you’re eating more carbohydrates than usual, this can cause decay. Morning sickness can increase the amount of acid your mouth is exposed to, which can eat away at the outer covering of your tooth (enamel).   Brushing twice a day and flossing once can also fall by the wayside during pregnancy for many reasons, including morning sickness, a more sensitive gag reflex, tender gums and exhaustion. It’s especially important to keep up your routine, as poor habits during pregnancy have been associated with premature delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Pregnancy Tumors
In some women, overgrowths of tissue called “pregnancy tumors” appear on the gums, most often during the second trimester. It is not cancer but rather just swelling that happens most often between teeth. They may be related to excess plaque. They bleed easily and have a red, raw-looking raspberry-like appearance. They usually disappear after your baby is born, but if you are concerned, talk to your dentist about removing them.

3.  Is it Safe for me to Take Medications My Dentist Prescribes?

Dr. Basil says it is important to tell your dentist what, if any, prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs you are taking. This information will help your dentist determine what type of prescription, if any, to write for you.  If you need medicines like painkillers or antibiotics, your dentist and physician can consult to determine which are safe for you during the pregnancy.

4.  What About Numbing Medications During Pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant and need a filling, root canal or tooth pulled, one thing you don’t have to worry about is the safety of the numbing medications your dentist may use during the procedure. They are, in fact, safe for both you and your baby.

A study in the August 2015 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association followed a group of pregnant women who had procedures that used anesthetics like lidocaine shots and a group that did not. The study showed these treatments were safe during pregnancy, as they cause no difference in the rate of miscarriages, birth defects, prematurity or weight of the baby. The study identified no evidence to show that dental treatment with anesthetics is harmful during pregnancy. In fact it was specifically aimed to determine if there was a significant risk associated with dental treatment with anesthesia and pregnancy outcomes. The study did not find any such risk.

5.  Can I Get a Dental X-Ray While Pregnant?

About half of the women in the anesthetic JADA study had X-rays taken while they were pregnant, which were also found to be safe. It’s possible you’ll need an X-ray if you suffer a dental emergency or if there is a need to diagnose a dental problem. Although, radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low, your dentist or hygienist will cover you with a leaded apron that minimizes exposure to the abdomen. Your dental office will also cover your throat with a leaded collar to protect your thyroid from radiation.

If you have more questions about dentistry and pregnancy, ask Dr. Basil.

Keep smiling,

 

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

5 Things You Should Know About Dental Insurance

As West Hartford dentist, Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD has written about extensively, receiving proper dental care is important, not just for your teeth and gums; it is essential to a healthy body.

Dentists, like Dr. Basil, with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut, understand that dental care costs money. Even routine, preventive care can have an impact on a family budget — not to mention treatment for disease or injury. As with other healthcare costs, people often turn to dental insurance to help soften this financial impact.

But is dental insurance right for you and your family?  Here are 5 things you should know if you have insurance or are thinking of getting it. 

Dental insurance operates differently than other types of insurance.

We often understand “insurance” as protection against unforeseen expenses. Dental insurance, though, works more like a “discount coupon” to offset dental care costs. It's important, therefore, that you know what your plan pays for (routine care and treatment, orthodontics, cosmetic enhancement, etc.), at what percentage (50%, 80%) of the usual and customary fee. Find out what the plan refers to as the “usual fee” as that can be much less than 2017 costs and any annual deductible, the amount you pay before the policy pays. Also, there is always a cap as to the maximum benefit you can receive in one year. 

You should weigh all the costs if you're the insurance purchaser. 

Employers pay the premiums on many dental plans as an employee benefit. If, however, you're paying the premiums yourself, you need to add that cost to your other out-of-pocket costs for a true picture of what you're actually spending on dental care. It's possible a self-paying policy won't save you money or could even increase what you might otherwise pay for dental care. 

Your policy might limit your options. 

Most plans pay for the “basics”: routine cleanings and checkups, repairs and some restorations. They may or may not pay for orthodontics, certain dental materials for fillings or crowns or restorations like dental implants. Some plans could require you to see a dentist in their network, which may not include the one you prefer. It's important to find out any limitations in your policy and factor them into your cost vs. benefits evaluation. 

If you’re considering an HMO, be aware that many of the better dentists don’t participate.  

HMOs are generally "capitation plans" that will pay the dentist a certain amount of money based on the number of patients the dentist oversees, pretty much no matter what service is offered, and even if no treatment is given.  While this might prevent theoretical up-selling, it may also incentivize lack of any treatment.  Cost-savings incentives, therefore, might lead to inferior treatment. Many of the dentists who participate are just starting out and are trying to start a practice, or are semi-retired and want a little extra income. 

You can ask your dentist for help managing your dental care costs. 

While your plan may seem to you to be written in a “foreign language,” your dentist's staff works with it and other policies on a daily basis. They may be able to help you figure out the best approach for a procedure within your policy or help you arrange payments and financing that fit your family budget.

If you would like more information on managing costs, talk to Dr. Basil. 

Keep smiling,

 

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

Good Dental Care is Your Healthiest New Year’s Resolution

There is an ancient proverb that the “eyes are the window to your soul.”   That might be true, but did you know that your mouth is probably the best window to your overall health?   By examining  your gums, teeth and tongue, a dentist obtains very important evidence about what’s going on in your entire body—which could help diagnose possible problems.    

Good dental hygiene is a lot more than sparkling teeth and kissable breath. It could save your life.

Bacteria and Inflammation

You probably know that bacteria that reside in your gastrointestinal tract, but your mouth is also packed with microbes.   In fact, there are more than 700 different bacterial strains residing in most people’s mouths!  Most of these are harmless, and some are even very beneficial.  But some are harmful and the cause of many diseases.

Normally, your body’s immune system, plus good oral care, can keep these hostile microorganisms under control. Saliva is another important player. It washes away food particles, neutralizes acids and defends against viruses and other germs.

However, poor hygiene can cause pathogenic microbes to grow, multiply and gain a stronghold. An abundance of these bad guys can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis (inflamed gums caused by a buildup of a sticky film of bacteria called plaque) and periodontitis (severe gum disease).

In fact most scientists and practitioners now believe that many diseases are the product of inflammation—and one of the main causes of inflammation is low-grade bacterial infections in the bloodstream introduced or originating in the mouth.

The Links to Disease

There is a vast (and mounting) amount of research that shows a strong connection between poor oral health and the following diseases:

• Cardiovascular disease (including heart attack and stroke);
• Alzheimer’s disease;
• Diabetes;
• Chronic kidney disease; and
• Pregnancy complications.

The data is too overwhelming to lay out here, but do a quick internet search of the connection between any of these diseases and your oral health, and you’ll find lots and lots of data.

Resolution No. 1: Take Care of Your Mouth

Your first line of defense against gingivitis, periodontitis and a host of other dental problems is to brush for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day. You should also get dental cleanings and exams every six months (or more often if recommended by your dentist). 

Don’t forget to clean your tongue as well. (You can use a regular old toothbrush or buy a special tongue scraper either online or at a drugstore.) Research involving children found that, compared to tooth brushing alone, tongue brushing or scraping led to “statistically significant reductions in plaque levels” after 10 and 21 days. Both methods appeared to be equally effective.

You may also want to consider taking some key nutrients that support oral health. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) benefits the heart and safeguards the gums. A study from India found that the ubiquinol form of CoQ10 not only reduced free radical damage in the mouths of patients with periodontal disease, but also suppressed inflammation associated with the condition.

A daily probiotic supplement can also promote healthy teeth and gums. The friendly strains Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria can decrease the number of cavity-causing S. mutans. Beneficial microbes also fight periodontitis, bad breath and countless gastrointestinal conditions.

Here are some final tips:

• Avoid sugary and starchy foods, which feed pathogenic bacteria and help them flourish. If you must eat something sweet or starchy, brush your teeth right away.
• Don’t use alcohol-based mouthwashes, which have been loosely linked to oral cancer. Opt for alcohol-free options.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush away food particles and unwelcome bacteria in your mouth.
• Consider chewing gum or suck a mint that contains xylitol. This natural, low-calorie sugar alternative shows promise in not only reducing cavities, but also reversing tooth decay in its earliest stages.

Clearly, taking diligent care of your mouth goes a long way in protecting your overall well being. While brushing and flossing may seem annoying and tedious at times, a few minutes a day is a small price to pay for long-term health. 

 Keep smiling,

 

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121