Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea, a serious health condition that keeps these individuals and their sleep partners from getting the rest they need. Often characterized by snoring during sleep and excessive daytime tiredness, sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when an individual has pauses in breathing during sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. Caused by blockage of the airways, OSA typically happened when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses. During an episode, the airway closes and breathing stops; the individual usually wakes up and resumes normal breathing. Some people have up to 30 episodes a night. Central sleep apnea is occurs less frequently and is brought on when the brain doesn’t signal the muscles to take a breath.
Many people don’t realize the impact sleep apnea can have on overall wellbeing. Studies have linked OSA to issues such as high blood pressure, stroke, weight gain, and lost productivity. AS well, sleep apnea can create stress and tiredness for your sleep partner. If you suspect sleep apnea, contact your health care provider right away.
Once sleep apnea is confirmed, your dentist and/or orthodontist can recommend treatment like lifestyle changes or a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The CPAP machine is most often used for treatment, but many people find the mask cumbersome or claustrophobic. In these cases, your dentist can fit you for a night guard. This custom oral appliance holds your jaw in the correct position to keep your airways open.
Dr. Yolanda Cruz dentistry for the whole family – Toronto Canada Dentist
Visiting your dentist every six months helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. These appointments allow your dentist to check your whole mouth and look for any problems. Generally, a checkup will include:
X-rays
Depending on when your last X-rays were taken, you may or may not have X-rays during your visit. Usually, X-rays are taken at least once a year. In some cases, your dentist may recommend more frequency.
Periodontal Analysis
Typically, the hygienist will use a periodontal probe to check the health of your gums. Based on these readings, you may need periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing to stop the progression of gum disease and restore your oral health.
Cleaning
An important component of your checkup is the professional cleaning. The hygienist will use a special instrument to remove tartar, or hard calculus, from above the gum line and just below the surface. After removing the tartar, the hygienist will use a hand instrument to carefully clean the surface of your teeth.
Polishing
Once the tartar is gone, the hygienist will use an abrasive compound to polish the crowns of your teeth. This polish may feel gritty in your mouth, and the hygienist will allow you to rinse when he or she finishes.
General Exam
At some point, your dentist will complete a thorough evaluation of your mouth to look for signs of decay, oral cancer, or other concerns. If the doctor finds any problems, he or she will recommend the proper steps to repair damage and revive your smile.
It’s time for your check up at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Dental Office
Though bad breath, also called halitosis, isn’t a life threatening issue, it can wreak havoc on your personal and professional life. From time to time, most people experience bad breath. Usually, something you eat or nasal congestion will cause episodes of less than fresh breath. Unfortunately, some people have chronic halitosis, which can be quite frustrating. Consistent problems with bad breath usually occur because of poor oral hygiene, certain medical conditions, dry mouth, and lifestyle choices such as smoking.
Follow these tips to help keep your breath fresh and clean:
• Prioritize daily oral care. Make sure you brush after each meal and floss at least once a day to remove food debris, a major contributor to bad breath, from your mouth.
• Don’t forget your tongue. Often the germs that produce unpleasant odors linger on your tongue. Brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper can help.
• Avoid temporary fixes. Mints and mouthwashes can actually dry out your mouth, which will make bad breath worse.
• Drink lots of water. By consuming enough water, you will increase saliva production and reduce dry mouth.
• Change your tooth brush regularly. Replace the brush every three to four months because old toothbrushes harbor bacteria.
• Chew sugarless gum. Like water consumption, chewing sugarless gum promotes saliva levels.
• Stop smoking. Although this is difficult, dropping your nicotine habit will give you fresher breath and improve your health.
• Talk with your dentist. In some cases, your doctor may recommend special toothpaste and rinses that are formulated to address chronic halitosis.
Creating beautiful, healthy smiles at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist – Bad Breath
Millions of people don’t get the dental care the need. Often, fear of needles, anxiety, or other issues stop people from maintaining their smiles. Without proper care, your smile and oral health will suffer. If the following reasons have kept you from making dental treatment a priority, you should talk to your dentist about your concerns.
Often, people avoid the dentist because of:
• The Needles
Belonephobia, or fear of needles, is one of the top phobias people face. Advances in dentistry have lead to minimally invasive techniques that reduce or eliminate the use of needles. If needles are required, your dentist can numb the area and make you as comfortable as possible during the injection.
• Anticipation of pain
Though dental visits aren’t fun, regular checkups can ensure that you don’t experience true pain. Seeing the doctor every six months allows your dentist to monitor your mouth and treat any issues before they escalate. Getting a cavity filled is less uncomfortable than a root canal.
• Bad memories
If you have had an upsetting experience in the past, it may be hard for you to see the dentist now. Finding a doctor you can trust and who treats you with compassion and gentleness can go a long way to easing your worry. Ask friends and relatives for a referral.
• Cost Concerns
While dental insurance doesn’t cover your care in the same way health insurance works, it can help lessen the expense. As well, preventive care will help you save money in the long run by keeping your smile in tip-top condition.
• The Sounds and Smells
Often, people become hyper aware of sounds and smells when they visit the dentist. Look for a practice that has a peaceful atmosphere and offers headphones, eye covers, blankets, and other amenities that will make your experience more pleasant.
Relax – you’re in good hands at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Sedation Dentistry
We often hear about how sugary treats and simple carbohydrates aren’t good for our waist lines or our teeth. Though it’s good to know what to avoid, knowing which foods promote oral health is even better. Take a look at this list of foods and beverages that will help keep your smile healthy and strong:
Celery
Not only does raw celery promote saliva production, which helps wash food and bacteria from your mouth, but it also has natural abrasive properties that massage gums.
Green tea
Regularly drinking green tea can kill oral bacteria that cause plaque because of potent antioxidants called catechins. As well, these catechins remove the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Kiwi fruit
Rich in vitamin C, kiwis provide this vital nutrient, which keep the collagen network in the gingival in good working order. When this network is compromised, bacteria can weaken the gums, resulting in inflammation and bleeding.
Wasabi
Often served with sushi, this Japanese horse-radish contains a substance called isothiocyanates that make it very hot. Isothiocyanates have been shown to inhibit the development of cavities.
Shitake mushrooms
Researchers have recently discovered that shitake mushrooms contain lentinan, a special sugar that prevents the formation of plaque.
Water
When you drink water, you can maintain good saliva production and keep your gums healthy, so try to consume eight glasses each day. If you can’t brush after eating, rinsing with water can help rinse debris and keep harmful bacteria in check.
Your smile is our priority at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist.
When people feel stressed, they assume it causes issues like headaches, stomach trouble, and insomnia. One symptom that receives little coverage is sleep bruxism, or teeth grinding. Often, people who easily fall asleep clench and grind their teeth at night because of the pressure and tension they feel. In some cases, your bruxism may be loud enough and intense enough for your sleep partner to notice.
Because sleep bruxism happens at night, you often awaken with little memory of the incident. You may, however, have other symptoms that indicate you have been grinding your teeth, such as increased teeth sensitivity, earaches, worn down or cracked teeth, and enamel wear. Damaged teeth are more susceptible to decay, which can lead to the need for fillings, crowns, or even root canal therapy. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
The most effective way to deal with sleep bruxism is to find avenues to relieve your stress. Exercise, deep breathing, and listening to music can help reduce the negative effects of stress on your body. To help with the bruxism, your dentist can fit you for a night guard.
Made of an acrylic material, a night guard will prevent your teeth from coming together while you sleep. It also keeps you bite in the proper position and helps the muscles relax, which stops the bruxing action. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab to create your custom appliance.
Give us a call at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Dental Office – Teeth Grinding Treatment
E-Mail Us 
416-595-5490
