Desert Smiles Blog

Archive for July, 2009

Gum Disease linked to heart disease, strokes, diabetes and infertility

Friday, July 17th, 2009

The British Dental Health Foundation recently conducted a National Dental Survey. The conclusions of the research are shocking and have gone so far as to associate gum disease to potential risk of heart disease, diabetes, strokes, premature births, low birth-weight babies and, in recent early studies, infertility. These are astounding implications and Dr. Nigel Carter states in conclusion ‘The public is put at risk by poor dental hygiene habits yet awareness of these risks is very low. Gum disease in particular has been linked to serious health issues. It affects most people at some point in their lives, so there is no excuse for ignoring good dental hygiene.

At DesertSmiles in Glendale we have two outstanding hygienists who can help you maintain healthy gums and bone. Visit www.desertsmiles.comfor more information. Sleep apnea is linked with heart disease, strokes, hypertension and diabetes also. If you are looking for cpap alternatives in the Phoenix, Arizona area visit www.phoenix.ihatecpap.com. For an outstanding cosmetic dentist in Glendale and Phoenix call Dr. Wilcox for a complimentary consultation and smile analysis.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Gum Diesease, Heart Disease Share Genetic Link

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

A genetic link between gum disease and heart disease has been discovered by German scientists. The association between gum disease and coronary heart disease has been known for years, but a genetic link between the conditions hadn’t been confirmed. The University of Kiel team found that the two diseases share a genetic variant on chromosome 9. The genetic variation associated with the clinical pictures of both disease were identical.

The study was presented May 25 at the annual ESHG conference, in Vienna, Austria. Because of the link between periodontitis and CHD, “we think that periodontitis should be taken very seriously by dentists and diagnosed and treated as early as possible,” Dr. Arne Schaefer said. He noted that periodontitis and CHD share risk factors such as smoking, diabetes and obesity.

For the finest in cosmetic and sedation dentistry, or sleep apnea treatment and cpap alternatives in the Glendale and Phoenix Arizona areas visit Dr. Wilcox at DesertSmiles. Visit our websites www.desertsmiles.com, www.phoenix.ihatecpap.com, and www.ppmmouthguardphoenix.com.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

I HATE CPAP

Monday, July 6th, 2009

If you have attempted treatment with a CPAP device, but could not tolerate it, you are not alone. Even though CPAP is the gold standard for the treatment of sleep apnea, only 30% successfully wear a CPAP. If you can not tolerate the CPAP device due to

mask leaks
unable to get mask to fit properly
discomfort caused by the straps and headgear
disturbed or interrupted sleep caused by the presence of the device
noise from the device disturbing your sleep and/or bed parner’s sleep
CPAP restricted movements during sleep
CPAP does not seem to be effective
pressure on the upper lip causing tooth related problems
a latex allergy
claustrophobic associations
an unconscious need to remove the CPAP apparatus at night
you travel a lot

IF SO, LET US SHOW YOU COMFORTABLE ORAL APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS FOR SNORING AND SLEEP APNEA.

SLEEP MAGAZINE reports untreated patients with a apnea index >20, had a 36% decrease in 8 year survival rate. YOUR HEALTH IS TOO IMPORTANT TO IGNORE THESE FACTS.

For more information regarding snoring and sleep apnea visit www.desertsmiles.com or www.phoenix.ihatecpap.com. For the finest in cosmetic and sedation dentistry in the Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona area, visit us at DesertSmiles, 602-978-1790. If you are a serious athlete looking to enhance your performance visit www.ppmmouthguardphoenix.com.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »