Let’s take a moment to be reminded at how amazing it is that our body has been made to care of itself. Someday, instead of having to give a blood sample during your physical exam, the doctor might just ask you for a saliva sample. Saliva is an amazing fluid. Besides helping us moisten and […]
All Posts in Category: Education
Panorex Radiographs
Many offices utilize panorex images to check for 3rd molars, abscesses, and as a general screening. There are advantages and disadvantages of panorex images compared to an FMX series. Panorex images allow a broad, general dental screening. With some training, they can also detect TMJ pathology, upper cervical spine problems (neck problems) and sinus pathology. […]
The Toxic Effects of Sugar: learn the science behind the addiction
Recently, I attended the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain’s annual Sleep Disordered Breathing Conference. At these events, friends and colleagues always provide new tips and insights. We are privileged to have the opportunity to hear from esteemed Physicians and Dentists on varying topics ranging from TMJ, chronic pain, Sleep disorders and pediatric breathing problems. Dr.Lustig, a professor from […]
Otologic Symptoms and TMJ Problems
Symptoms in and around the ear are very common in patients with TMJ disorders. Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear), dizziness, earache, and vertigo are all common symptoms of a TMJ problem. If you suffer from any of these symptoms and your physician does not find a cause in the ears, it’s likely that […]
Short Sleep Times and the Illusion of Alcohol’s Assistance
Overall, about about 1/4th of Coloradans aren’t getting as much sleep as recommended for optimal health. Our bodies require a certain amount of time in sleep to allow all of the “stages” of sleep to occur. Insufficient sleep deprives the brain, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal system enough time to repair the microdamage that happens during our waking […]
Efficacy VS Effectiveness
Studies continue to show increasingly similar results treating Sleep Apnea between Oral Appliances and CPAP, even in severe cases. When oral appliances were first introduced to treat sleep apnea they were thought to be secondary, or sub-optimal alternatives to CPAP. Studies that have looked at long term outcomes, as in the Journal of Dental Sleep […]
Identifying Sleep Disordered Breathing in Kids
Identifying sleep disorders in pediatric patients requires more observation than questions, as with adults. The #1 factor affecting sleep in kids is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Decreased oxygenation because of the airway restriction upregulates the sympathetic nervous system (fights or flight part of our nervous system) and children react as if they are fidgety, distracted, ADD/ADHD-like behaviors, such […]
Waking the Dead (and grumpy): Teenagers and Sleep
Why is it that getting our teenagers up and going is sometimes such a battle? We nag them to get up, they want to sleep longer We’re in a hurry- they can’t seem to get out of bed They stay up too late… Actually, it’s not totally their fault. As kids enter teenage years their […]
Why is High Blood Pressure a symptom and side effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Every time you have an apnea (a total block of air for 10 seconds) or hypopnea (partial breathing block) the “fight or flight” reflex is triggered. With each event, the heart rate and blood pressure increase. It’s the same feeling you get when you’re scared suddenly; a little sweating, hard to catch your breath, and […]
A Good Night’s Sleep
Walking through the airport I saw a cover of Consumer Reports regarding how to sleep better. It reviewed all types of mattresses, pillows, sleep positions, etc. suggesting that this is the primary cause of poor sleep. Not most likely. While discomfort in your neck, back, or hips can disturb your sleep, the PRIMARY cause of […]
