General Wellness Health

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep related breathing disorder in which the soft tissue at the back of the throat closes the airway so air cannot flow into the lungs. This airway blockage can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the brain and the body.

How do I know that I may have sleep apnea?
The most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are:

  • Loud snoring
  • Significant daytime sleepiness
  • Restless sleep
  • Teeth Clenching
  • Acid Reflux

Solution:

If any of the above symptoms apply to you, you may have obstructive sleep apnea. Dentists are the only health care provider with the knowledge and expertise to provide you with an oral appliance.

Oral appliance therapy can improve obstructive sleep apnea in adult patients, especially those who are intolerant of a continuous positive pressure device (CPAP). If risks are determined, a referral to your healthcare provider for a sleep study will be made.

Lake Dental
Dr. Burbank
11 Professionals Circle
Seneca, SC 29678
864.882.0134

Dental General Wellness

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the hard outer surface that protects our teeth grows thinner, or when gum recession occurs, exposing nerve endings.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

  • Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by acidic conditions in the mouth, usually from acidic, or sugary beverages.
  • Acidic foods can also cause exposed nerve endings on tooth root surfaces.
  • Abrasive toothpastes and brushing vigorously can wear the outer layer of a tooth.
  • Clenching/grinding over time can eventually wear down the outer layer of the teeth causing sensitivity. It can even cause wear at the gum line.

Treatment:

  1. Prescription strength fluoride toothpaste such as Clin-Pro
  2. Over the counter toothpaste: Sensodyne
  3. In-office surface desensitizer
  4. In-office fluoride varnish

Lake Dental
Dr. Burbank
11 Professionals Circle
Seneca, SC 29678
864.882.0134

Dental General Wellness Health

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be more than just uncomfortable and aggravating. When it goes on over time, it can significantly increase your risk of developing tooth decay.

What causes dry mouth?

Dry mouth is caused when the body produces little to no saliva. It can be a symptom of a medical condition, or it may be caused by other factors, including but not limited to:

  • Certain medications (e.g., BP, Allergy and Pain meds)
  • Certain emotional states (e.g., Depression/Anxiety)
  • Some Medical Treatments (e.g., Head and neck radiation)

What can you do to feel better?

First and foremost good oral hygiene is crucial for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy mouth, but it is especially important for those suffering from dry mouth. The following are some important recommendations to help people with dry mouth feel relief:

  • Sip water or sugar-free drinks
  • Chew sugar-free gum, or suck on sugar-free candy
  • Mouth rinse such as over-the-counter or a prescription rinse
  • Clin-Pro prescription toothpaste
  • Use a humidifier, especially at night

Lake Dental
Dr. Burbank
11 Professionals Circle
Seneca, SC 29678
864.882.0134

General Restorative

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver Diamine Fluoride is an antimicrobial topical agent used to slow down or stop dental caries in both primary and permanent teeth.

How does it work?
Silver Diamine Fluoride is composed of two primary components: silver and fluoride. Silver acts as an antimicrobial agent that simultaneously strengthens the underlying protective layer of your teeth called dentin. Fluoride is the active ingredient that causes remineralization to occur.

When is Silver Diamine Fluoride recommended?
Silver Diamine Fluoride is used to stop the progress of advanced tooth decay and harden the tooth structure that has been softened by decay. It is recommended, but not limited to the following:

  • Patients with excessive amount of decay
  • Special Needs Patients
  • Elderly Patients
  • Children

What are the risks, side effects, and other considerations?
Silver Diamine Fluoride is not considered to be a risky procedure. However, it will cause the tooth structure affected by the decay to turn dark. It is used when decay occurs in an area difficult to access for treatment. There is always a chance the decay may progress, in which case a crown, filling, root canal or extraction may be recommended.

Lake Dental
Dr. Burbank
11 Professionals Circle
Seneca, SC 29678
864.882.0134

Dental General Restorative Health

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, which is also called dental cavities, or dental caries, is the destruction of the outer surface (enamel) of a tooth. When the disease of tooth decay becomes established in someone’s mouth it becomes very important to interrupt the process that causes it.

What causes tooth decay?
Bacteria live in our mouths and build up on the teeth in a sticky film called dental plaque. When we eat or drink sugary food or beverages, these bacteria create acids, which can cause a cavity. Decay begins in the main portion of the tooth (the enamel) and as the enamel is broken down the decay can go deeper into the dentin and can eventually reach the nerve (pulp) of the tooth.

How to avoid cavities?
Of all disease affecting humans beings, tooth decay is one of the most destructive. It is also very simple to prevent. Below is a list of changes you can make to prevent future cavities.

  • Modify Your Diet
    • It’s very important to drastically reduce the amount of sugar in your diet, particularly, sugary drinks and juices. Try to substitute with water or sugar-free drinks. Eating foods low in sugar is best for your overall health, and your teeth.
  • Make home care a Priority
    • Floss daily and brush thoroughly twice daily, making sure to really clean the teeth.
    • Brushing daily with prescription strength fluoride toothpaste, such as Clin-Pro, can be very helpful to make the teeth harder and more resistant to decay.
  • Restoring Cavities
    • Visit your dentist as soon as possible for any restorative work, such as fillings or crowns.
      See your hygienist a minimum of twice a year for cleanings and check-ups.

Lake Dental
Dr. Burbank
11 Professionals Circle
Seneca, SC 29678
864.882.0134