The study, conducted by researchers at Dresden University in Germany, involved 56 patients who had been previously hospitalized for major strokes. The patients were placed into two distinct groups: the first included those who had suffered from silent strokes; while the second had not experienced these particular strokes. Chronic damage to the blood vessels in the brain was also a factor considered in the study.

Each of the 56 patients were then sent to overnight sleep tests, and it was found that 91 percent were suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. The study was not able to determine whether OSA could be a predictor of silent strokes, a cause or a symptom, however, as OSA was present in subjects from both groups of patients.

Despite the findings, the possible link between sleep apnea and silent strokes is disturbing; as more than 12 million Americans are currently suffering from obstructive sleep, apnea and many of them have gone undiagnosed and/or untreated.

If you are suffering from common sleep apnea symptoms, such as fatigue, a lack of energy and daytime drowsiness, you may be suffering from sleep apnea and could be at risk of developing silent strokes. It is important to undergo a sleep study if you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, and seek treatment if you have already been diagnosed. Contact Dr. Siegel today to learn more about sleep apnea and available treatment options.

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Smiles and teeth are one of the most important features that stand out during first impressions, according to a recent perception study conducted by Kelton of Invisalign. Kelton explored the opinions and assumptions that people gain from first impressions based on personal appearance, and found that those who possess straighter teeth were more associated with success, intelligence, popularity and good general health.

First Dates and Job Interviews Affected by Teeth Alignment

Kelton’s study also found that those who have straighter teeth were 57 percent more likely to win a first date on a dating site from their picture alone than those who possess crooked teeth. Straight teeth were more associated with current or future success; while those with crooked teeth were associated with bad overall health and not as much success. The study showed that those who have straight teeth were thought to be more trustworthy and were assumed to be more popular and having a better personality than those with crooked or jagged teeth, regardless of who they actually were as people.

Unfortunately, personal appearances influence the way we are perceived. If you are embarrassed or self-conscious about your crooked or jagged teeth and are worried about first impressions, you are not alone. There are plenty of cosmetic dentistry options available, such as Six Month Braces or clear braces, that can give you a lovely smile. Call or email Dr. Siegel’s dental office to schedule a consultation.

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Many people can blame genetics for their yellowish teeth; while others can blame staining. Surface stain can accumulate from foods or drinks that you ingest every day. These can include substances that are caffeinated, acidic, or sugary; and could be anything from coffee and soda to chocolate. Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes are designed to remove the surface stain from your enamel and leave the natural color of your teeth behind.

If you are uncomfortable with the color of your teeth, bleaching might be an asnwer for you. Your dentist gently applies the bleach to your teeth for about ten or twenty minutes, leaving your teeth much whiter in appearance than they have ever been. In order to keep your teeth as white as you wish, you can schedule regular bleaching appointments as long as you need.

Bleaching Isn’t for Everyone

Whitening techniques, such as bleaching, can vary per person. It is possible not to see any improvements after a teeth whitening treatment, while many might see dramatic results within minutes. As with many things, your bleaching results depend on your physiology. There are many people that are sensitive to hydrogen peroxide – the main ingredient of tooth bleaching agents – and experience effects ranging from hot and cold sensitivity and mild gum irritation to a burning sensation throughout the mouth. In this instance, it is important to discontinue bleaching and consider other alternatives, such as porcelain veneers.

For some avid bleach users, it is possible that the bleach will begin to eat away at your tooth enamel and expose the dentin, leaving your teeth exposed to further risks. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations when applying for teeth whitening with their cosmetic dentist.

A cosmetic dentist should always let you know of any potential risks involved with teeth bleaching before proceeding with treatment. If you are interested in learning more about teeth bleaching or wish to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Ken Siegel at his dental office today.

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When handling your child’s oral care, it is important to be aware of a cavity-causing condition known as caries, or decay. Surprisingly, caries is actually an infectious disease that can be transferred from the mother to the baby and cause severe damage to the teeth before they have even fully developed. It is suggested that, aside from professional dental cleanings and proper oral care for the child on a regular basis, mothers should avoid taking a sip or a bite of food off of their child’s spoon or cup. It is in this way that mothers can most easily transfer this bacteria to their child’s mouth.

Take Measures Against Caries in Children

To prevent early decay in children, it is important to practice daily oral hygiene with your children just as you should yourself. Make sure your children brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once per day to prevent tooth decay and promote a fresh and beautiful smile. Make sure that you are not sharing utensils or toothbrushes with your infants, and brush any teeth in your baby’s mouth with a soft bristled toothbrush. Top that off with a healthy diet and the regular use of fluoride, and your child should have little to worry about when it comes to having healthy. attractive teeth.

Along with regular at-home cleanings, it is always a good idea to make routine visits to a local dentist. Your dentist can often find any other problems, such as gum disease and cavities, that you might have missed at home. Be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Siegel today and keep your teeth beautiful and healthy.

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Many times, the decay happens when an old filling starts to fail and decay seeps under the filling. You don’t realize it because the filling protects this new, underground cavity from hot or cold temperatures, as well as pressure, but eventually this cavity reaches the pulp and then the tooth needs a root canal.

The good news is that these old fillings, which are frequently amalgam or silver fillings, are unsightly and when you have a root canal done, you need a new dental crown. At our dental office, we provide beautiful cosmetic dentistry which includes ceramic dental crowns. These natural-looking crowns make your smile look young again. They are not just white. They have transparency to them that mimics real teeth, and we’re able to match the color of your surrounding teeth so that it isn’t obvious that you have a crown. That’s what makes cosmetic dentistry great: natural-looking results!

So, not only will the pain of your compromised tooth be fixed, but your smile will look much-improved. Combine that with our painless injections, and the fact that we can place a dental crown in a single visit, and your root canal might just be the highlight of your month!…okay, that might be pushing it a bit.

Want to avoid a root canal altogether? The best way to avoid the above seepage scenario is to come to our office for routine dental visits including x-rays. Our safe, digital x-ray technology enables us to see fillings that are failing before decay becomes severe. In these cases, we can simply replace your bad filling with a new one. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

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Aside from aiding in digestion, saliva is needed to keep our oral health in check. Saliva is the body’s natural defense against tooth decay; as it is able to neutralize acid and clear sugars from the mouth, two substances that can lead to decaying teeth. This means that, without the necessary amounts of saliva, you could be at risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems. But this begs the question, just how much saliva is enough?

Measuring Up

Medical professionals say that there are various tell-tale signs that your body is not producing enough saliva. Constant dry or peeling lips, oral yeast infections, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and digestive problems may all be symptoms of your body needing more saliva. To help induce saliva production and avoiding dry mouth, drinking water with lemon juice throughout the day can be helpful.

With all this in mind, if you suffer from the common symptoms of a lack of saliva, it’s a good idea to consult qualified dentist, such as Dr. Siegel, to ensure that your oral health has not been damaged. Getting help is easy, just call or email our office to schedule an appointment.

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TMJ 101

TMJ often occurs when there is an imbalance or misalignment somewhere along the jaw joint. This is commonly caused by a bad bite though injury, constant teeth clenching, a strong blow to the head or even genetics.

One of the most common causes of TMJ is a “bad bite.” The bite can often be fixed in a non-invasive way; however, some people turn to surgery for help. .

Treating TMJ Through Surgery

In the case of LeAnne Rimes, her treatment for TMJ required surgery due to the intensity of her symptoms. Though surgery can be a successful means for treating TMJ, it most definitely is not the go-to method – as surgery is expensive, painful and highly invasive.

If you suffer from TMJ or the symptoms of TMJ, there is a non-invasive treatment that has proved to be highly effective. Dr. Siegel will work with you to determine the cause and best method for treating your TMJ. To get started, call or email our office today.

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Vickie’s Story

One day Vickie and her husband were eating a steak dinner. Steak, of course, requires plenty of chewing; however, as Vickie chewed, her TMJ caused her jaw to lock up, which stopped her ability to open and close her mouth. The piece of steak she was chewing became lodged in her throat and compromised her breathing. Luckily, her husband was able to finally dislodge the piece of food which saved her life.

TMJ Requires Treatment

Vickie’s story proves that TMJ disorder isn’t a health condition to simply ignore. If you suffer from symptoms commonly associated with TMJ, now is the time to seek treatment.

Though you may not think that TMJ could ever cause you to choke on food and possibly die; Vickie Heisler’s story should be the push you need to visit a dentist that is skilled and experienced in treating TMJ disorder. If you are interested in learning more about TMJ and the available treatments; Dr. Siegel is the dentist you need. Patients can call or email our office to schedule a TMJ consultation. Say goodbye to the chronic pain, aches and the risks associated with TMJ. Get help today.

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A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveyed over 16,000 people and came away with some shocking statistics. Each subject was between the ages of 18 and 64; and out of these 16,000, a third of all smokers in the group were found to be more likely to suffer from tooth discoloration, toothaches, infected gums and jaw pain. With all of these dental health problems occurring in a large percentage of smokers, one would think that smokers would be routine visitors to their local dentist; however, the study proved otherwise.

Smokers More Likely to Neglect Dental Health

Out of all of the smokers in the group, at least 20 percent admitted to not making a single visit to the dentist in at least five years. These statistics are truly shocking, especially when compared to the 10 percent of non- and former-smokers who admitted to not having visited the dentist during the same time span.

According to the study, many smokers say they cannot afford to visit the dentist’s office for routine check-ups. This finding is no surprise; as other studies have found that low income workers are more likely to be smokers. It’s obvious that, while smokers may be aware of their poor dental health, many would rather spend their money financing their habit.

Good Teeth Means Good Dental Hygiene

No matter your smoking status, you should attend routine visits to the dentist. Though smoking has shown to increase one’s chance of suffering from dental health issues; without proper dental care, anyone can be at risk.

To ensure that your smile remains healthy on all fronts, schedule an appointment with Dr. Siegel.

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The study determined that patients who were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were at a higher risk of suffering from normal tension glaucoma, a condition that occurs when the optic nerve is damaged without the existence of high pressure in the eye. Normal tension glaucoma can cause vision loss which can be temporary or permanent.

After testing 247 subjects who displayed symptoms of sleep apnea, 209 of them were diagnosed with OSA after undergoing a sleep study. Each subject was also tested for IOP, central corneal thickness, corrected visual acuity, automated visual field testing, retinal nerve fiber layer status, as well as a funduscopy and a gonioscopy. After these tests, it was found that 12 of the subjects had normal tension glaucoma, and each of them also had OSA. Out of these 12 subjects, normal tension glaucoma was more common in those diagnosed with moderate or severe OSA.

A New Possible Link

While the research is not able to solidify a connection between normal tension glaucoma and sleep apnea, researchers urge doctors to consider a possible link between the two health conditions. Because any type of glaucoma can lead to partial or complete vision loss, immediate treatment is vital.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, now is the time to get the treatment you require. With the help of Dr. Siegel, you can sleep better at night as well as protect your overall health. To get started, call or email Dr. Siegel’s office today!

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