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Do you snore when you sleep? Wake up in the middle of the night out of breath? Feel tired all the time? If you answered yes to these questions, you may have sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects an estimated 18 million adults in the United States. With sleep apnea, your breathing stops while you’re sleeping, then starts up again. The pause in between breaths can be 10 seconds or longer, and it can happen as often as 30 times or more each hour you sleep. Unsurprisingly, this can wreak havoc on getting a good night’s sleep. It’s not uncommon for patients with sleep apnea to wake up many times throughout the night.

There are three types of sleep apnea; the most common type is called obstructive sleep apnea. With obstructive sleep apnea, the tissues of the throat and palate relax while you sleep, which causes the tissues to sag and obstruct the airway. Although the daytime fatigue that comes with sleep apnea can make it difficult to go about your daily tasks, sleep apnea can have more serious consequences. It’s been linked to numerous health conditions, including:

• High blood pressure and heart problems
• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Complications with certain medications or general anesthesia
• Liver issues

In addition, a lack of sleep can affect your overall well-being. You may find you have memory issues, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating. Fortunately, your dentist can help diagnose and treat sleep apnea!

How’s Your Sleep Quality?

This might not be a question you expect to hear from your dentist, but believe it or not, we have ways of spotting patients who might have sleep apnea. One of the first signs is bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding. Teeth grinding causes worn surfaces on your teeth, as well as cracks, broken teeth, and inflamed or receding gums. A sudden increase in cavities can also be a sign of teeth grinding because the force of grinding your teeth can cause damage that makes them more vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria.

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are often closely associated with sleep apnea, although the relationship between the two isn’t completely understood. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that people with obstructive sleep apnea are twice as likely to have TMJ disorders than people without sleep apnea. Other signs of sleep apnea are a tongue with “scalloped” edges, a small jaw, redness in the throat, or unusually large throat tissues.

Dentistry to the Rescue!

There are several ways to treat sleep apnea; in the case of obstructive sleep apnea, you may only need to make some lifestyle changes. These include:

• Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding alcohol or drugs that relax your central nervous system
• Quitting smoking
• Taking antihistamines or other medications that help with nasal allergies

One of the most common ways to treat sleep apnea is with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. CPAP machines provide a gentle flow of air through a small mask that you wear at night, which helps prevent your tissues from obstructing your airway. Although they’re very effective, they can be bulky, and some patients have trouble sleeping with them.

Nightguards or other oral appliances can also be very effective for patients with mild-to-moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. They work by moving your jaw and throat into a position that prevents tissue obstruction while you sleep. Although rare, surgery is also an option for severe sleep apnea.

Get the Quality Sleep You Deserve

It might be easy to push aside sleep apnea symptoms as “just a snore” but poor sleep quality can have a serious impact on your well-being and ability to function throughout the day. However, the long-term effects are more concerning. Since sleep apnea affects the oxygenation of your blood and the way your heart and lungs function, it can increase your risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other serious health problems. Sleep is also very important for the body’s immune system and ability to heal!

If you have signs of sleep apnea, don’t ignore them! Schedule an appointment at Enamel Dentistry so we can evaluate your symptoms and create a custom treatment plan.

Have you ever been caught daydreaming about the secrets behind a gorgeous, flawless smile? You know, the kind that's all bright and happy? Well, it turns out that the reason behind that smile is regular oral checkups. Cleaning your body is essential right? So is the cleaning of your teeth. Regular visits to a Dentist in Austin help you to get the ultimate goal of your teeth.

If you're wondering where to find the best one, you're in the right place! This blog is like your friendly GPS to help you discover the absolute best dentist. Let's set off on this smiley adventure together!

The Magic of Smiles:

What's the magic behind a radant smile? It's more than just about looking flawless – a healthy smile is like a little wellness party for your entire body. And guess what? Regular dental checkups are not just about preventing cavities; they're a holistic approach to maintaining your smile's sparkle and your overall vitality.

Why do Regular Dental Checkups Matter?

You must be thinking why you need to go to checkups regularly because you brush your teeth every day, right? But many issues cannot be solved with regular brushing like sensitivity in teeth and tooth decay cannot be resolved by brushing that's why you need to go on a regular visit to Dentist Austin. This dentist is not just a healthcare provider; they are the partner in your oral health journey. They are the protector who protects your teeth from bad guys like cavities and infection. Going on regular checkups will help you to be aware of if any kind of infection or oral cancer is spreading in your mouth.

Also, checkups are a preventative measure to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, which enhances general well-being along with solving problems. Early identification and prevention of dental problems help in keeping your teeth's original structure. Hence, it is important to go for a dental checkup every 6 months.

Choosing a random name is no longer the best way to find a suitable dentist. Selecting the right one easily improves everything, much like selecting the ideal flavor of ice cream. So let's get to work on finding a best friend for your smile.

Tips to Find the Best Dentist 

Following are some tips and tricks to find the right Emergency Dentist Austin:

1. Ask Friends and Family:

Have a conversation with friends, relatives, or coworkers to begin your search for a dentist. They can share their personal experiences and have insider knowledge about the dentists in the area. Ask them for advice without holding back!

2. Check Online Reviews:

Explore the internet to find out what people have to say about dentists. Your go-to site is Google. Seek reviews that highlight the advantages of excellent treatment, kindness, and communication.

3. Verify Credentials:

Verify if your dentist is a qualified professional. Verify whether they are licensed to practice dentistry and whether they meet the requirements. Additionally, see if they specialize in the particular dental services you may want, such as tooth Cosmetic Dentistry or teeth alignment using Invisalign.

4. Explore Services and Technology Knowledge:

Consider the needs of your teeth. Find a dentist who can help you with everything from regular checkups to specialized procedures. If you want to align your “teeth” find a dentist who offers  Invisalign Austin. Also, look to see if they have access to the latest cutting-edge technology or not. Dental surgeries can be completed with ease with advanced tools and techniques.

5. Consider Location and Convenience:

Nobody likes to travel a long way for a regular checkup. Choose a dentist whose office is convenient and has parking that won't make you crazy. Convenience is crucial, so be sure their office hours work with your schedule!

6. Emergency-Friendly Dentist:

Life is unpredictable, right? Check how your dentist handles dental emergencies after regular hours. Knowing they've got your back in urgent situations brings relief.

7. Check Insurance and Payments:

Make sure your dentist will accept your insurance coverage before committing. Inquire about payment alternatives; some dentist clinics have plans to help you afford high-quality care and many also provide financing. Also, you can go to their insurance page (if available) to inquire whether your insurance is applicable or not. 

8. Put Patient Comfort First:

A dentist visit should be comfortable, and not stressful. Seek a dentist whose practice exudes a friendly atmosphere rather than just having dental expertise. Inquire about amenities like blankets, entertainment, and anything else that will make your stay more comfortable.

9. Schedule a Consultation:

Organize appointments to the finalized clinic if you are looking for a dental checkup. You can schedule it as a “New Patient Exam”,  for further assistance. So,  what are you waiting for now? Book an appointment to prevent painful tooth problems.

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And that's all you need to find out to choose the right dental clinic. Enamel Dentistry can help you achieve the best oral health. Being the top dental care provider in Austin, they give individualized treatment with state-of-the-art technology, a team of qualified specialists, and a kind touch. Connect with them today to get treatment from the best Dentist in Austin.

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How many times have you gone to the dentist and lied about how much you floss? It’s OK; you’re not alone! Many patients don’t really enjoy flossing. We have a theory that in part, it’s because flossing doesn’t have any noticeable direct benefit—unlike exercise, eating healthy, or even brushing your teeth. However, there are plenty of benefits to be had from regular flossing; the first is that patients who floss regularly have very few dental issues. Keep reading to find out more about flossing and why it’s so important to your oral health.

The Benefits of Flossing Regularly

• Teeth & Gum Health

Brushing your teeth is great for preventing tooth decay because it scrubs away food, plaque, and bacteria sitting on your teeth’s enamel. However, toothbrushes can only do so much; they can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth and along the gum line—but floss can! Flossing daily helps your teeth and gums stay healthy and reduces your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

• Fresher Breath

Brushing your teeth with minty-fresh toothpaste will help your breath—but only for so long if you have food and tarter between your teeth. Food trapped between your teeth can start to decay and cause a foul odor, but tartar is one of the main culprits of halitosis (aka chronic bad breath). Flossing removes food particles and plaque before it can become odor-causing tarter.

• Flossing Can Help Prevent Heart Disease

Studies have shown that patients with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease as those without gum disease. Why? When you have gingivitis or forms of gum disease, it allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, where it can make its way to the heart. If you floss regularly, it helps protect your teeth, gums, AND your heart! What’s not to love?

• A Brighter, More Confident Smile

Plaque and tartar have a yellowy appearance, which can affect the overall appearance of your smile. Flossing regularly will help remove plaque, prevent tartar buildup, and remove food trapped between your teeth for a brighter, whiter smile you can flash with confidence.

What Happens if You Don’t Floss?

If you don’t floss, it allows plaque and bacteria to accumulate in your mouth. Bacteria can lead to cavities and tooth decay over time, but gingivitis (gum inflammation) can develop much more quickly.

If gingivitis gets worse, it can develop into periodontal disease, which causes bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Plaque that’s allowed to sit for too long becomes calcified and turns into tartar, which makes it more difficult for you to brush and floss thoroughly; even worse, tartar that sits above the gum line has bacteria in it that can irritate and damage your gums.

The bottom line is no matter how often you brush or how long you brush, there are areas around your teeth and gums that a toothbrush just can’t reach. Flossing helps you reach every nook and cranny, dislodging food, plaque, and bacteria that you wouldn’t be able to remove otherwise.

For the cleanest, healthiest smile, you should aim for flossing at least once a day. If your gums bleed while flossing, don’t worry! This is just a sign that you need to floss more frequently. The more you floss, the less your gums will bleed. We know it doesn’t feel like the most glamorous activity, but trust us—your teeth and gums will thank you!

If you have questions about your oral health or proper flossing technique, contact an Enamel Dentistry near you. Our team is always happy to help you find the best ways to care for your smile!