Sleep Apnea & Cancer: The Dental Connection!

Recently, multiple studies have concluded that people with sleep apnea, a disorder that causes snoring, fatigue, and dangerous gaps in breathing at night due to throat muscles collapsing, are five time more likely to develop cancer.  In fact, one of the studies found that people with the most severe forms of sleep apnea had a 65 percent greater risk of developing cancer of any kind!

Researchers now believe that this could be due to the body lacking enough oxygen, a condition known as hypoxemia. Apparently, when people are hypoxic, their bodies react by producing more blood vessels, which can feed cancer cells, and as a result can cause tumors to grow and spread more rapidly.

Approximately 28 million North Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with many cases going undiagnosed.  This is due to most cancer patients not mentioning any sleep problems that they experience unless their doctor asks them.

If you have any questions about sleep apnea or are in need of an dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Tender Gums: The Dental Connection!

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that results when bacteria in your mouth cause inflammation and tenderness in your gums.  This is a very common condition, and you can treat it effectively if you are aggressive.  Otherwise, it could develop into more advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, and you could lose one or more teeth.

Watch for the symptoms of gingivitis.  Early treatment is the key to success.  Strategies for treating gingivitis include thoroughly cleaning your teeth and assessing the scope of your gingivitis and how serious the problem is.

GINGIVITIS: Early Gum Disease

Your mouth contains many bacteria that form plaque, which is a sticky substance.  You can get rid of plaque by brushing well, but if you don't, it can build up on your teeth and form tartar.   Bacteria can make your gums inflamed and cause pain and bleeding, or gingivitis.  Other symptoms include loose teeth, bad breath, or receding gums, and sensitive teeth.  Your are at a higher risk for gingivitis if you are a smoker, if you have a weakened immune system, or if you have diabetes.

ASSESSMENT

The first step is to call our office for an appointment.  Our dental team will assess your risk factors for gingivitis and examine your teeth and mouth for signs of red and swollen gums.  We may also measure the pockets around your teeth.  If they are larger than normal, then your gingivitis may be more advanced.  Finally, we will take some digital dental x-rays to get a picture of the bone structure of your jaw.

If you have tender gums, have other questions about gum disease, or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT