Holiday Treats that are Bad for Teeth

The holidays have arrived and that means lots of holiday goodies. However, those sweet and savory treats that are not so good for your waistline are not good for your teeth either. In fact, some foods can cause serious damage to your teeth.

According to your family dentist in Corona, some foods you can skip will keep you out of the dentist’s chair before your regularly scheduled dental appointment.

 Starchy Foods that are Bad for Teeth

Pretzels, Christmas cakes, cookies and your grandmothers favorite gingerbread men may be delicious, but they are bad for teeth. Because starchy foods convert to bacteria and acid and stick to the backs of your teeth, they can wear down the enamel on your teeth. If you must indulge, make sure to rinse and brush afterwards.

Sticky Foods that are Bad for Teeth

Most sticky foods are bad for teeth. From sweet and gooey caramels to your favorite dried apricots, figs, dates and pineapple, sticky foods stick between your teeth eating away at the enamel on your teeth. Sticky foods can also cause problems for your dental restorations. Try enjoying along with a meal or avoid sticky foods completely.

Citrus Fruits in Moderation

Heading to the fruit basket instead of the sweets table at your work Christmas party is good for your waistline, but best to enjoy in moderation. Citrus fruits are bad for teeth as they are highly acidic and loaded with natural sugar. Your Corona family dentist recommends that you enjoy fruit as part of a meal. If you do snack on a tangerine during a break make sure to chase it with a glass of water.

Regular Dental Checkups for Healthy Teeth and Gums

If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy over the holidays, try to avoid damaging foods and don’t forget to schedule your annual comprehensive dental examination with your dentist in Corona today.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Can Be Dangerous to your Health

If you snore, you could be dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, however, not everyone who snores when sleeping has OSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that causes your air passageways to close when you sleep. Although a direct cause is unknown, your dentist in Corona believes that it could have something to do with your weight or your genetics. OSA could also be an issue if you drink, smoke, take drugs, or have a large neck size.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious disorder that causes a person to wake up as many as 30 times every hour. This happens because the back passage way that allows air in closes when you sleep. If this occurs, your brain will wake you up, as you are not getting enough blood circulation. People who sleep alone are rarely aware of OSA as another person usually witnesses it.

You may be dealing with Obstructive Sleep Apnea if you:

• Snore
• Suffer from daytime sleepiness
• Have mood swings
• Have insomnia
• Gasp while you sleep
• Breath Loud
• Experience a shortness of breath
• Are irritable
• Breath through your mouth
• Are hyperactive
• Are irritable
• Lack concentration
• Memory loss
• Wet the bed or suffer from excessive urination while you sleep

Other common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include depression, fatigue, sore throat, teeth grinding and a reduced sex drive.

Problems that can occur with OSA include heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, diabetes, kidney problems, and even death.

What can Help OSA?

CPAP-A CPAP machine used to be the most common therapy for OSA sufferers, however a CPAP can be uncomfortable and often remains unused because it is inconvenient and bulky.

Surgery-Surgery can help with obstructive sleep apnea, but is often unsuccessful

Oral Appliance Therapy-A custom-made oral appliance is the best defense against sleep apnea. Talk to your dentist in Corona if you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Your dentist in Corona can make you an oral appliance therapy device that really will help you get a good night’s sleep.