Back to school, back to the dentist, it’s the law

Tooth decay is one of the biggest health issues among children, accounting for over 51 million hours of school time lost every year. What’s more, poor dental health in youth can lead to chronic problems like discomfort, difficulty chewing and the need for painful and expensive procedures down the road.
An annual back-to-school dental checkup is an easy way to help prevent these problems. It’s so important, that several states — including California, Oregon and New York — actually require children to get a dental exam before entering public school.
Regular dental exams do more than catch tooth decay. They also let us see if teeth are growing in properly, monitor the results of their brushing and flossing techniques (and give lessons, if necessary), and apply fluoride treatments or protective sealants that can prevent decay before it happens. If your kids play sports or engage in other activities that might cause oral injuries, we can fit them for protective mouth guards.
If your kids are in college, planning checkups during school breaks can ensure that they’re receiving regular professional dental care. And even if they’re too young for school, your kids are probably old enough to go to the dentist. The ADA recommends babies start seeing a dentist when their first tooth comes in, usually when they’re between 6 and 12 months old.
So while you’re making back-to-school plans, plan on bringing your kids in for a visit. And for extra credit, try these fun tips for sending them to school with a smile:
1. Buy new toothbrushes: While they’re getting new notebooks, pens and other supplies, why not let them pick out a new toothbrush? While you’re at it, pick up two — one for home and one to bring to school.
2. Make a dental care kit for school: To encourage them to brush after lunch and snacks, buy a zippered plastic-lined bag and include a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.
3. Pack dental-friendly lunches and snacks: Fruit, nuts, string cheese and bottled water are all good choices. Avoid sticky foods like raisins or fruit leather, as they can cause cavities.
4. Start a reward system: Encourage good dental exams like you encourage good grades — with a prize like a night at the movies, a new video game or other coveted item.

Latest News Healthy Smile, Healthy Heart?

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Dr.Michael Mostfi
www.Healthysmile360.com
Aliso Viejo Ca 92656

9 Reasons to Suspect It May Be More Than Just Snoring

9 Reasons to Suspect It May Be More Than Just Snoring







Sure snoring isn't sexy, but it can also be an indication of a more serious medical problem called Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In people with sleep apnea, the throat collapses during sleep cutting off the flow of oxygen. 90% of people who have sleep apnea are not aware of it. Usually its the bed partner who notices the signs of apnea so check with your bed partner.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs more often in people who are overweight, over age 35 and in men (although this may be just because women have been under reported).
Reason 1: Excessive daytime sleepiness

If you tend to drowse off while sitting quietly at home, at work, on the phone or while driving, it could be a sign that you are not getting refreshing sleep at night.
Reason 2: Loud snoring

Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Loud snoring also interferes with a bed partner's sleep and can cause high blood pressure.
Reason 3: Cessation of breathing

Your sleeping partner may notice frequent times through the night when you stop breathing. his can occur for a little as 5 times an hour to more than 50 times an hour. The number of times you stop breathing wll determine whether you have mild apnea or severe apnea.
Reason 4: Gasping or choking while sleeping

When the throat collapses during sleep, the brain forces you to partially awaken to breathe. This can happen many times during an hour and keep you from getting the deep sleep you need.
Reason 5: Feeling unrefreshed in the morning

Because you are not getting the sleep you need, you may feel more tired in the morning after a night's sleep than you did the night before. THis can also cause problems with memory, concentration and personality changes.
Reason 6: Heartburn or a sour taste in the morning or at night

Many people with sleep apnea regurgitate stomach acid while sleeping. This is known as GERD and can cause problems with your esophagus and your teeth.
Reason 7: Headaches, sore throat or dry mouth in the morning

Almost half the people with sleep apnea have headaches due to a poor night's sleep.
Reason 8: Sexual dysfunction

It's true! Obstructive sleep apnea sufferers may experience a lack of sexual desire because of fatigue. In men, sleep apnea can be a cause of ED.
Reason 9: Sweating and chest pain at night

Cardiac deaths occur in the early morning hours with people who suffer from sleep apnea.

Something else you should be aware of - shirt collar size is a good indicator of sleep apnea especially in people with high blood pressure and those who awake gasping and choking at night. If you are a woman and have a neck size of 16 inches or more, or you are a man with a shirt collar neck size of 17 inches or more and have any of the above reasons to be concerned, please check with your doctor.


Dr.Michael Mostofi
Aliso Viejo Dentist
www.HealthySmile360.com
949-831-5511