The Facts about Dental Amalgam (Silver Fillings)

There has been considerable controversy over the use of dental amalgams which are fillings crafted out of different metal materials including mercury. Dental amalgams are actually made up of a mixture of alloy powder; the latter alloy powder may be made up from a variety of metals including copper, tin, silver, palladium, indium, zinc, and mercury. There has been considerable concern about the potential dangers of the mercury used within dental amalgams in particular and the potential health effects that it might have on the individual.

Since the 70s, dental amalgams have been used with increasingly less frequency simply because dental practices and oral hygiene practices have improved considerably. In fact, statistics reveal that there has been roughly a 40 percent drop in the use of dental amalgams since the early 1980s; as advances in dentistry continue, this reduction-related percentage is expected to increase even further since the need for amalgams will continue to diminish. Nevertheless, in some instances it is still necessary to turn to amalgams in situations where tooth restoration is required.
Dental amalgams are still used today and according to the American Dental Association have been researched extensively. Amalgams are considered completely safe for restorative use and are found to be more durable than other restorative dental products. Amalgams are often used when one has quite a bit of tooth deterioration, can be used as foundation material for tooth rebuilding, and can cost far less than other restorative dental products and options as well.

Are you always tired? You might have Sleep Apnea

5 Questions You Should Ask Yourself

Sleep apnea is a condition that can have a major impact on your life, and is a condition which fits under the larger umbrella term of sleep disorders. Sleep apnea involves the interruption of breathing while one is asleep as the sleeper will briefly cease breathing and start breathing again, sometimes many times in a single sleep session. When an individual with sleep apnea has problems breathing this can cause other health issues to develop. How do you know if you are suffering from a condition like sleep apnea? Here are five questions to ask yourself:

1. Do you snore on and off throughout the evening, excessively and even loudly? Snoring is one of the primary signs and indicators of sleep apnea, particularly in cases where the sleeper suffers from obstructive apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when an individual experiences a blockage within his or her airway. When the airway remains partially open the individual will pass air through that partially open section of the airway: this can result in loud and excessive bouts of snoring.

2. Are you often overtired or exhausted during daytime hours even after getting a full evening of sleep? People with sleep apnea are constantly being interrupted during the evening when they sleep. Every time the individual stops breathing and then later gasps for air he or she is aroused slightly: this pattern of broken sleep causes the sufferer to be tired throughout the day.

3. Do you find that you have issues going to sleep in the evening? When an individual has sleep apnea his or her sleep pattern is disrupted. A disrupted sleep pattern can lead to issues such as insomnia.

4. Do you sometimes find that you wake up with unexplained headaches? Since the sleeper suffering from sleep apnea is repeatedly experiencing interruptions in his or her breathing cycle, carbon dioxide is building up in the system over time. The accumulation of C02 in small levels can create an issue with headaches.

5. Is your throat often scratchy and sore when you first awaken? Since the individual with sleep apnea is constantly snoring and trying to catch one’s breath, the throat can become dry, sore, and irritated on a regular basis.

Sleep apnea is a serious health condition which must be properly addressed. There are a number of treatments for sleep apnea which can be discussed with your dentist or doctor. Some treatments can involve surgery, but often a simple Snore appliance can resolve many issues and give you a good night's sleep.

Regular Dental Cleanings for a Healthier Life

It is of utmost importance that an everyone gets regular teeth cleanings and examinations from their dentist. In order to ensure the longevity of one’s oral health, regular visits to the dentist every six months to a year are highly recommended. A dentist will examine your mouth and assess if there are any underlying conditions that can lead to future dental problems.

The potential for developing dental problems and health problems is high if one does not get regular checkups. For example, uncared for teeth can lead to gum disease. Gum disease can begin without an individual even knowing that he or she has developed the condition. Later, as the disease slowly progresses, the situation worsens and the individual can end up losing teeth because of it. For more information on gum disease, visit www.perio.org

The development of gum disease or periodontal disease can result in further health complications if left untreated. For example, experts have revealed a significant link between the development of gum disease and issues with the heart. Gum disease is believed to be responsible for the sudden and unforeseen release of baneful bacteria into one’s body. The release of these bacteria can have a systemic wide effect, causing and producing an array of illnesses. What’s more, these bacteria can have a seriously negative impact on one’s heart.

L.A. Dental Clinic
2500 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213)385-9710
www.LADentalClinic.com