Stress affects many aspects of our well-being, and our oral health is no exception. From grinding teeth to dry mouth, stress can manifest in several ways, often causing or worsening dental issues. This article explores the connection between stress and oral health and provides tips for managing stress for a healthier mouth.

1. Bruxism: Teeth Grinding and Clenching
One of the most common oral health issues associated with stress is bruxism, or teeth grinding. Many people grind their teeth unconsciously, especially while sleeping, leading to worn-down teeth, jaw pain, and headaches. Over time, bruxism can damage enamel, resulting in sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities. If you suspect bruxism, a dentist may recommend a mouthguard to protect your teeth while you work on stress management.

2. Gum Inflammation and Disease
Stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections, including those that affect your gums. High stress levels have been linked to an increased risk of gum inflammation, which can lead to gingivitis and even periodontal disease if untreated. In addition, people under stress may neglect their oral hygiene routine, compounding the risk.

3. Dry Mouth
When you’re stressed, your body’s response can reduce saliva flow, leading to dry mouth. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, washing away food particles, and keeping bacteria under control. Without adequate saliva, you’re at a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Drinking water frequently and avoiding caffeine can help mitigate dry mouth symptoms.

4. Stress-Related Dietary Choices
Stress can influence eating habits, leading to cravings for sugary or acidic foods that can harm teeth. Increased snacking on comfort foods and sugary drinks exposes teeth to more plaque-forming bacteria. Being mindful of your diet during stressful times is essential. Opt for tooth-friendly foods like vegetables, nuts, and cheese to protect your oral health.

5. Tips for Managing Stress to Protect Oral Health
There are several effective techniques for managing stress that can also benefit your oral health:

• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress.
• Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural stress-relievers and can help reduce tension that might lead to teeth grinding.
• Maintaining a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine: Sticking to a daily routine of brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use can help keep your oral health on track even during stressful times.
• Seek Professional Help: If stress and anxiety feel overwhelming, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for support.

6. When to See a Dentist
If you notice symptoms like jaw pain, sensitivity, or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Early intervention can prevent stress-related oral health issues from progressing. Your dentist can provide a custom mouthguard if you grind your teeth and suggest products to alleviate dry mouth.

Stress management plays a significant role in maintaining oral health. By understanding the impact of stress and taking proactive steps to manage it, you’re not only protecting your smile but also supporting your overall well-being.

Good oral hygiene is not just about maintaining a healthy smile; it can also impact your heart health. Research has uncovered a link between gum disease and cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and stroke. Here’s what you need to know about the connection and how you can protect both your heart and mouth.

1. How Bacteria from Gums Affect the Heart
   Our mouths are filled with bacteria, which are mostly harmless. However, if harmful bacteria in plaque accumulate due to poor oral hygiene, it can cause gum inflammation (gingivitis) or more severe gum disease (periodontitis). The bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream, traveling to the heart and triggering inflammation in blood vessels. This inflammation can increase the risk of blood clots, which are a significant cause of heart attacks.
2. Gum Disease and Arterial Health
   Studies have shown that people with gum disease are more likely to have narrowed arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. The bacteria that travel from the gums to the arteries can contribute to the formation of plaques in blood vessels, narrowing them and making it harder for blood to flow to the heart. This can result in hypertension (high blood pressure) and increase the risk of heart disease.
3. The Impact on Stroke Risk
   The inflammatory response associated with gum disease doesn’t just affect the heart. Some studies suggest that people with severe gum disease are at a higher risk of stroke. This is likely due to the bacteria causing or worsening inflammation in the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, potentially leading to clots that cause strokes.
4. Maintaining Oral Hygiene for Heart Health
   Preventing gum disease is a crucial step in protecting heart health. Brush twice daily, floss daily, and use mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay. Regular dental checkups can help catch early signs of gum disease, allowing for prompt treatment. Dentists can also remove tartar, which cannot be eliminated by brushing and flossing alone.
5. Heart-Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Choices
   A diet low in sugar and high in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables supports both gum and heart health. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks helps prevent gum disease, while nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body, benefiting both the heart and gums.
6. Discussing Oral Health with Your Doctor
   If you have heart disease, it’s essential to inform your dentist, as certain dental procedures can temporarily increase the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream. Likewise, let your cardiologist know about your oral health habits, as they may provide guidance on additional preventive steps for heart health.

By maintaining good oral hygiene, you’re not just caring for your teeth and gums; you’re actively supporting your cardiovascular system as well. A commitment to both oral and heart health creates a foundation for a healthier life.

Your gums play a critical role in your overall oral health, and maintaining their health requires daily attention. Healthy gums provide a strong foundation for your teeth, helping to prevent a range of issues from gingivitis to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated. Here are some essential daily habits to protect and nurture your gums.

1. Brush Twice a Day
Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush is essential for removing plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can irritate and damage gum tissue. Use a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen enamel and prevent decay. Remember to angle your toothbrush towards the gum line to clean the area where plaque tends to accumulate.

2. Floss Daily
Flossing is just as important as brushing. While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, flossing removes plaque and food particles trapped between teeth and along the gumline. Be gentle, as aggressive flossing can hurt your gums. If traditional floss is challenging to use, consider alternatives like floss picks or water flossers.

3. Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and prevent gum disease. Look for mouthwashes that contain ingredients like chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride, which target bacteria. However, be cautious with alcohol-based mouthwashes, as they can cause dry mouth, leading to more bacterial growth.

4. Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking and tobacco use are major risk factors for gum disease. Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for the body to fight infections and heal. Smokers are also more likely to experience gum recession, which can expose tooth roots and lead to sensitivity.

5. Eat a Balanced Diet
Nutrition plays a key role in gum health. Foods rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits and leafy greens, help strengthen gum tissue and boost immune response. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can also reduce inflammation in the body, including in the gums. Avoid sugary snacks and beverages, which can contribute to plaque buildup.

6. Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Even with excellent home care, professional cleanings are essential. Dentists and dental hygienists can remove plaque and tartar that home care may miss. Regular checkups also help catch early signs of gum disease, allowing for prompt treatment before issues escalate.

By incorporating these habits into your routine, you can ensure that your gums remain healthy, supporting a lifetime of healthy smiles. Taking care of your gums is a small investment that yields big returns in terms of your oral and overall health.

As your child is ready to take a leap from baby bottles to sippy cups, there are a few things to consider before taking the trip to the store. What might seem like an easy choice at first comes with many options when you are finally looking at the store shelf. Making good choices about your child’s sippy cup will help your family stay healthy and help your child avoid tooth decay.

What Is Early Childhood Tooth Decay (Baby Bottle Tooth Decay)?

Early childhood tooth decay is decay on baby teeth, which can lead to childhood cavities. Decay happens when sweetened liquids are left sticking to a child’s teeth for long periods of time. Bacteria in the mouth use sweet liquids as food and produce an acid that attacks the baby teeth, so they start to decay. There are three things that promote decay: what goes into the child’s cup, how often, and for how long.

What Kind Of Cup To Choose?

The best cup to choose for your child is one with no value in it. Values are being placed in cups to give it the “no spill” guarantee. Unfortunately, having a value inside makes the child suck for the liquid instead of sipping. Choose one with a snap-on or screw-on lid with a spout. Finding a cup with two handles would be the best option.

What To Put Into The Cup?

For most of the day, your child should have water in the cup, preferably water treated with fluoride, like tap water. At mealtimes, milk and juice drinks could be offered. Avoid giving

the child any sort of sugar water or soft drinks.

How Frequently Can My Child Use The Cup?

Constantly sipping on drinks containing sugar, like milk and juice, can lead to tooth decay over time. Mealtimes are the only time your child should use the cup. Your child should not be given a cup when going to bed, as this can lead to tooth decay. Beware of letting your child carry the cup around and sipping while walking; toddlers can be unsteady on their

feet and any fall can damage the mouth.

When do I stop using the cup?

A training cup is only temporary. Once your child has learned to sip from the cup, the training cup is no longer necessary. It can and should be set aside.

Kelly has a family whose members are pictures of health. The mother is a nutritionist. The kids are homeschooled, so they don’t have access to soda and candy from the cafeteria vending machines. The family follows a vegan diet and has a sparkling oral health history with no caries or decalcification, but a strange thing happened. During a recent preventative exam, Kelly discovered that her previously caries-free children all had tooth decay. The family practiced good oral health hygiene and had a nutritious diet, so Kelly wondered what had changed. She discovered that it wasn’t what the family ate but rather how they ate, is what created problems. “We juice our fruits and vegetables,” Kelly said. Even though the food is healthy, the form they ate produced a potent combination of fruit acids and sugars. Dr. Aver could have just treated the symptoms, but by digging a little deeper, she identified the real issue and educated her patients on how to fix and prevent it.

“The old concept of dentistry is to restore and repair teeth/gums.” Dr. Aver said. “But now we need to focus on education, prevention, and maintenance more than just drilling and filling teeth. The first step toward any treatment should be finding the underlying root cause: nutrition and habits”. Discussing nutrition with patients may feel like you are blurring the lines between dentistry and dietetics, but it could provide a clear pathway toward integrating dentistry as a crucial component of whole-body healthcare. For Dr. Aver, nutrition is essential to oral and systemic health. She doesn’t shy away from dietary conversations, as they help her achieve her practice’s goal of addressing “the complete foundation of health” for her patients. “We have always educated and advised our patients regarding the effect of acid on teeth, including fruit acids, and not brushing after snacking,” she said. “Overall health begins with oral health. Thus, proper nutrition and habits are equally important for oral health”. So how does a general dentist with nutrition in the background have these conversations with patients? A comprehensive refresher in key oral health and nutrition concepts is an excellent place to start.

The Oral Healthcare Effects of Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins A, B, and D and calcium and phosphorus have significant oral health implications. Vitamin B (B2, B3, B6, and B12) deficiencies are most common in older adults, alcohol users, people with restricted diets (e.g., vegan or vegetarian), and people with gastrointestinal issues or recent surgeries. Vitamin B deficiency manifests as a burning feeling in the mouth, angular cheilitis/cracks at the corner of the mouth, recurrent ulcers, glossitis – pain, swelling, and or redness of the tongue, and loss of taste. Healthy foods that contain the highest levels of the B complex are: salmon (low mercury fish with high Omega 3 fats and selenium), leafy greens (spinach, collared greens, turnip greens), liver of pasture-raised animals, organic eggs, organic beef, legumes (black beans, chickpeas, lentils), organic chicken, brewer’s yeast, lake trout, and sunflower seeds.

Enamel hypoplasia – softening of the enamel, the cause of tooth decay and sensitivity, is an oral health condition linked to a vitamin D and K deficiency. Vitamin D supports the functions of calcium and phosphorus in re-mineralizing and strengthening teeth. In addition, vitamin D and vitamin K stimulate calcium and phosphorus absorption in the intestines and kidneys. Hormones, such as parathyroid, mobilize calcium, leading to an increased risk for osteoporosis (in adults) or rickets (in kids). Vitamin D deficiency typically results in low-to-normal calcium and phosphorus in the blood. Still, deficiencies aren’t the only problem with vitamin D. Dr. Aver says that “the main source of vitamins is the sunshine, but since we live in the Midwest, we don’t get an abundance of sun, and I always recommend vitamin D levels be checked before taking a supplement, so you know how much to supplement.”

It’s Not What You Eat; It’s How

The misconception is that it’s all those cookies or jellybeans causing cavities, but it’s the frequency of exposure to any carbohydrates. The bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities doesn’t care if the carb comes from candy or grapes. Dr. Aver feels that constantly snacking throughout the day, even on healthful foods like dairy, whole grains, and fruit, a steady diet is provided for oral bacteria. The message should be limiting carb-centric snacking. How you eat plays a big, if not bigger, role in oral health than what you eat. Kelly’s family of vegans is an example of how eating a nutrient-rich diet the wrong way can create dental problems.

Changing dietary behaviors can decrease caries and erosion risk. These changes include having structured and brief mealtimes throughout the day (limited snacking and grazing) and eliminating sweetened or acidic beverages. After meals, rinse with water, chew sugar-free and aspartame-free gum, and brush/floss. Wait for twenty minutes before brushing if the food or beverage was acidic.

Dietary Associations With Oral and Systemic Disease

How diet leads to caries is well known, but nutrition also plays several roles in the management and prevention of periodontal disease. Diet-dominated conditions increase periodontal disease risks, such as obesity, heart disease, and uncontrolled diabetes. In addition, poor nutrition prevents the immune system from functioning correctly, affecting wound healing. Nutrient deficiencies, namely vitamin C, D, and calcium, are also linked to periodontal risk.

Dehydration is another nutritional aspect that can significantly impact a patient’s oral health. Research shows that dehydration may lead to caries and even difficulty achieving adequate dental anesthesia in your dental practice.

Please read the labels. Know precisely what you are consuming. Be well and stay healthy!

Kelly has a family whose members are pictures of health. The mother is a nutritionist. The kids are homeschooled, so they don’t have access to soda and candy from the cafeteria vending machines. The family follows a vegan diet and has a sparkling oral health history with no caries or decalcification, but a strange thing happened. During a recent preventative exam, Kelly discovered that her previously caries-free children all had tooth decay. The family practiced good oral health hygiene and had a nutritious diet, so Kelly wondered what had changed. She discovered that it wasn’t what the family ate but rather how they ate that created problems. “We juice our fruits and vegetables,” Kelly said. Even though the food is healthy, the form they ate produced a potent combination of fruit acids and sugars. Dr. Aver could have treated the symptoms, but by digging a little deeper, she identified the real issue and educated her patients on how to fix and prevent it.

“The old concept of dentistry is to restore and repair teeth/gums.” Dr. Aver said. “But now we need to focus on education, prevention, and maintenance more than just drilling and filling teeth. The first step toward any treatment should be finding the underlying root cause: nutrition and habits”. Discussing nutrition with patients may feel like you are blurring the lines between dentistry and dietetics, but it could provide a clear pathway toward integrating dentistry as a crucial component of whole-body healthcare. For Dr. Aver, nutrition is essential to oral and systemic health. She doesn’t shy away from dietary conversations, as they help her achieve her practice goal of addressing “the complete foundation of health” for her patients. “We have always educated and advised our patients regarding the effect of acid on teeth, including fruit acids, and not brushing after snacking,” she said. “Overall health begins with oral health. Thus, proper nutrition and habits are equally important for oral health”. So how does a general dentist with nutrition in the background have these conversations with patients? A comprehensive refresher in key oral health and nutrition concepts is an excellent place to start.

The Oral Healthcare Effects of Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins A, B, and D and calcium and phosphorus have significant oral health implications. Vitamin B (B2, B3, B6, and B12) deficiencies are most common in older adults, alcohol users, people with restricted diets (e.g., vegan or vegetarian), and people with gastrointestinal issues or recent surgeries. Vitamin B deficiency manifests as a burning feeling in the mouth, angular cheilitis/cracks at the corner of the mouth, recurrent ulcers, glossitis – pain, swelling, and or redness of the tongue, and loss of taste. Healthy foods that contain the highest levels of the B complex are: salmon (low mercury fish with high Omega 3 fats and selenium), leafy greens (spinach, collared greens, turnip greens), liver of pasture-raised animals, organic eggs, organic beef, legumes (black beans, chickpeas, lentils), organic chicken, brewer’s yeast, lake trout, and sunflower seeds.

Enamel hypoplasia – softening of the enamel, the cause of tooth decay and sensitivity, is an oral health condition linked to a vitamin D and K deficiency. Vitamin D supports the functions of calcium and phosphorus in re-mineralizing and strengthening teeth. In addition, vitamin D and vitamin K stimulate calcium and phosphorus absorption in the intestines and kidneys. Hormones, such as parathyroid, mobilize calcium, leading to an increased risk for osteoporosis (in adults) or rickets (in kids). Vitamin D deficiency typically results in low-to-normal calcium and phosphorus in the blood. Still, deficiencies aren’t the only problem with vitamin D. Dr. Aver says that “the main source of vitamins is the sunshine, but since we live in the Midwest, we don’t get an abundance of sun, and I always recommend vitamin D levels be checked before taking a supplement, so you know how much to supplement.”

It’s Not What You Eat; It’s How

The misconception is that it’s all those cookies or jellybeans causing cavities, but it’s the frequency of exposure to any carbohydrates. The bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities doesn’t care if the carb comes from candy or grapes. Dr. Aver feels that constantly snacking throughout the day, even on healthful foods like dairy, whole grains, and fruit, a steady diet is provided for oral bacteria. The message should be limiting carb-centric snacking. How you eat plays a big, if not bigger, role in oral health than what you eat. Kelly’s family of vegans is an example of how eating a nutrient-rich diet the wrong way can create dental problems.

Changing dietary behaviors can decrease caries and erosion risk. These changes include having structured and brief mealtimes throughout the day (limited snacking and grazing) and eliminating sweetened or acidic beverages. After meals, rinse with water, chew sugar-free and aspartame-free gum, and brush/floss. Wait for twenty minutes before brushing if the food or beverage was acidic.

Dietary Associations With Oral and Systemic Disease

How diet leads to caries is well known, but nutrition also plays several roles in the management and prevention of periodontal disease. Diet-dominated conditions increase periodontal disease risks, such as obesity, heart disease, and uncontrolled diabetes. In addition, poor nutrition prevents the immune system from functioning correctly, affecting wound healing. Nutrient deficiencies, namely vitamin C, D, and calcium, are also linked to periodontal risk.

Dehydration is another nutritional aspect that can significantly impact a patient’s oral health. Research shows that dehydration may lead to caries and even difficulty achieving adequate dental anesthesia in your dental practice.

Please read the labels. Know precisely what you are consuming. Be well and stay healthy!

Control Bleeding

To help control bleeding bite firmly on the gauze placed by your dentist. The pressure helps to form a blood clot in the tooth socket. Change If you have a lot of bleeding, bite on a regular tea bag. Bite on the gauze or a cold wet tea bag (lipton) until the bleeding stops. Slight oozing of blood is normal within the first 24-48 hours after the extraction.

Reduce Swelling

To reduce swelling after the extraction, place ice pack (frozen pea/corn bag works well too) of the side where extraction was on/off 10 minutes at the time.

Get Enough Rest

Limit activities for the first 24 hrs after the extraction. Don’t lift anything heavy. Rest during the day and go to bed early. When lying down, slightly elevate your head.

Diet

Do eat cooled, soft and healthy diet, especially rich in protein. Drinking plenty of fresh juices will help the body recuperate well and give you energy. Vitamin C supplements are beneficial.

• Avoid spicy foods and foods that need excessive chewing.
• Keep your mouth clean by brushing your teeth gently.
• Start rinsing with salt warm water ONLY 24 hrs after extraction.
• Keep your tongue away from the extraction site, DO NOT play with sutures!
• Don’t use the straw.

Please remember not too…

• Don’t spit out.
• Don’t rinse for the first 24 hrs after extraction.
• Don’t smoke.
• Don’t drink hot liquids.
• Don’t swish.

Call our Office if you Experience Any of the Following...

• Pain becomes very severe.
• Bleeding is difficult to control.
• Develop any allergic reactions/itching/rash to the medication you were prescribed.
• Swelling gets worse.

Homeopathic Remedies

Minimize pain, bleeding and swelling: Arnica Montana 9C or 30 C- take 3 pellets under tongue every hour 15 min before or after food/drink for the first 3–4 hrs, then, 3 pellets 3–4 times a day for few days.

For extraction pain and healing: Alternating Arnica Montana 30C, Ruta Graveolens 30C and Rhus tox 30C for the first few days helps avoid painkillers. Alternate frequently as long as the remedies are definitely helping and less frequently as it improves.

If risk of any infection is being present: then also use Pyrogen 30C , 3 pellets 3-4 times a day.

If the bleeding is very profuse: Take Phosphorus 30C- 3 pell 3 times a day.

If pain is at the site where the injection was: Take Ledum Palustre 30 C- 3 pell three times a day.

For the pain you experience after any of your teeth have been extracted: Hypericum30C- is a nerve remedy and all pain is felt via the nerves. Take 3 pellets 4 times a day as needed for pain

Please Note:

Calendula is the herbal extract from marigolds and has been used medicinally for centuries. It heals the soft tissue, relieving bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, herpes lesions and dry sockets after extractions. It can be used as a mouth rinse or on the gause. Take Probiotic of gut bacteria to ensure great food absorption during healing. Taking Dental Probiotic also helps supplying healthy bacteria to the mouth flora.

Balance your pH for a Healthy You!

Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet is important not only for oral health, but your overall health. Our cells need to be slightly alkaline to function properly. A diet consisting largely of acidic beverages and foods, such as soft drinks and processed foods, has a negative effect on the body’s pH level. When pH levels are not balanced, we are unable to process essential minerals and nutrients correctly. Bacteria, viruses, and disease thrive in an acidic environment. When the pH level of saliva becomes acidic, teeth begin to decay—a pH level of 5.5 is an ideal environment for harmful oral bacteria to thrive. However, an alkaline environment makes it difficult for disease and illness to survive. Therefore working toward a balanced pH level will help to combat bacteria, viruses, diseases, and work towards a healthy you.

How Acidic Are You?

Testing your pH level is quick and non-invasive. Check the pH level of either your saliva or urine for your acidic/alkaline level; however saliva is a better indicator of acidity level. Test strips made of litmus paper change color based on your pH level. A scale chart will help in identifying your level.

The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14 with neutral being 7.0 (the ideal level). When the pH of body fluids is at 7.0 (alkaline) it indicates an oxygen-rich environment-this is an ideal state for good health. However, when the pH level is below 7.0 (acidic) this indicates an oxygen-deprived environment—ideal for disease, and for cavities and the de-mineralization of teeth.

Where do I find testing kits? pH testing strips are available at most drug stores-this makes it easy and convenient to test in your own home.

Diet and Oral Health Go Hand and Hand

The pH level is a reflection of the foods you eat. A diet rich in sugar, dairy products, and animal fats produces acid in the body making an ideal environment for bacteria that cause tooth decay. A diet that incorporates alkaline-forming foods is not difficult—there are plenty to choose from.

Take a look at your diet to understand if you have a good balance of acid and alkaline producing food. A daily diet should consist of 20-25% acid forming foods and 75-80% of alkaline forming foods. An oral pH level of 7.0 (neutral) or slightly above 7.5 (slightly alkaline) actually allows the teeth to become stronger and re-mineralize.

A good way to begin your path to pH balance is to opt for fresh alkaline “friendly” produce. There are many alkaline-forming foods to choose from, here are just a few:

Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne peppers give you more than a spicy taste! It is one of the most alkalizing foods. It is high in vitamin A, making it a helpful agent in fighting off the harmful free radicals that lead to stress and illness.

Cruciferous Vegetables: Choose from broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and many other cruciferous vegetables that help make the body more alkaline. They are also a good source of fiber, and are beneficial in reducing oxidative stress and regulating hormone levels.

Leafy Greens: Kale, chard, collards, and spinach are rich in folate and vitamin K. Spinach tends to be on the acidic side (1.38 – 4.28) and may contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. When cooked, spinach becomes fairly neutral and is unlikely to erode teeth. Do note, if you are on blood thinners, such as Coumadin, greens should be avoided as they interfere with medication.

Fruits

Watermelon: Not only is watermelon a great alkaline-forming food, it is a great diuretic and has no damaging effects on teeth!

Apples: Apples are not only high in fiber making them great for digestion, they have a high pH level of about 8.0- and excellent high alkaline food!

Lemon: Lemons have many health benefits and may be the most alkaline food around for the body. However due to their low pH level they are very acidic in the mouth and can destroy teeth. So if you do choose to drink lemonade, try to drink it through a straw and try to brush your teeth after to neutralize the acid in your mouth.

Note:

Keep in mind that not all vegetables and fruit are alkaline-producing. Some fruits and vegetables are acidifying, such as corn, lentils, olives, winter squash, blueberries, and cranberries. If you are too alkaline, eat some acidifying foods to balance your levels. However if you are having difficulty balancing your acid pH, you may want to look into the homeopathic remedy Natrum Phosphoricum–it is excellent for producing alkaline shifts.

Did you know? When the body is acidic, the ability to absorb essential nutrients or detoxify is greatly diminished.

NOW AVAILABLE

Dr. Aver is now offering pH level screening. Have your pH level tested at your next appointment. Call our office for more details – 847.998.5100.

Snoring is a real health concern that not only affects the quantity and quality of your sleep, but your overall health. Most people are unaware that they snore, and may have been told only by a family member that they do. Consistent snoring could be a sign of something obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, there is a significant difference between occasional snoring and persistent, heavy snoring (i.e., sleep apnea). People with sleep apnea have brief pauses in their breathing throughout the night, which is due to blockage in the airway. This interruption in sleep can last between 10 and 30 seconds each time and is usually followed by a “snort” when breathing resumes. Breaks in the sleep cycle never allow for a truly rested night’s sleep and take a toll on the body, leaving one feeling tired during the day.

A giant misconception is that sleep apnea only affects older, overweight men

Most people are unaware that they suffer from sleep apnea.  A giant misconception is that sleep apnea only affects older, overweight men.  Anyone can have sleep apnea, regardless of gender, body type, or age. Obstructive sleep apnea is not limited to adults, children are impacted too! There are several alternative treatments that may help with sleep apnea, especially for children, such as craniofacial and chiropractic therapies, homeopathic remedies, and anti-inflammatory approach, which can be as simple as modifying one’s diet.  Poor facial shape is a contributor to sleep apnea and can be corrected with Orthotropics in children when identified early.

Health Effects of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea has numerous health effects on the body than just daytime tiredness, such as:

• Poor focus, Memory and Concentration
• Mood Disorders, Anxiety, and Depression
• High Blood Pressure
• Stroke
• Heart Failure
• Irregular Heart Beats, and Heart Attacks
• Diabetes
• Worsening of ADHD

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliances (also known as dental devices) for patients with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliances are known to improve sleep for patients by improving airflow, and reducing apnea and snoring.

Dental oral appliances can be used alone or with other means of therapy, such as continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). The CPAP is a machine that blows air down your throat through a mask that fits over your nose and/or nose and mouth.

The most widely used oral sleep apnea appliance is the mandibular advancement. Resembling a sports mouth guard, it forces the lower jaw forward and down slightly to keep the airway open.

Another device is the tongue retaining device, which functions by holding the tongue in place, keeping the airway open as much as possible.  Patients of Dr. Aver who wear dental oral appliances are strongly encouraged to maintain follow-up and routine check-ups to make sure the device is working, and to address the need for adjustments and replacement when needed.

If you are concerned that you may be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea and want to understand how a sleep appliance may help you, give use a call at 847-998-5100 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Aver.