Something as basic as regular dental cleaning can impact your health dramatically. It is so important that I am doubling my efforts to encourage everyone to schedule maintenance visits for their teeth and gums at least twice each year.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, has links to heart disease, strokes, diabetes and more serious health issues. If you do not clean your teeth properly, you are inviting all the immediate symptoms of gum disease and increasing the risk of other health issues. Warning signs include bleeding gums, red gums and bad breath. Here are some additional facts about your risk of gum disease.
- Receding gums are a symptom of gum disease. If you have noticed your gums receding making your teeth appear longer, this is a warning sign.
- Tobacco use is a risk factor for gum disease.
- The older you are, the greater your risk.
The best thing you can do is to schedule your cleanings with me twice each year. Come in and have this nearly painless treatment completed so we can stay on top of your health.
We are also accepting new patients, so please encourage your friends to join us in our efforts to help all of our patients in their battle against periodontal disease.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Do you snore?
Do you snore? If you do, this is an important blog for you.
We all know snoring is a major irritant because of complaints we receive from others. Your spouse, family members, house guests, and maybe even your neighbors have complained from time to time if you are a habitual snorer. And, while it might be offensive to them, it might be dangerous for you.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects breathing while you sleep. Habitual snoring is a classic symptom of sleep apnea. Snoring is not sleep apnea and it seems many people have that fact confused. However, it is a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disruption of your breathing when you are asleep. This is both dangerous to your health and it can affect your waking hours because your sleep is not restful.
The stoppage in breathing during sleep can cause oxygen deprivation. This can affect your overall health in the forms of heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, memory problems and more conditions related to oxygen deprivation. This is not to mention the irritability and radical behavior changes caused by restless sleep.
We are trained to recognize and treat sleep and breathing disorders. A good place to start with self-assessment is snoring. If you are a regular snorer, you have a primary symptom of sleep apnea. If this is the case, why not contact me for a consultation and we can screen you for sleep apnea? It is a good idea for your overall health and welfare.
We all know snoring is a major irritant because of complaints we receive from others. Your spouse, family members, house guests, and maybe even your neighbors have complained from time to time if you are a habitual snorer. And, while it might be offensive to them, it might be dangerous for you.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects breathing while you sleep. Habitual snoring is a classic symptom of sleep apnea. Snoring is not sleep apnea and it seems many people have that fact confused. However, it is a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disruption of your breathing when you are asleep. This is both dangerous to your health and it can affect your waking hours because your sleep is not restful.
The stoppage in breathing during sleep can cause oxygen deprivation. This can affect your overall health in the forms of heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, memory problems and more conditions related to oxygen deprivation. This is not to mention the irritability and radical behavior changes caused by restless sleep.
We are trained to recognize and treat sleep and breathing disorders. A good place to start with self-assessment is snoring. If you are a regular snorer, you have a primary symptom of sleep apnea. If this is the case, why not contact me for a consultation and we can screen you for sleep apnea? It is a good idea for your overall health and welfare.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Migraines and TMJ
If you suffer from migraines headaches, you know it is an intense head pain that can last for hours or days. For some, it can be totally debilitating. If you have frequent headaches and the best your doctor can do is prescribe pain medication for your migraines, you should look into what neuromuscular dentistry can do for your headaches. The alternative might be migraines for the rest of your life and the need for dulling medications to live with them.
Migraine headaches are a common symptom of TMJ. This is a misalignment of the jaw that can cause numerous pains and discomforts in the head and neck. Most people think of TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) as only a cause of jaw pain. However, migraine headaches are a very common symptom and, because of their severity, they are a major cause for people to seek out more advanced treatments. Informed family doctors will also recognize persistent migraines as a symptom of TMJ and make a referral to a neuromuscular dentist.
My training at The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies qualifies me as one of this area’s top professionals treating TMJ. The neuromuscular approach to treating TMJ is non-invasive. Through the use of measuring technologies, I am able to determine the proper alignment of your jaw to relieve the stress on the jaw joint. In turn, this eliminates all the issues that misalignment is causing on all the connected tissues. The neuromuscular approach is an effective and non-invasive way to treat TMJ and restore normal function to the jaw joint.
Along with normal function comes relief from TMJ symptoms including migraines. If you suffer from migraine headaches, why not ask me about how TMJ treatment works?
Migraine headaches are a common symptom of TMJ. This is a misalignment of the jaw that can cause numerous pains and discomforts in the head and neck. Most people think of TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) as only a cause of jaw pain. However, migraine headaches are a very common symptom and, because of their severity, they are a major cause for people to seek out more advanced treatments. Informed family doctors will also recognize persistent migraines as a symptom of TMJ and make a referral to a neuromuscular dentist.
My training at The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies qualifies me as one of this area’s top professionals treating TMJ. The neuromuscular approach to treating TMJ is non-invasive. Through the use of measuring technologies, I am able to determine the proper alignment of your jaw to relieve the stress on the jaw joint. In turn, this eliminates all the issues that misalignment is causing on all the connected tissues. The neuromuscular approach is an effective and non-invasive way to treat TMJ and restore normal function to the jaw joint.
Along with normal function comes relief from TMJ symptoms including migraines. If you suffer from migraine headaches, why not ask me about how TMJ treatment works?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
What is Bruxism?
Many people are not aware that they have a condition called Bruxism. But, if you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw or a headache, you may be grinding your teeth at night and that is bruxism.
This can be caused by short-term stress but it can also be part of a chronic, bigger picture issue such as TMJ. In high stress situation, we tend to bear down and grind our teeth. Most people do not realize when they do this during the day and they certainly don’t realize it when they are sleeping. The tension in the muscles from the grinding is what causes inflammation and pain.
If your bruxism is due to stress, stress relief techniques ranging from exercise to counseling to muscle relaxants are occasionally used but are often a short term fix. In the case of chronic bruxism, treatment for TMJ may be the relief you need. Treatments can range from custom fit nightguards to full treatment for TMJ is the bruxism is a symptom of the TMJ. It is important to treat bruxism to avoid putting undue stress on the teeth, which can lead to receding gums or damage to the tooth.
If you are grinding your teeth at night, causing stiffness in your neck and jaw or headaches, please contact me today about treatment for your bruxism.
This can be caused by short-term stress but it can also be part of a chronic, bigger picture issue such as TMJ. In high stress situation, we tend to bear down and grind our teeth. Most people do not realize when they do this during the day and they certainly don’t realize it when they are sleeping. The tension in the muscles from the grinding is what causes inflammation and pain.
If your bruxism is due to stress, stress relief techniques ranging from exercise to counseling to muscle relaxants are occasionally used but are often a short term fix. In the case of chronic bruxism, treatment for TMJ may be the relief you need. Treatments can range from custom fit nightguards to full treatment for TMJ is the bruxism is a symptom of the TMJ. It is important to treat bruxism to avoid putting undue stress on the teeth, which can lead to receding gums or damage to the tooth.
If you are grinding your teeth at night, causing stiffness in your neck and jaw or headaches, please contact me today about treatment for your bruxism.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thinking of whitening your teeth?
There are lots of reasons why teeth whitening is a topic this time of year. Summer is a time for weddings, family reunions, travel and outdoor fun. Generally it is a time when a lot of photos are taken and people want to look their best. That often means teeth whitening.
Whitening is a very common treatment that can be done a number of different ways. It is often the first step someone takes when it comes to cosmetic dentistry and it is also one of the easiest and quickest treatments you can have to improve your smile. That is why teeth whitening is so popular.
When it comes to teeth whitening, you can get over the counter products at your local grocery store or drug store. These over the counter products can be effective but lack the strength of the treatments you can get from a dentist. And, in this case, strength of the chemicals equates to the amount of product and time you need to achieve a result. And, in the end, it makes a difference in what kind of result you will see. Most people who are serious about whitening their teeth wind up at the dentist asking for options even after they have tried the over the counter products.
Most dentists have a take-home whitening kit that you can purchase. Generally, it is more effective than the over the counter products. However, when someone comes to me for whitening, it is usually all about in-office whitening. This is the two-hour whitening process we offer where we apply a special chemical to your teeth. That chemical reacts to a light source we place in your mouth and the results are whiter teeth.
If you would like more information on whitening your teeth for an upcoming occasion, please contact me.
Whitening is a very common treatment that can be done a number of different ways. It is often the first step someone takes when it comes to cosmetic dentistry and it is also one of the easiest and quickest treatments you can have to improve your smile. That is why teeth whitening is so popular.
When it comes to teeth whitening, you can get over the counter products at your local grocery store or drug store. These over the counter products can be effective but lack the strength of the treatments you can get from a dentist. And, in this case, strength of the chemicals equates to the amount of product and time you need to achieve a result. And, in the end, it makes a difference in what kind of result you will see. Most people who are serious about whitening their teeth wind up at the dentist asking for options even after they have tried the over the counter products.
Most dentists have a take-home whitening kit that you can purchase. Generally, it is more effective than the over the counter products. However, when someone comes to me for whitening, it is usually all about in-office whitening. This is the two-hour whitening process we offer where we apply a special chemical to your teeth. That chemical reacts to a light source we place in your mouth and the results are whiter teeth.
If you would like more information on whitening your teeth for an upcoming occasion, please contact me.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Join our social network
We’ve started a Facebook page for our practice. If you haven’t tried social networking online, you should give it a try. It a great way to stay connected with people and share information with each other. If you are unfamiliar with it, it is a free service with a lot of important privacy options. Users will tell you that it is a good way to keep up with what is going on with friends.
You can expect to get a little nugget from us every now and then on Facebook if you become a friend. Such as, last week, when we posted this funny story that happened that day.
FUNNY STORY!! We just had a wonderful couple come in today as new patients and they shared with us that their house was recently broken into (TRUE STORY). Now for the punch line.... The only thing that was stolen was their ULTREO toothbrushes!!!!!! :0) Now that is truly understanding the value of healthy teeth and gums!! Hope they grabbed new toothbrushes heads too because that would be just GROSS!
This is why we are making a Facebook page for my practice. As you, know, my practice is not your average dental practice. We make all kinds of efforts to ensure your comfort and to keep you posted on the important advancements in dentistry that can be of benefit to you and your family. Our Facebook page will allow us to do that even better, so we want to encourage anyone who is not on it to join up. We’ll be out there looking for you to become a Facebook friend really soon.
You can expect to get a little nugget from us every now and then on Facebook if you become a friend. Such as, last week, when we posted this funny story that happened that day.
FUNNY STORY!! We just had a wonderful couple come in today as new patients and they shared with us that their house was recently broken into (TRUE STORY). Now for the punch line.... The only thing that was stolen was their ULTREO toothbrushes!!!!!! :0) Now that is truly understanding the value of healthy teeth and gums!! Hope they grabbed new toothbrushes heads too because that would be just GROSS!
This is why we are making a Facebook page for my practice. As you, know, my practice is not your average dental practice. We make all kinds of efforts to ensure your comfort and to keep you posted on the important advancements in dentistry that can be of benefit to you and your family. Our Facebook page will allow us to do that even better, so we want to encourage anyone who is not on it to join up. We’ll be out there looking for you to become a Facebook friend really soon.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Headaches - The Dental Connection
Headache is one of the leading causes of physician visits by patients and accounts for an enormous annual expenditure for pain relief medications. Yet few people think of going to a dentist for headache treatment. You probably know that what we dentists call occlusion is what most people refer to as their “bite” – the way their teeth come together. What many people do not know is how far-reaching the impact of a poor bite can be.
For example, did you know that a poor bite can be the cause of pain almost anywhere in the head and neck area? Headache is a prime example. Yet, headaches in the temple region are very commonly related to the bite and, correcting the bite often does away with the headaches.
To be sure, there are other causes of headache and head or neck pain. Most patients with this type of pain have already seen a physician to rule out other possible causes such as tumors, eye-strain, etc. With the post-graduate training our staff has completed, and state-of-the art equipment that we have acquired, we are able to scientifically rule in (or rule out) your bite as a possible source of pain.
I hope that you have found this information of interest. If you have questions our office would be more than happy to provide you with further information. If you have friends or loved ones that you suspect may be suffering from these conditions, you would be doing us, and them, a favor to pass this information along.
With Smiles,
Amy Norman
For example, did you know that a poor bite can be the cause of pain almost anywhere in the head and neck area? Headache is a prime example. Yet, headaches in the temple region are very commonly related to the bite and, correcting the bite often does away with the headaches.
To be sure, there are other causes of headache and head or neck pain. Most patients with this type of pain have already seen a physician to rule out other possible causes such as tumors, eye-strain, etc. With the post-graduate training our staff has completed, and state-of-the art equipment that we have acquired, we are able to scientifically rule in (or rule out) your bite as a possible source of pain.
I hope that you have found this information of interest. If you have questions our office would be more than happy to provide you with further information. If you have friends or loved ones that you suspect may be suffering from these conditions, you would be doing us, and them, a favor to pass this information along.
With Smiles,
Amy Norman
Monday, April 27, 2009
Headaches - The Dental Connection
Headache is one of the leading causes of physician visits by patients and accounts for an enormous annual expenditure for pain relief medications. Yet few people think of going to a dentist for headache treatment. You probably know that what we dentists call occlusion is what most people refer to as their “bite” – the way their teeth come together. What many people do not know is how far-reaching the impact of a poor bite can be.
For example, did you know that a poor bite can be the cause of pain almost anywhere in the head and neck area? Headache is a prime example. Yet, headaches in the temple region are very commonly related to the bite and, correcting the bite often does away with the headaches.
To be sure, there are other causes of headache and head or neck pain. Most patients with this type of pain have already seen a physician to rule out other possible causes such as tumors, eye-strain, etc. With the post-graduate training our staff has completed, and state-of-the art equipment that we have acquired, we are able to scientifically rule in (or rule out) your bite as a possible source of pain.
I hope that you have found this information of interest. If you have questions our office would be more than happy to provide you with further information. If you have friends or loved ones that you suspect may be suffering from these conditions, you would be doing us, and them, a favor to pass this information along.
With Smiles,
Amy Norman
For example, did you know that a poor bite can be the cause of pain almost anywhere in the head and neck area? Headache is a prime example. Yet, headaches in the temple region are very commonly related to the bite and, correcting the bite often does away with the headaches.
To be sure, there are other causes of headache and head or neck pain. Most patients with this type of pain have already seen a physician to rule out other possible causes such as tumors, eye-strain, etc. With the post-graduate training our staff has completed, and state-of-the art equipment that we have acquired, we are able to scientifically rule in (or rule out) your bite as a possible source of pain.
I hope that you have found this information of interest. If you have questions our office would be more than happy to provide you with further information. If you have friends or loved ones that you suspect may be suffering from these conditions, you would be doing us, and them, a favor to pass this information along.
With Smiles,
Amy Norman
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Avoiding Tooth Erosion
Yes, you should be maintaining a regular cleaning and check-up schedule for your dental health and the dental health of your family. We are always happy to see you when it is time for a cleaning or check up. However, sometimes it is important to review the things you can be doing at home to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Everything you eat has some affect on your teeth and it is important to make sure you maintain healthy teeth by avoiding what is commonly known as tooth erosion. This can lead to cracked teeth, discoloration, sensitivity and more. Basically tooth erosion is just like it sounds, where the teeth are work away by the acids in what you eat.
Keeping this in mind makes it easy to avoid contributing to the problem. When you eat acidic foods or drinks, simply rinse out your mouth with water to neutralize the remaining acid in your mouth. This simple step is probably the most effective easy thing you can do to avoid tooth erosion. Of course cutting back on carbonated drinks and acidic foods helps, too. When you do eat or drink something that is high in acid, swallow it quickly to avoid it remaining in your mouth a long time.
Brushing is important in avoiding tooth erosion, too. Using a soft toothbrush reduces the friction on teeth that can contribute to erosion and waiting at least an hour to brush following acidic foods helps as well. This gives teeth the chance to remineralize after being exposed to the acids you just ate or drank.
Remembering these simple tips will contribute to your dental health by helping you avoid tooth erosion. If you have any other questions regarding your dental care, please contact me any time. I look forward to seeing you on your next appointment.
Everything you eat has some affect on your teeth and it is important to make sure you maintain healthy teeth by avoiding what is commonly known as tooth erosion. This can lead to cracked teeth, discoloration, sensitivity and more. Basically tooth erosion is just like it sounds, where the teeth are work away by the acids in what you eat.
Keeping this in mind makes it easy to avoid contributing to the problem. When you eat acidic foods or drinks, simply rinse out your mouth with water to neutralize the remaining acid in your mouth. This simple step is probably the most effective easy thing you can do to avoid tooth erosion. Of course cutting back on carbonated drinks and acidic foods helps, too. When you do eat or drink something that is high in acid, swallow it quickly to avoid it remaining in your mouth a long time.
Brushing is important in avoiding tooth erosion, too. Using a soft toothbrush reduces the friction on teeth that can contribute to erosion and waiting at least an hour to brush following acidic foods helps as well. This gives teeth the chance to remineralize after being exposed to the acids you just ate or drank.
Remembering these simple tips will contribute to your dental health by helping you avoid tooth erosion. If you have any other questions regarding your dental care, please contact me any time. I look forward to seeing you on your next appointment.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Congratulations, Judy!
Dr. Amy Norman’s dental practice celebrated a rare event this month. February 8, 2009 marked the 30th anniversary of Judy Jenny’s employment with the practice. And, in that time, she has never taken a sick day.
“Judy is an amazing employee because she doesn’t have one year of experience 30 years in a row; she has 30 years of improvement and growth.” Said Dr. Amy Norman. She is not here because of habit, she is here because she essential to the success of the business.”
Judy credits a healthy and positive work environment to her reliability and longevity. Ironically, she was initially hired for only a six-month term of employment. Part of her secret she says, is that she looks forward to spending time each day with her co-workers and their patients. Now that Dr. Norman built the new office all on one level, she laughed and said “I may never retire!
Dr. Norman also credits Judy with demonstrating and inspiring work ethic among the entire team. Following her example, none of Dr. Norman’s full-time employees have ever taken a sick day. Said Tiffany Norton, Dental Assistant, “No one wants to let down the team or the patients.”
“Judy is an amazing employee because she doesn’t have one year of experience 30 years in a row; she has 30 years of improvement and growth.” Said Dr. Amy Norman. She is not here because of habit, she is here because she essential to the success of the business.”
Judy credits a healthy and positive work environment to her reliability and longevity. Ironically, she was initially hired for only a six-month term of employment. Part of her secret she says, is that she looks forward to spending time each day with her co-workers and their patients. Now that Dr. Norman built the new office all on one level, she laughed and said “I may never retire!
Dr. Norman also credits Judy with demonstrating and inspiring work ethic among the entire team. Following her example, none of Dr. Norman’s full-time employees have ever taken a sick day. Said Tiffany Norton, Dental Assistant, “No one wants to let down the team or the patients.”
Monday, February 2, 2009
Big smiles for the New Year!
It is a new year and a good time to talk about new advantages for a new year. And, the biggest advantage is a bright, beautiful, healthy smile.
As a cosmetic dentist, I see the changes all the time when people get a beautiful, new smile. Both men and women choose to improve their smiles for many reasons. Some reasons are personal and some reasons are for business. More and more it is because of health and the awareness of the connection between the health of the mouth to the health of the whole body. The bottom line in all cases is that the patient wants to make an improvement. They want long-lasting improvements, not just a short-term fix.
With newer materials and technology, long-lasting improvements mean long-lasting investments. This is because investing in the health of your teeth, gums and smile, saves time and money in the long run.
So whether you want a beautiful smile, healthy gums or to just have your teeth last your whole life, you are in well-qualified hands. My team and I are committed to helping you achieve your goals. And if you want a beautiful smile, know that our additional training and use of state of the art materials will ensure that it will be long lasting. Pretty teeth, no gum disease, long-lasting…your goals are our goals.
With Smiles,
Amy Norman, DDS
As a cosmetic dentist, I see the changes all the time when people get a beautiful, new smile. Both men and women choose to improve their smiles for many reasons. Some reasons are personal and some reasons are for business. More and more it is because of health and the awareness of the connection between the health of the mouth to the health of the whole body. The bottom line in all cases is that the patient wants to make an improvement. They want long-lasting improvements, not just a short-term fix.
With newer materials and technology, long-lasting improvements mean long-lasting investments. This is because investing in the health of your teeth, gums and smile, saves time and money in the long run.
So whether you want a beautiful smile, healthy gums or to just have your teeth last your whole life, you are in well-qualified hands. My team and I are committed to helping you achieve your goals. And if you want a beautiful smile, know that our additional training and use of state of the art materials will ensure that it will be long lasting. Pretty teeth, no gum disease, long-lasting…your goals are our goals.
With Smiles,
Amy Norman, DDS
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