The Chicago Midwinter Meeting

This weekend, Dr. Dennis Stiles is in Chicago for the 145th annual Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, from February 25th to 27th. The Midwinter meeting is one of the largest dental exhibitions in the United States, and highlights the latest and greatest technologies in dentistry, along with plenty of continuing education courses. Dr Stiles is also in town for the American Equilibration Society (focused on TMJ and bite problems) and the Restorative Academy.

Yesterday, Dr. Stiles was also elected as the president of the American Prosthodontic Society Foundation. The APS mission statement is: To promote the advancement of the discipline of prosthodontics by integrating the generalist, specialist and dental laboratory technologist in a manner that will continuously seek improvement of patient treatment. We will accomplish this through education and research. Congratulations Dr. Stiles!

You can learn more about the Chicago Dental Society on their web site. You can also search for updates from the conference by searching #cds10 on Twitter! We will also be posting photos later, so check back soon.

Sleep Apnea: Risks and Treatment Options in Gaithersburg, MD

Sleep disorders are fairly common, with around 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder, and some of these progressing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms, and as it worsens it can lead to full airway blockage while you sleep, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.

There are several different approaches to sleep apnea treatment, including:

• Surgery to the jaws or airway tissue to open the airway. This is typically only used in the most severe cases.
• Continuous airway pressure therapy which involves a mask and machine (CPAP machine) to keep your throat muscles and tissue open while sleeping
• Oral appliance therapy, a less intrusive method involving a customized oral device that positions your jaw in a favorable position to keep your airway open while you sleep. Video: Dr. Stiles explains how a sleep apnea appliance works

If you suspect that you may suffer from a sleep disorder or sleep apnea, give us a call at 240-252-1032 and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.

Pleasant and Professional Treatment at Stiles Dentistry, A Video Testimonial

If you've been in for an appointment in the past few months, then you know we have been interviewing patients about their experience at our office. In this video, one of our patients describes the restorative dental work that we were able to help her with. We are always pleased to hear the kind words our patients have to say about Stiles Dentistry.

We hope you have been staying warm and safe through the wild weather lately! Head to our Facebook Fan Page and check out the photos we took of the office with 30 inches of snow!

The Oral Systemic Connection

Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to our office are all key factors in maintaining a healthy mouth, but did you know that oral health also has an effect on your overall bodily health?

It’s called the Oral Systemic Connection, and it’s the idea that the health of your teeth and gums can have a significant effect on the rest of your body. Your mouth is full of bacteria, some good, and some harmful. As we illustrated in our blog last week, some types of bacteria can cause cavities, gingivitis, and even periodontal disease. Without proper oral care and hygiene, these harmful types of bacteria can then enter your blood stream through inflamed gums, inhaling through the mouth, and even through saliva.

In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:

--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Mild cases of gingivitis are very common in Americans, and symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth

Gum inflammation is often painless, causing people to wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontal disease. Both Drs. Dennis & Marie Stiles are experts in identifying and treating periodontal disease. Call us today to schedule an appointment to improve your oral health and your overall health too!