Fort Lauderdale Area Dentist Explains the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy vs. a CPAP Machine

Everyone wants and deserves a good night sleep. But if you suffer from obstructive sleep apea sometimes the treatment can be worse than the condition itself.  The most common treatment involves strapping a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to your face while you sleep. While effective most people would prefer not to use one. Fortunately, for many sleep apnea sufferers, there are alternative treatments to CPAP that can be just as effective.

• Elevating your head at night— Propping up the end of the bed where you rest your head can help to unblock the airways during sleep making it easier for you to breath.
• Managing Your Weight — Obesity is a major contributing factor to sleep apnea. Fat deposits can fill throat tissue blocking your airway. Just a 10% loss in weight has been shown to decrease sleep apnea symptoms.
• Decongestants — Using a nasal decongestant can temporarily reduce nasal swelling and improve your breathing at night.
• Avoid Alcohol — Avoid the night cap before bedtime

If those suggestions are not enough there is an alternative therapy called dental appliance therapy.  A dental appliance most closely resembles a mouth guard that you may have used when playing sports or an orthodontics guard you might have used if you needed braces. The purpose of the appliance is to slightly adjust the angle of your jaw so that the soft tissue in the back of your throat can't collapse thereby eliminating the cause of the obstruction.

The appliance itself is custom designed based on a digital x-ray or a physical mold. Your doctor will carefully adjust the appliance to ensure both comfort and the desired results are achieved. Once the appliance is ready, all you have to do is install it like a mouth guard when you go to sleep.

Why Choose a Dental Appliance Makes Over CPAP

For decades people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea had been treated with a CPAP machine. Here's why most patients now prefer a dental appliance:

• Comfort — Appliances are natural and comfortable to use. Just slip it in your mouth and go to sleep. CPAP systems require wearing a mask connected to a hose.
• Quiet — On average, the person who shares a bed with a snorer loses at least an hour of sleep per night. Appliances are silent. CPAP systems are run by an electric motor to pump air into the mask that creates a noise.
• Convenience — Appliances are travel-friendly. There are no special requirements needed. CPAP requires an electrical connection and space for the pump and hose.
• Effectiveness —There are over a dozen clinical publications demonstrating the effectiveness of oral appliances (OA) compared to CPAP.

If you have questions about sleep apnea dental appliances please feel free to call our offices. We have the most comprehensive dental appliance services in the Fort Lauderdale area. Call today.

Original Source: https://firstwestondentist.com/fort-lauderdale-sleep-apnea-oral-appliances-vs-CPAP/

Weston’s Top Dentist Explains the Concerns About Dry Mouth

Everyone has experienced a dry mouth at least once in their lifetime. For others, this can be an everyday problem. Depending on the time and frequency of dry mouth (xerostomia), we can learn a lot from this. Occasional dry mouth can be normal from time to time. However, when dry mouth becomes more frequent it can be a sign of an underlying health problem.

What causes dry mouth?

• Dehydration
• Mouth Breathing
• Medications
• Medical conditions
• Malfunctioning saliva glands
• Smoking

Saliva is especially important in protecting your oral health. In a dry mouth, teeth are more susceptible to cavities, your mouth can have a burning feeling, you may have difficulty speaking and swallowing, and may lose your sense of taste. This can be very frustrating and life altering.

Why do you need saliva?

• Neutralize bacteria
• Strengthen teeth
• Begin digestive process
• Aid in taste

Solving dry mouth associated with dehydration is simple, drink more water. For all of the other causes, the solution becomes more challenging. Our first recommendations are sipping water throughout the day, chewing gum containing xylitol, using alcohol-free mouth rinse, limiting caffeine intake, and stopping smoking. If these simple remedies do not work its time to seek adjunctive care.

Products that can help

·         Neutrasal

·         Biotene

·         Oracoat

·         Sugar free candies

If you have tried all of the simple recommendations it may be time to explore the use of mouth rinses that are designed for dry mouth. We have seen patients improve their saliva flow in addition to lowering their chance of gum disease or cavities by using these. Rinsing 2-3 times per day can help change the oral environment and in turn benefit your overall health. If it is medication induced, you should speak to your physician about the medications you are taking and possible alternatives.

Overall, dry mouth is a widespread problem that rarely gets talked about. There are some definite solutions to this issue. If you are experiencing any of dry mouth symptoms, please let us know. We will be happy to discuss the plan of action.

As always, we look forward to seeing you soon.

Weston Sleep Apnea Dentist Stephen J. Pyle Chooses WSI for New Website and Online Marketing

Stephen J. Pyle, DDS continued his long-term relationship with WSI by launching a new website in February of 2019 for sleep apnea treatment in Weston Florida. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM), Dr. Pyle is part of an elite group of dentists who have an in-depth level of knowledge in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea using oral appliance therapy.

Dr. Pyle has been practicing traditional family and cosmetic dentistry while employing state-of-the-art technology since opening his office in Weston back in 1986. In his more than three decades as a Weston Dentist.

The online marketing campaign is designed to help grow the business by driving highly targeted traffic to the new website and converting that traffic into leads and new patients. 

WSI’s ongoing monthly online marketing campaign includes search engine optimization (SEO). The SEO campaign targets several terms that are relevant to the business including:

• Weston Snoring Treatment
• Sleep Apnea Doctor Weston
• Sleep Disorders Weston

The SEO campaign will include the weekly creation of relevant content to be added to the website and to newly created blogs on Blogger, Wordpress, and Tumblr. In just a few months the campaign has already shown great results driving up new patients dramatically.

WSI Online Solutions is a Website Design company in Broward County having worked with dozens of area clients including Weston Personal Injury Lawyers Martin, Lister & Alvarez, Broward's First Rheumatology Practice and Hollywood Florida’s Best Hospital for Pet Surgery Hospital and Body Up Patient Lift.

Original Source: http://www.wsi-onlinesolutions.com/weston-sleep-apnea-dentist-stephen-j-pyle-chooses-wsi-for-new-website-and-online-marketing

Valentines Day Tips from Weston Florida’s Top Cosmetic Dentist

To most of us Valentines Day means flowers, candy, kissing and maybe even a glass of red wine or two. There’s no doubt your mouth plays a featured role in this holiday. Here are a few tips to make sure you are ready for the big day.

Give Flowers Not Cavities

As a kid you probably heard on the playground that you could get “couties” from kissing. While you may have changed your opinion of kissing as an adult that childhood advice wasn’t entirely wrong.  Kissing can stimulates saliva, which can actually help you to fight cavities. But if your Valentine has poor dental health, you run the risk of getting unwanted germs. If they have bacteria in their mouth that causes them cavities it can spread to you. Make sure your sweetheart is brushing twice daily and that they only give you flowers or candy not cavities this Valentine’s Day.

Take a Breath

Nobody wants bad breath especially when you are getting up close for Valentine’s Day. Bacteria is a big cause of bad breath. Of course regular brushing and flossing is essential for fresh breath but it’s sometimes not enough. After a romantic meal you can always use an ADA approved over the counter mouthwash or sugarless gum to help freshen up.

Whiten Up You Smile

There is nothing less attractive then yellow stained teeth. Valentines’ Day is a good time to think about teeth whitening. Many stains are underneath the enamel and the only effective method to reach them is having a cosmetic dentist apply a special product.

At our office, two systems are used: 

• ZOOM: This technique is a teeth bleaching accomplished in the dentist’s chair. Lips and gums are protected, and the ZOOM gel is applied to the teeth. The procedure involves three applications with a 15-minute wait time between each. Results can be dramatic. 
• Opalescence: This process is very similar except no light is used. The lips and gums are protected then the gel is applied to each tooth. Wait time is 20 minutes between applications rather than 15 but only two applications are required. 

Be Sweet But Not Too Sweet

If you are giving chocolate this year remember, chocolate is good but dark chocolate is even better. Most people love it and it can be cleaned off teeth easier than most other candy. If your are giving sweets offer dark chocolate it has less sugar than milk chocolate.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Original source: https://firstwestondentist.com/weston-teeth-whitening-dentist-valentines-day/

Our Weston Family Dental Practice Offers Tips on Heading Back to School

Dare we say it but it’s almost that time. Summer will be over before we know it and the kids will be heading back to school. As you start your back to school shopping and planning we’d like to offer a few things to add to you list.

1. Make a dental appointment. You should bring you child at least once a year and the beginning of school is a good time to do it. This will help your child avoid dental problems during the school year by hopefully catching them early or preventing them all together. A dental assessment prior to the return to school can prevent sudden toothaches and missed days of school. 

2. Start a brushing and flossing routine. While most parents know children should be brushing twice and flossing once a day during the summer many kids skip brushing, flossing or both. Schedule a set time in the morning for your kids a few weeks before school starts to get back into a good routine. Even if this means you have to personally supervise your child’s teeth-cleaning routine.

3. Teach kids to rinse during school. We should all brush after every meal but it doesn't always happen. Teach your kids to rinse by either bringing mouthwash to school or taking a trip to the water fountain.

4. Get fitted with a custom sports guard. If your child is going to participate in any contact sports, this is the time to have them fitted with a custom sports guard. A sports guard will protect their gums and the permanent teeth that have arrived.

Pediatric dentistry has changed a lot since you were a kid. Today's technology and advanced dental techniques provide a far more comfortable experience for children. Make an appointment at our Weston dental practice for your kids' back to school dental exam. At some point your kids may even thank you.

Why You Should Choose an Accredited Weston Sleep Apnea Specialist

If you are finally taking your sleepless nights and heavy snoring seriously and you are looking for a Weston sleep apnea specialist, look no further than Dr. Stephen J. Pyle DDS. Weston's "first dentist" Dr. Pyle has been treating obstructive sleep apnea with comfortable and convenient dental appliances for years.

Recently Dr. Pyle joined the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). The AADSM is the foremost authority on an area of dental practice that focuses on the use of oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It encourages the continuing education of dentists working with patients suffering from sleep apnea.

Dr. Pyle holds the AADSM Qualified Dentist designation as a result of his experience with dental appliances and ongoing work with patients with obstructive sleep apnea and their sleep disorder physicians.

A Comfortable Alternative to CPAP Therapy

For decades the default treatment for obstructive sleep apnea was CPAP therapy. This device is worn at night. It fits over the nose where air under pressure is pumped in via a hose connected to a compressor. The forced air provides the pressure to keep the airway clear while the patient sleeps. With a clear airway there is no snoring or gasping.

Of course this therapy has its drawbacks. It's uncomfortable and patients have a low tolerance for its use. It is cumbersome to transport if you travel away from home. It requires a plug in within reach of the pump's cord; a problem in some hotels.

There is an alternative and it is the therapy that Dr. Pyle specializes in. Custom formed dental appliances are worn at night much like a sports guard. The appliance slightly adjusts the position of the jaw preventing a collapse of soft tissue into the airway.

With the appliance in place the patient gets the same advantages of CPAP therapy without the inconveniences. With appliances the patient can speak normally and even drink water.

If you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea, call our office today and make an appointment to see Dr. Pyle. Your sleepless nights and daytime fatigue can quickly become a thing of the past.

Tips on Traveling When You Have Sleep Apnea from Broward County’s Sleep Disorder Experts

If you are a Broward County resident suffering from sleep apnea and you are using a CPAP medical device to control your condition, traveling away from home overnight can present some challenges. Broward County dentist and sleep apnea expert Stephen J. Pyle DDS offers up some helpful tips on traveling with your CPAP device to ensure you can enjoy your trip without worrying about missing a session of your therapy.

Traveling With Your CPAP - Don't Leave Home Without It

We all travel. Sometimes it's vacation, sometimes it's business, sometimes it's to visit family and sometimes it might be camping out in the great outdoors of the backyard with the kids. Regardless of where you go, if you are a CPAP user you are going to need your medical device with you when you go to sleep.

Here are a few tips to make sure your CPAP sleep apnea therapy goes without a hitch:

• If there are parts on your device that are near their replacement date, replace them now. You don't want to have a part fail when you're in an unfamiliar place and unsure where replacements can be found.
• Inventory your parts before you pack to be sure you have the entire kit. Make sure the humidifier chamber is empty and completely dry.
• If you are flying, you can carry on your CPAP as a required medical device. It will not count against your carryon allowance. Keep the mask and tubing in your carryon and put the CPAP in a large zip lock bag before placing it in the x-ray tray. To be on the safe side, carry a copy of your prescription or letter of Medical Necessity in case TSA needs further assurances.
• Include an extension cord in your luggage. You don't know how close an outlet will be to your bed and an extension cord will ensure you have power available without rearranging the furniture.
• Speaking of power, you may want to purchase a rechargeable battery; an absolute must if you plan on camping and great insurance against a power outage.

Travelling with a CPAP can be bothersome but is obviously necessary to keep your sleep apnea under control.

There is however, an alternative therapy available to persons with sleep apnea in Broward County that doesn't require the cumbersome and restrictive requirements of a CPAP. For many sleep apnea sufferers a simple dental appliance worn at night can replace the mask, hose and compressor of a CPAP.

Dr. Pyle is an expert in evaluating the potential effectiveness of the simple mouth guard-like appliance for sleep apnea patients. If you are tired of dealing with the hassle and restrictions of a CPAP and would like to learn more about a simpler alternative, don't hesitate to call our Broward County dental office today!