Sleep Apnea and Snoring Therapy Now Available at Dr. Radz’s Denver Practice

Sleep Apnea Therapy

Sleep Apnea & Snoring Therapy Denver

Dr. Radz and Cosmetic Dentistry of Denver are pleased to announce our newest treatment for patients who suffer from sleep apnea and snoring. Our sleep apnea therapy is used to help treat obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of sleep apnea that causes the airway to become blocked during sleep. Dr. Radz recently completed coursework on sleep apnea treatment and now adds it to our long list of restorative and cosmetic dental treatments.

Facts About Sleep Apnea

  • Sleep apnea affects over 18 million Americans
  • Sleep apnea sufferers can cease breathing as many as 30 times per night
  • Experts estimate that 10 million Americans have sleep apnea but have not been diagnosed
  • Men suffer from sleep apnea more than women
  • Sleep apnea patients are also likely to suffer from high blood pressure
  • People with sleep apnea are three times as likely to be involved in a car accident

First Steps to Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea treatment can start at home in addition to sleep apnea therapy in Denver from Dr. Radz. For starters, know the dangers of sleep apnea such as obesity. Obese people are much more likely to suffer from sleep apnea and snoring than those who maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight in the neck can make it more difficult for the breathing muscles in the neck to operate. In addition to weight loss, alcohol and tobacco use can contribute to sleep apnea as they affect air passages. For a conservative approach to sleep apnea, try to sleep on your side instead of your back to promote better breathing and limit the weight on your breathing passages.

For conservative sleep apnea therapy in the Denver area consult our office and see if you are a candidate for a sleep apnea and snoring mouthpiece. These CPAP alternatives are effective and popular amongst patients who have issues with the CPAP machine.

Study Finds 7% of Teens and Adults Carry HPV in Mouths

LOS ANGELES — An estimated 7 percent of American teens and adults carry the human papilloma virus in their mouths, an infection that puts them at heightened risk of developing cancer of the mouth and throat, researchers said Thursday.

Their study, the first to assess the prevalence of oral HPV infection in the U.S. population, may help health experts understand why rates of oropharyngeal cancer — a type of head and neck cancer — have skyrocketed in recent years, increasing 225 percent between 1988 and 2004.

Dr. Radz Welcomes Dr. Guyton to the Team

Dr. Brad Guyton began working as an associate for Dr. Radz in late 2011.  He is dedicated to serving patients in the same way that Dr. Radz and his team have done for over a decade.  While Dr. Guyton brings 14 years of clinical experience to the practice, he is always learning from the expertise of his clinical mentor, Dr. Radz.  They both share a common belief that dentistry is all about the patient and that experience through continuous education and an unwavering commitment to quality is ultimately the only way to create the best smiles.

When Dr. Guyton is not in the office with Dr. Radz, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Jameson Management, a practice management consulting firm that enhances the quality of patient care through happy, productive, well-educated dental teams.  You can find out more about Dr. Guyton and the Jameson team at jamesonmanagement.com.  Dr Guyton is also an Assistant Professor and Course Director at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/dentalmedicine).  His courses in Practice Management and Dental Professionalism & Ethics include topics like practice planning, communication, practice management, office design, insurance, business acumen, and community assessment.    Dr. Guyton serves as a mentor to many new dental graduates as they search to find their place in the profession.

Dr. Guyton has practiced dentistry since 1997, when he received his DDS from Baylor College of Dentistry.  He then received an MPH in Health Policy and Management from Harvard in 1998.  He worked in Boston for five years in private practice, health policy, and public health, while concurrently earning his MBA and Fellowship in Geriatric Dentistry.  Dr. Guyton had a solo private practice in the foothills of Colorado for six years.  He also practiced dentistry at the Center for Dental Excellence in Hellam, PA.     Before leaving at the end of 2011, Dr. Guyton served for four years as the Director of Corporate Professional Services for DENTSPLY International. Dentsply is the world’s largest $2.8B dental manufacturer delivering products to dentists in over 100 countries.  He was responsible for the efforts of associates in 24 global divisions overseeing 6100 annual clinical education courses, university relationships, and an opinion leader network of >1000 dental opinion leaders.   He spent much of his time enhancing clinical relevance in new product development.   By bringing the voice of the customer to scientists and R&D teams, he was able to promote commercialization of right products at the right time.  Dr. Radz and Dr. Guyton have worked together on product development projects since 2009.  What does this experience mean to you as a patient?  Dr. Radz and D.r Guyton both understand how to use the best dental products to enhance your esthetic and restorative outcomes.

Brad’s ongoing passion is to promote happiness in dental teams and to enhance the quality of and access to dental care through excellence in clinical education and ethical treatment of the patient.  Brad is blessed with a wonderful wife and two inspirational young children.  In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors and designs & remodels commercial and residential real estate.  He enjoys being a member of Dr. Radz dental team and believes it to be the best dental practice in the Rocky Mountain region.

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), Member
Academy of General Dentistry, Member
American Dental Association, Member
Colorado Dental Association, Member
Metro Denver Dental Society, Member

6 Natural Ways to Prevent a Cold

Colds are a problem this time of year, and most of us are lucky to only suffer from one or two each winter. Here are 6 easy ways to prevent the sniffles.

1.Sleep: Sleep regulates the release of the hormone cortisol, which stimulates cells that boost the immune system, A well-tuned immune system is crucial for defending against the cold virus.Getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night is a great way to avoid the common cold.

2. Exercise: Research indicates that moderate exercise — 30 to 90 minutes most days of the week — increases immune function and reduces your chances of catching a cold. Don’t use the fact you are not feeling well to avoid the gym. Instead use it as motivation to get your workout in and in return you may just recover a bit faster!

3. A hot — and cold — shower: Temperature fluctuations jump-start your immune system. At the end of a shower, stand under the hottest stream you can take for 30 seconds, then turn the temperature to cold for 10 seconds. Repeat three times, finishing with cold.

4. Oysters: Oysters contain more of the mineral zinc than any other food. Zinc has been proven to support and enhance the immune system. Eating just a single oyster will give you a whopping 13 milligrams of zinc! Not a fan of oysters? Work other zinc filled options into your diet. Certain breakfast cereals, baked beans, or pumpkin seeds can be great options.

5. Vitamin D: This great vitamin is a MUST for the winter, and great for your immune system.

6. Nasal Rinse: Neti pots and irrigators cleanse the nasal passages with a saltwater solution. Rinses help sweep viruses, bacteria, and irritants from your respiratory tract.

Original article found on RealSimple.com

Bad Breath Causes Discussed by Denver’s Dr. Radz

Bad breath (halitosis) is one of the least attractive oral health problems and can lead to embarrassment as well as be a sign of additional health problems. In fact, a large part of the reason people have bad breath is because they also suffer from gum disease. Unfortunately you can’t cure bad breath with gum, mints or mouth wash alone, more aggressive treatments must be sought out to rid your mouth of foul scents.

Bad breath is caused when the waste produced by bacteria in the mouth comes in contact with the air. Bad breath from gum disease is caused when the bacterial plaque that forms around the teeth is left to grow and contribute to bad scents. Most often bad breath is seen in people who exhibit the following:

  • Poor dental hygiene practices such as inconsistent brushing and flossing
  • People who find dental hygiene difficult such as children, the elderly, and the disabled
  • People who smoke
  • People who take certain medications that inhibit saliva flow or produce dry mouth
  • People with certain medical conditions- Dr. Radz can help you determine if your condition is causing bad breath
  • Poor diet can contribute to bad breath with foods such as diet soda, onions, spices, garlic, and coffee
  • People who use oral appliances such as braces or dentures that can accumulate bacteria and are difficult to clean

Bad Breath Solutions

First and foremost proper dental hygiene will be the foundation to any bad breath problem. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day, the use of an antiseptic mouthwash, and a tongue scraper. Combined these processes will work to effectively remove bacterial build-up and the associated scents.

If the above conservative treatments are ineffective at curing your bad breath then Dr. Radz can help by implementing a more professional breath kit that works to destroy odor producing compounds. To learn more about bad breath treatment or to schedule an appointment contact us today.

Food and Mood – 6 Ways Your Diet Affects How You Feel

You are what you eat? Maybe not, but you do feel what you eat. Research suggests that certain foods affect mood—for better or worse. Dietary changes can trigger chemical and physiological changes within the brain that alter our behavior and emotions. “Most people understand the link between what they eat and their physical health,” says registered dietitian Elizabeth Somer, author of the 2010 book Eat Your Way to Happiness. “But the link between what you eat and your mood, your energy, how you sleep, and how well you think is much more immediate. What you eat or don’t eat for breakfast will have at least a subtle effect by mid-afternoon, and what you’re eating all day will have a huge impact today and down the road.”

1. You don’t eat regularly. Food is fuel; skip a meal and you’ll feel tired and cranky.

2. You skimp on carbs. Carbohydrates have long been demonized, but your body needs carbs to produce serotonin—a feel-good brain chemical that elevates mood, suppresses appetite, and has a calming effect.

3. You fall short on omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s—found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines—improve both memory and mood.

4. You neglect important nutrients. Getting too little iron can spell depression, fatigue, and inattention, research suggests. Iron-rich foods include red meat, egg yolks, dried fruit, beans, liver, and artichokes.

5. You eat too much fat. That bag of potato chips isn’t good for your waistline or your mood. Greasy choices—particularly those high in saturated fat—are linked to both depression and dementia.

6. You chug without thinking. What you drink affects your spirits as much as what you eat. In moderate amounts, caffeine can enhance physical and mental performance, but too much can spur anxiety, nervousness, and mood swings. Stick to one or two cups daily to dodge the negative effects.

Original article published on health.usnews.com – Click here to read the full article.

Subtle Straightening with Six Month Smiles® and Invisalign®

invisalignSure, everyone wants straight, beautiful teeth, but no one wants to run around town with a mouth full of metal. It’s inescapable… braces invoke images of adolescence and bring back painful memories of awkward teenage years. Thankfully, Dr. Radz can help you achieve a straighter smile subtly using one of two methods. Invisalign® Clear Braces and Six Month Smiles® offer patients dramatic results, and both are virtually undetectable. » Read more..

Protect Your Teeth and Gums to Protect Your Overall Health

While it has long been known that the types of food we put into our mouths have a direct effect upon the health of our bodies, few people really consider how maintaining a healthy smile can lead to a healthier body. The results of these studies indicate that individuals can take steps to an overall healthier lifestyle by developing proper oral hygiene and periodontal care. Regular check-ups and cleanings with a dentist can play a large part in maintaining overall good health. A healthy smile can be essential to sustaining a healthy body.

Good oral heath is not only clean teeth and a white smile. It can be the difference between life and death.

It is estimated that 37,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year; 8,000 will die from it. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than many other types, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, skin and cervical cancer.

Tobacco use is the primary risk factor, with smokers six times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers. Heavy smokers who smoke for a long time are most at risk. Seventy-five percent of individuals over age 50 diagnosed with oral cancer are smokers.

Cigarettes, cigars and pipes are not the only cause of oral cancer. Users of dip, snuff or chewing tobacco are 50 times more likely to develop cancer between the lip or cheek and the lower jaw. Although smokeless tobacco has decreased the rate of lung cancer, it has increased the number of those diagnosed with oral cancer, periodontal disease and infection that may be linked to heart disease.

Most oral cancer begins on the floor of the mouth or the tongue. Symptoms include a sore in the mouth that will not heal, white or red patches in the mouth, bleeding in the mouth and loose teeth.

Oral heath is linked to an individual’s overall general health. If bacteria in the mouth gets out of control, it can lead to infection, gum disease or tooth decay. Gum disease may allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and lead to endocarditis, heart disease or stroke.

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to stop using tobacco products in any form and to limit alcohol consumption. If necessary, seek professional help to make these lifestyle changes.

Good dental health includes a regular self-exam. At least once a month, examine the tongue, cheeks, gum and throat. If you see any changes in color or have any lesions that are not healing, consult a dentist.

Regular checkups are also an important part of good dental health because a dentist can detect the cancer before it has a chance to spread.

Check in with Dr. Radz, your Denver Dentist for regular checkups to help avoid oral cancers.

Stop the Daily Grind with a Nightguard from Dr. Radz

jaw painIt’s no secret that a busy schedule can cause stress. But if you’re responding to the stress in your life by grinding your teeth, you could be doing serious damage to your smile.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can wreak havoc on the surface of your teeth and the muscles around your jaw, causing symptoms like sore jaw, headache, and earache. If left untreated, bruxism can even contribute to TMJ dysfunctional and other serious problems like insomnia, eating disorders, and depression.

But because many patients who suffer from bruxism grind their teeth unconsciously while they’re asleep at night, is relief actually possible?

It is with a nightguard from Dr. Radz.

» Read more..

A More Natural-Looking Smile with Tooth-Colored Fillings from Dr. Radz

fillings

Traditional fillings made of metal, also called amalgams, can help save your smile. But their dark gray color can also be embarrassing for patients.

That’s why Dr. Gary Radz is proud to offer tooth-colored fillings as a cosmetic alternative. Made of silicon dioxide, your tooth-colored fillings—also known as composite resins—can be made to match the exact shade of your teeth.

In fact, we’re confident that you tooth-colored fillings will so closely match the rest of your mouth that no one besides us will even know you have them.

But the benefits of composite resins don’t stop there.

» Read more..