Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Two Types of Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax, and central sleep apnea, which occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.  After scheduling a consultation with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS she will decide which treatment method will be best for you.


When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, and you can’t get an adequate breath in. Your brain senses this inability to breathe and briefly rouses you from sleep so you can reopen your airway. You may make a snorting, choking or gasping sound. When central sleep apnea occurs, you may awaken with shortness of breath or have a difficult time getting to sleep or staying asleep. Like with obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and daytime sleepiness can occur.


If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Diabetic Oral Care

People with poorly controlled diabetes are more prone to dental problems. They are more likely to develop infections of their gums and the bones that hold the teeth in place. Dental infection can also increase your blood sugar level.. If you have diabetes, please call our office to schedule a professional exam with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS to prevent further dental complications and to keep your blood sugar under control. 


If you have diabetes, symptoms of dental problems include bleeding and sore gums, frequent infections, and bad breath. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is critical. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Additionally, high blood sugar may cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. The decrease in saliva can cause an increase in tooth-decaying bacteria and plaque buildup. You can prevent these problems by maintaining good blood sugar control, brushing and flossing and least twice a day, and schedule a dental checkup every six months.


If you are diabetic and have questions about oral care, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Teeth Replacement with Dentures

If you have missing teeth, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, has a variety of treatment options to replace them to help you improve your appearance and smile. One of these options is dentures. Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back in your mouth. While they may take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as natural teeth, they are a non-invasive form of treatment that provides great benefits.


Today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever. There are two main types: full and partial. With full dentures, a gum-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue. A partial denture can be made with or without metal framework.  Partial dentures are a removable alternative to dental bridges. These dentures can also be supported with implants for better retension.  After you schedule a consultation with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, she will determine which type is best for you.


If you think you may benefit from dentures, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180.