Do You Ever Wonder If You Suffer From Sleep Apnea?
Do you struggle with these sleep apnea symptoms? Are you getting the sleep you need? Many people believe they are getting a good nights rest, but in reality you may be suffering from a sleeping disorder that may lead to a lowered quality of life. Do you ever: • Wake up with a sore or dry throat • Wake suddenly in the night • Wake with a choking or gasping sensation • Snore loudly • Daytime Drowsiness Sleep apnea is the partial or complete collapse of the airway during sleep. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that can have a severe effect on your health. Common risks include chronic sleepiness, stroke, heart attack, heartburn, morning headaches, depression and high blood pressure. It can occur several times during a night’s sleep without you knowing it! A simple screening questionnaire can determine if you are at risk for sleep apnea. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a sleep physician, you may be a candidate for an oral appliance. Oral appliances are used to treat patients with mild to moderate OSA and can take the place of CPAP device. Proper treatment for sleep apnea can prevent or reverse its serious effects. Our doctors are trained in dental sleep medicine. If you have questions or want more information, call our office to set up a...
read moreDon’t Overlook your Teenagers’ Oral Health
YOUR SMILE is one of the first things people notice about you. That’s why it’s so important to take care of it. Cavities aren’t just for little kids—you can get them at any age. When you consume sugary foods, soda, juice or energy drinks, you put yourself at risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Be smart. Always brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day (ADA recommended). The bottom line for smiles that are healthy on the inside and out: – Always brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes – Floss between your teeth daily – Avoid sugary and starchy snacks – Wear a mouthguard when you’re active – Don’t smoke – See your dentist. Teen Dental Health Concerns and Tips: Braces If you have a bad bite or your teeth are crooked or out of alignment, you may benefit from braces. Braces can help improve your smile and make your teeth straighter. They can also improve your dental health and overall health because untreated orthodontic problems can make it hard to bite and chew and can interfere with eating. Don’t want metal wires or brackets getting in the way? Guess what! We offer a clear alternative to straighten your teeth with Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. Wisdom Teeth Wisdom teeth get their name by being the last teeth to come in during young adulthood. The majority of people have most of their permanent teeth by age 13. Your wisdom teeth should come into your mouth between the ages of 17-21. Sometimes they do not have enough room to come in normally or are in the wrong position to come straight up. When that happens, your dentist may refer to them as impacted and they may have to be removed. Not everyone’s teeth develop on the same schedule. That’s why it’s important to see your dentist regularly so he or she can monitor the progress of your wisdom teeth. Smoking You know smoking is bad for you in general, so it should be no surprise that all forms of tobacco are also harmful to your oral health. For one, they can cause bad breath, but that’s only the beginning. Other possible oral health impacts include: stained teeth and tongue dulled sense of taste and smell slow healing after a tooth extraction or oral surgery difficulties in correcting cosmetic dental problems gum disease and tooth loss oral cancer Healthy Habits for Teens Brushing and Flossing Want to avoid cavities? Brushing twice a day with toothpaste, flossing once a day, and limiting sugary snacks and beverages is how you do it. It’s simple but sometimes life gets busy and you might be tempted to skip it. Don’t. A bright smile makes you feel good inside and out. Make sure to see your dentist regularly,...
read moreHelp Children Get the Preventive Dental Care They Need
Millions of Children Today aren’t receiving basic, recommended dental care designed to detect and prevent disease. In fact, various surveys conclude that over half of children and adolescents did not visit a dentist in the past year. Preventative Care For Children Is Essential For Lifelong Health Childhood caries are the #1 chronic infection in children– AND they’re preventable! Through regular cleanings, topical fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth and dental sealants to shield tooth surfaces, tooth decay can be dramatically reduced. If children don’t visit the dental office until decay is advanced — causing pain and damage — they’re much more likely to associate the dental office with fear and pain. Children build lifelong patterns based on these experiences. They may grow up to avoid the dentist, despite pain and damage that occurs as a result of neglect. Think About The Kids You Love… Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, an aunt, uncle, neighbor, coworker or friend… We all have children we care about in our lives. Do those children visit the dentist every six months? Are they educated on the best ways to care for their oral health? Are they protecting their teeth from tooth decay with fluoride and sealants? Help Protect Those You Love Through Education Protect children’s smiles and oral health! If there’s anything that we can do to help, give us a call. Thank you for allowing us to be your trusted partners in health. We appreciate...
read moreDon’t Let Your Insurance Benefits Go To Waste!
THE END OF THE YEAR IS approaching fast! Before year’s end, our team wants to remind you to take a look at your dental insurance benefits! Insurance Benefits Typically Don’t Roll Over To Next Year Each year your dental insurance company probably gives you a maximum amount of available benefits. Since those benefits don’t typically roll over into the following year, you’ll want to contact us now to get your appointment scheduled! We all know how it is, once the holiday season is upon us — hectic! Life can get really busy. So remember that your dental health is incredibly important — not just for the sake of your teeth, but for your overall health. If you’re due (or overdue) for an appointment, make sure to talk to our office. Take advantage of those dental insurance benefits before time is up! Do you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits? Call us! (661) 831-9024 or (661) 829-6927. We’re happy to work with you to create a dental health plan that works for you! Thanks for being our valued patient!...
read more9 Dental-Related Fun Facts
INDEED… DENTISTRY IS SERIOUS business. But that doesn’t mean we have to take ourselves TOO seriously all the time, right? 9 Dental-Related Fun Facts 1. A typical elephant’s molar weighs nearly nine pounds. 2. In 1994, a West Virginia prison inmate braided dental floss into a rope to escape! 3. The first toothbrush with animal hair bristles was made in China in 1498. 4. A snail’s mouth is no larger than the head of a pin, but can have 25,000 teeth inside! 5. Some of the world’s most choked on objects are toothpicks! Be cautious when picking your teeth or holding one in your mouth. 6. Like cows, humans actually chew side to side—not just up and down. 7. In North America, over 3 million miles of dental floss are purchased each year… Enough to circle Earth 120 times! 8. When you skip flossing, you’re missing 35% of your teeth’s surface area! 9. The first modern(ish) braces were constructed in France in 1728. They were made from metal and string. Thanks for trusting us to keep your mouth and teeth healthy! We know it’s a big responsibility and we take it very seriously. Any time you have questions about your oral health, let’s...
read moreSix Important Toothbrush Care Tips
OUR TOOTHBRUSHES fend off plaque and bacteria, help keep our teeth sparkling, and leave our mouths feeling squeaky clean! But how squeaky clean is your TOOTHBRUSH? Toothbrush DON’Ts Don’t Store Your Toothbrush In A Closed, Dark Space A moist, enclosed environment (like a container or cupboard) is not a good place to keep your toothbrush. Bacteria thrive in dark, wet conditions without circulation. Don’t Share Your Toothbrush (Gross) When you share your toothbrush you share bacteria, including bacteria that can cause dental decay and periodontal disease. Don’t Keep Your Toothbrush Near The Toilet Put your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible—at least six feet is a good rule of thumb. Because of “airborne particles”, always flush with the lid down. Enough said. Toothbrush DOs Replace Your Toothbrush Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when the bristles get frayed. This not only ensures that it cleans your teeth better, but it eliminates the bacteria buildup issue. If you’ve been sick or are recovering from a cold, consider changing your toothbrush. Rinse Your Toothbrush After Using It Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with water after each use. Rinsing it washes out debris and bacteria left behind. You can also deep clean it by swishing it around in mouthwash. Keep Your Toothbrush Dry Store your toothbrush upright in the open air. This allows it to dry out and not develop mold. For Your Toothbrush And It Will Care For You Keeping your toothbrush clean will help both your overall health and your oral health. Where do you keep YOUR toothbrush? Let us know in a comment below. We love to hear from you! Thanks for your trust in our practice!...
read moreMen 33% Less Likely Than Women To Seek Preventive Dental Care: Whats Up, Dude?
YES, YOU’RE PRETTY TOUGH… You kill it at work, you’re a remarkable significant other, you’re training for your next triathlon, and you volunteer at the soup kitchen on weekends. But guess what? You’re no match for gum disease, tooth decay, or oral cancer without a little assistance. Men’s Oral Health Risks Are Higher Medications Do you take medication for a heart condition, or to regulate blood pressure? Because this is more common in men than women, men are more likely to suffer dry-mouth side effects—and dry mouth increases gum disease and cavity risk. Tobacco and/or Alcohol Consumption Men tend to consume more alcohol than women, which greatly increases oral cancer risk. Routine Oral Hygiene Men are less likely than women to brush twice a day. Score: Men 66%, Women 86%. C’mon guys… Regular Checkups According to a 2011 study, women are almost twice as likely as men to have received a regular dental check-up in the past year. Your Oral Health Is Connected To Your Body Health Consider these facts: – Some studies have linked periodontal disease to heart problems, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. – Men with periodontal disease are 49% more likely to get kidney cancer, and 54% more likely to get pancreatic cancer. – Gum inflammation is connected to prostate inflammation which affects many men as they age. – Oral cancer kills one person every hour, and the majority of those are men. Screenings during regular check-ups is the best preventive strategy. This Isn’t JUST About Your Health! In your professional life, a confident smile helps establish authority and supports memorable business connections. In your personal life, it can open doors in amazing ways. Most importantly, you should feel confident about your healthy, functional, engaging smile. No More Neglecting Your Oral Health, Guys Now that you’re convinced how important this topic is, pass the information along to your buddies. And thanks for being our valued patient. We’re interested, and we care about...
read moreOral Care Tips to Help Seniors Enjoy Strong Teeth and Healthier Lives
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA – You may expect to lose teeth as you age, but you don’t have to. With good oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist, you can keep your teeth healthy and functioning normally. Dentists in Bakersfield help adults older than age 60 understand how our oral care needs may shift as we age.. Dr. Marvizi, who is also a Bakersfield Invisalign dentist, helps patients of all ages realize good oral care will improve their lives. Our Bakersfield dental team brainstormed some tips for seniors and their caretakers to improve their oral health. Oral Care Tips Floss every day at least once. Guide the floss gently between each tooth and curve it along your tooth in a C-shape. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth that can’t be reached with a toothbrush. Ask your dental about alternatives, such as interdental cleaners, if your fingers aren’t dexterous enough to handle dental floss. Flossing reduces your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Brush in small, gentle circles. Remember to get a new toothbrush every few months or sooner if you’ve been sick. Many of us experience dry mouths as we age. Saliva helps break down the bacteria in our mouths and aids in cavity prevention. Encourage your saliva to flow by drinking lots of water and chewing sugar free gum. Prescription drugs can also inhibit saliva flow. Talk with your doctor to see if your medications interfere with your oral health. Visiting your dentist regularly is an important step for your oral health. Schedule appointments every six months for routine dental cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy. These appointments also allow your dentist to closely monitor any changes in your oral health and detect problems early. Denture Care Tips Dentures also require care. Rinse your dentures and then brush with a soft toothbrush to remove bacteria and debris. Brushing your dentures keeps them clean, white and free of bacteria. Remember to clean your mouth, too. Your gums, tongue, cheeks and roof of the mouth can harbor plaque and contribute to gum disease. Keep your dentures covered in water to keep them from changing shape. You may wear dentures with adhesives. Discuss this with your dentist to review tips for safe use. Things to Watch For Do you have any pain in your mouth? Do you have trouble eating or speaking, chewing or swallowing? Pay attention to your gums, lips, teeth and tongue for any changes or sensitivities. Notice if any teeth grow loose or sensitive and notify your dentist of these changes. As we age, our mouths may be more susceptible to certain health issues, including a dulled sense of taste, gum disease, tooth discoloration, root decay and tooth loss. Tooth loss can affect the way your teeth fit together and cause difficulties chewing and speaking. Cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental implants and crowns can replace missing teeth and restore your bite. Missing teeth can make your facial muscles sag and cause you to appear older. Replacing those teeth will restore your confidence, improve your appearance and boost your oral health. Teeth are important to your quality of...
read moreNew York Dental School, Foster Care Agency Partner to Improve Kids’ Oral Care
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA – The New York University College of Dentistry partnered with local foster care agency Graham Windham to bring routine dental care to more than 650 foster children. Authors presented the abstract “An Approach to Dental Healthcare in an Inner-City Foster Care Population: The Partners Against Caries Program” at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference on Oct. 21. Dr. Joseph Marvizi, a Bakersfield cosmetic dentistry provider, understands that routine oral care is crucial to exemplary overall health. Dental health can affect children’s school attendance, school performance and mental health. Previously the Graham Windham foster care children received dental care from multiple providers in a variety of locations. The partnership with the NYUCD streamlined the children’s oral care by providing a “dental home” for the children in spring 2011. The program is called the Partnership Against Caries (PAC). Healthy Foster Care America reports about 35 percent of kids entering foster care have existing oral health issues that need to be addressed. “Dental health has been described as a ‘window’ to a child’s well-being,” says Graham Windham’s Medical Director Dr. Mitchell Rubin. “We believe that an optimal dental state is a necessary ingredient for the interrelated spectrum of medical, mental and social health.” The program has helped more than 650 children between 18 months and 21 years old gain regular dental care, and it has also proven beneficial for NYUCD dental students. “Most of the dental students have little knowledge of the foster care system,” says Elizabeth Best, study author and Outreach Program Administrator for the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. “At NYUCD, we are graduating dental students who have worked with this population, and are aware of their unique health care needs.” Best says the children enjoyed being treated by younger dental students, and the students enjoyed engaging the children during their oral care. Dental school students examined participating children for any present dental issues, administered fluoride treatments, regularly cleaned teeth and educated families on dental issues. The children received care at one of two foster care facilities, and the program also coordinated transportation for kids to see doctors for more advanced care. The partners in this program hope PAC’s success provides a model for similar community outreach programs to emulate in other areas. Dr. Marvizi realizes many kids are lucky to receive routine dental care and even specialty cosmetic care such as Invisalign Teen treatment. Dentists in Bakersfield can contact the Kern County Network for Children to learn more about foster care needs in the area. © 2012 Master Google and Dr. Joseph Marvizi. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Marvizi and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded...
read moreHow Invisalign Works: An Overview of the Magic of Invisalign
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA – Our patients want the best smiles possible, and we want to deliver them. There are many aspects of cosmetic dentistry we provide, but many of our patients want to know if their smiles can be straighter. You may have gapped teeth that prevent you from smiling your fullest. You may have crowded teeth that are embarrassing and hard to clean. One treatment gives you straighter teeth almost invisibly: Invisalign. Bakersfield dentist Dr. Joseph Marvizi has helped many patients achieve their dream smiles. Now let’s discuss how Invisalign works its magic. First, you’ll want to find a certified Invisalign provider that you trust. Dr. Marvizi is a skilled Invisalign provider, but if you’re not in California, ask your dentist if he offers Invisalign treatment. Many Invisalign providers will give you a free consultation to discuss possible treatment. Adults undergo regular Invisalign treatment, and teens receive some special perks with Invisalign Teen treatment. Your doctor can discuss the differences with you and your teen. Once you’ve found your doctor, he will X-ray, photograph and mold your teeth. He will use these to generate a 3-D image of your smile. Your doctor will use Invisalign software to show you show how your teeth will gradually shift into place, and you’ll even see your expected outcome. Every patient is different, though most adult treatment times last between a year and a year and a half. Teenage patients may take a little longer, closer to average length of traditional braces. That said, teens would probably be happier with removable incognito aligners than with a mouth full of metal. Your doctor will predict how long your treatment will last based on your current alignment. Invisalign then creates custom plastic aligners for your treatment. The plastic is clear and nearly invisible, so your friends and coworkers won’t notice they’re in place. The aligners are also comfortable to wear and BPA-free. Invisalign was designed with flexibility in mind. You can remove the aligners to eat and to perform regular oral care. During treatment your teeth will stay cleaner and healthier than they would with traditional metal braces. Metal braces make it hard for you to floss and brush, and they create many crevices where food particles and bacteria can hide. You will wear each aligner set for about two weeks, depending on your treatment plan, and then you will switch to a new set. The new set will move your teeth closer to perfection. You will only need to see your doctor once every six weeks, which is generally less often than with metal braces. The beauty of Invisalign is that you will be able to tell your teeth are moving to their ideal positions each step of the way. You can take them out to enjoy a special date or to eat a fantastic meal. But the more you wear them, the quicker your teeth will reach their desired places. Straight teeth will also improve your dental health, as aligned teeth are easier for you to floss and brush. The easier your teeth are to clean, the healthier they will be. Invisalign can correct gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites and crossbites. You can top off your Invisalign treatment with Opalescence in-house tooth whitening to take your smile to the next level. Contact our Bakersfield...
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