Matthew Nawrocki, DMD, MS Blog

Lots of people don’t even realize they have sleep apnea; in fact, it’s been estimated by the American Sleep Apnea Association that there are 22 million Americans with the disorder but 80% of them are undiagnosed. Unfortunately, the longer you have untreated sleep apnea, the more of a devastating effect it’ll have on your body. Here are 5 long-term consequences you could suffer if you don’t start getting a good night’s rest.

If you suffer from allergies or have ever had a cold, chances are you’ve had to take air through your mouth while your nasal passages were stopped up. While it’s fine to breathe like this when you have to – you have two air passageways for a reason, after all – doing it all the time could actually lead to gum disease and other serious health issues. Here’s why mouth breathing is a bigger problem than you think!

Unfortunately, sports and fun physical activity can cause dental injury for your kids. However, giving them a quality mouthguard to wear while playing could save their smile! In fact, studies show that athletes are 60 times more likely to experience a dental injury when they aren’t wearing a mouthguard. While any protection is better than none at all, it’s important to understand that there are major differences in a custom-made mouthguard from a dentist compared to a store-bought product. Read on to learn more about the significance of protecting your child’s smile and why a professional mouthguard is your best option.

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? While you may not feel any discomfort, bleeding gums can often be one of the first signs of gum disease. This oral health issue not only brings numerous symptoms and risks to your smile, but recent research has also shown a direct link between gum disease and your overall wellbeing. With evidence continuing to indicate the ways that your gums can affect your health, it’s more important than ever to understand this disease and how you can prevent it. Keep reading to learn about the dangers of gum disease and how you can protect your smile!

Day in and day out, your teeth withstand a huge amount of chewing force and must remain structurally sound and strong to allow you to comfortably eat a wide variety of foods. Unfortunately, in addition to damage from cavities, teeth can also develop cracks and fractures that jeopardize their ability to function and lead to pain and sensitivity. Thankfully, there are multiple treatments a dentist can use to repair a cracked tooth and restore its strength, function, and appearance. Keep reading to find out more! 

When teeth whitening advertisements show that a bright set of teeth is the epitome of looking happy and healthy, it’s no wonder why most people believe that’s the case. After using a new teeth whitening toothpaste that works wonders, you’re probably proud of yourself for getting stains off your smile and looking camera ready all the time. While aesthetically your mouth may be more pleasing aesthetically, it’s not necessarily healthier. Read on to learn about the importance of oral health and how it’s not always directly related to grin that looks good.

Life’s been pretty good ever since you’ve gotten your porcelain veneers. No longer do you feel self-conscious about showing your teeth on dates or during important job interviews; it’s much easier to smile with confidence! But you’re still worried; if your regular teeth can become discolored, will your porcelain veneers stain as well? Here’s what you need to know about keeping your brighter, whiter grin for as long as possible.

If you’ve been told you snore loudly at night, there’s a chance you’re suffering from sleep apnea. This can deprive you of more than just a good night’s sleep, though. As you read on, discover how, untreated, the condition can leave you more vulnerable to heart health problems. Also, learn how sleep apnea treatment can restore your health.

The vast majority of people have experienced some kind of damage to their teeth such as cavities, chips, or fractures. And an estimated 120 million people in the U.S. have lost at least one tooth. Dental restorations in Orange Park can not only repair damaged teeth, but also replace teeth that couldn’t be saved. This kind of dental care is incredibly important for having a healthy smile and also benefits your overall health in several ways. Learn more below!

If you have ever experienced swollen gums, you know that they can feel sensitive and may be red as well. It can be a little unnerving if you don’t know what’s going on. Why are your gums swollen? Does it mean that something is wrong? What can you do to make your gums healthy again? Get the answers to all your questions about your swollen gums in Orange Park here with this helpful information from your dentist.