If youre one of the approximately 18 million people that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you might have already seen a doctor for treatment. OSA occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat obstruct breathing to prevent continuous airflow during sleep. Apnea means a cessation of breathing. This interruption in breathing causes the individual to partially awake repeatedly throughout the night, thus disrupting proper sleep cycles. The sufferer awakes feeling unrested.

Left untreated, sleep apnea can give way to other serious health issues , including depression, high blood pressure, irritability, sexual dysfunction, learning or memory problems, and falling asleep at inappropriate or dangerous times. Recent studies show resultant sleep deprivation from sleep apnea can lead to brain damage.

Sleep apnea has captured public awareness in recent years, fortunately, and science has devised effective measures to counteract this serious malady. Perhaps the most common solution for OSA is CPAP [ continuous positive airway pressure .] CPAP devices are typically worn like breathing masks you might see on a patient at a hospital. The CPAP mask utilizes an air hose to direct constant airflow through the nose, preventing collapse of soft tissues so that breathing remains consistent . CPAP devices are very effective when used properly. (more)

Awareness about the detrimental effects of sleep apnea is increasing. Sleep apnea is responsible for a growing list of health problems for millions of individuals. Some of these troubles are less urgent, but some are life threatening.

James Stewart, DDS , is a sleep apnea expert, and he offers various treatment options to help his patients lead healthier, more rewarding lives.

So what kind of connection does a sleep disorder have on the brain, and why are dentists playing such a huge role in the fight against it?

There are three kinds of sleep apnea :

1) Central Sleep Apnea [CSA]. This occurs when neurological mechanisms controlled by the brain fail to signal the body to inhale, resulting in missed breathing cycles. The lapse in breathing happens again and again throughout the night.

2) Obstructive Sleep Apnea [OSA]. The most common form of sleep apnea. OSA is caused by upper airway obstruction preventing airflow. The disruption causes the individuals sleep pattern to become broken, and natural, critical sleep cycles cannot run their course.

3) Complex or mixed apnea . A combination of the two disorders.

The result of sleep apnea through the night is significant sleep loss. Other problems include:

• Low productivity during the day.
• Irritability, forgetfulness, and poor concentration.
• Dangers of sleepiness when alertness is critical, such as when driving or operating dangerous machinery.
• Health problems, including heart attack, stroke, impotence, and depression.
• Comparable disturbed sleep for sleep partners.

But science is showing the deeper connotations are much more serious. Consequential sleep deprivation can eventually cause brain damage , with reduced gray matter density. Sleep scientists assert that sleep apnea sufferers brains eventually lose ability to rejuvenate and maintain plasticity, meaning accelerated aging of the brain. (more)

What kind of tooth brusher are you? Do you scrub vigorously, like youre scrubbing tile grout to make it gleaming white? Do you spend 5 or 10 minutes to really do a good job? Or do you quickly whisk across your teeth, taking less than a minute?

Chances are, no matter how much time you spend brushing your teeth youre most likely brushing too hard . Nearly 70% of the people that do brush are applying too much pressure. And the problem is much more serious than you might even realize.

There cant be too much emphasis on the detriment of brushing too hard. The two, immediately obvious problems that will occur from brushing too hard are: (more)

Dr. James Stewart is more than just a family dentist. While caring for the smiles of families from Livonia, Michigan and the surrounding areas is one of Dr. Stewarts top priorities, he is also a healthcare provider with a special interest in sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

In fact, Dr. Stewart is considered to be an expert in the field. With extensive technology at his dental office to help diagnose and treat patients with sleep apnea, Dr. Stewart has treated countless individuals with varying forms of dental-related sleep conditions. From diagnosing the problem with a sleep study, to getting to the root of the condition, to treating it using a sleep apnea device or other solution, Dr. Stewart provides his patients with the best care in an effort to overcome this debilitating condition.

Because of this, Dr. Stewart knows the importance of a good nights sleep. Follow these tips to sleep more soundly and get the rest that you deserve:

• Pick a relaxation ritual. Engaging in a relaxing activity, preferably with dim lighting, helps separate sleeping times from times that elicit excitement, stress, or anxiety. Dont tackle anything that is too physically or emotionally stimulating right before bedtime. Instead, turn to soothing activities like talking a warm bath, meditating, or reading. Whatever you do, stay away from bright light because it signals the brain that its time to awaken.
• Turn everything off. If you can view a clock from your bed, move it. In fact, getting rid of the clock is effective for 90 percent of people who have difficulty sleeping. Also, be sure to turn off all other electronics and other items that could distract you or wake you from sleeping. If its necessary to leave something turned on, be sure its dimmed and the volume is turned down.
• Stick to a schedule. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, and even on weekends when possible. This practice is all about circadian rhythms, which means that sleep, like other homeostatic processes, is regulated by our daily patterns.
• Create a safe haven. Sleeping soundly requires the right environment- dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool. It helps if distractions, including exposure to light, uncomfortable temperatures, poor air circulation, or a snoring partner, are limited, as well. While some potential sleep disturbers are beyond your control, blackout shades, earplugs, humidifiers, and fans can help block out the major offenders.
• Get comfy. When it comes to sleep, comfort is key. To ensure optimal comfort, make sure your mattress is in good shape, your sheets are a comfortable thread count for you, and your pillows are your preferred firmness.
• Write it down. Instead of dwelling on the days drama right before bed, set aside a worry time earlier in the day. This frees you from having to think about those concerns when you get in bed at night. Writing, drawing, or listening to music often helps people deal with stress and worry.
• Watch what and when you eat. Dont eat anything two to three hours before your regular bedtime. The same rule applies to liquids. You dont want to disrupt your slumber because of the need of a bathroom trip. If you suffer from heartburn, avoid eating spicy foods for dinner, as they may prevent you from lying down and sleeping comfortably.
• Set the stage for sleep. Keep work, computers, TVs, and other distractions out of the bedroom. Reserving the bedroom for sleep and sex actually helps strengthen the association between bed and sleep. Reading in bed, for example, is fine if it helps you fall asleep, but the bottom line is: When youre in the bedroom, engage in activities that help you relax.
• Use your imagination. Your typical waking and sleeping times are programmed in your subconscious mind. Instead of counting sheep, try resetting the program. Hypnosis and guided imagery- even listening to an imagery CD as you fall asleep- can help you change negative sleeping patterns and achieve more restful slumber.
• Fit in fitness. Fitness is important, but dont partake in physical activity right before bed. Studies show that people who are more physically active get better sleep. A good time for exercise is during the late afternoon, especially since it takes your body a while to fully cool down, and a cooler body temperature is associated with the onset of sleep.
• Say no to smoking. If you need one more reason to stop smoking, here it is: Nicotine disrupts sleep. So do caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate. These substances, plus certain medications, activate and mobilize your system, making it harder for you to fall asleep. If you must consume these substances, do so earlier in the day.
• Enjoy the daylight. The bodys natural sleep hormone, melatonin, is secreted in darkness and inhibited in light, so getting sufficient exposure to light during the day can help you stay awake and alert. On the same token, Keeping your bedroom as dark as possible at night can help promote the production of melatonin and the onset of sleep.

If you suffer from snoring and sleepless nights , call Dr. Stewart at (734) 425-4400 to schedule an appointment. With years of experience helping patients overcome sleep apnea , Dr. Stewart can examine your sleeping habits and determine the right treatment to help you reclaim your life and sleep better.

Caring for patients with dementia or Alzheimers can prove challenging. Patients often resist care oral health because they feel threatened. Caring for their oral health can be easier thanks to a group of nurses at Penn State School of Nursing. The nurses developed a plan, Managing Oral Hygiene Using Threat Reduction, to assist caregivers in providing oral hygiene to patients with Alzheimers or dementia.

The nurses created the plan to reduce threat perception among these patients. They suggest that caregivers smile while they interact with the patients, approach them at eye level, pantomime, and gently hold the patients hand while brushing teeth.

The number of patients in nursing homes who still have natural teeth is rising, due to proper oral hygiene. By using the threat reduction plan, caregivers can provide oral hygiene assistance in a more effective and friendly manner.

Several studies show a connection between periodontal disease and Alzheimers disease. With proper oral hygiene, brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, rinsing after meals, and visiting the dentist every six months for deep cleaning and checkup, the risk of periodontal disease decreases.

Dr. James Stewart , a Livonia dentist, has experience caring for elderly patients and knows the challenges commonly associated with senior dental health . If you are a caregiver for a patient with Alzheimers or dementia, contact Dr. Stewart at (734)425.4400 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Stewart cares for patients from Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, and surrounding areas.

Lack of sleep worsens periodontal disease . During a study conducted in Japan, 219 factory workers were evaluated to determine the affect their lifestyles had on their oral health. Researchers examined lifestyle habits, including: exercise, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, amount of sleep, nutrition, stress, number of hours worked, and eating breakfast. The study revealed the number-one factor impacting periodontal disease was smoking. However, the number two factor was sleep.

Participants who obtained seven to eight hours of sleep a night exhibited a slower progression of periodontal disease than those who received six or fewer hours a night. Researchers concluded that a shortage of sleep can impair the bodys immune system, which can make periodontal disease progress more rapidly. (more)

They always say that you are what you eat ! In todays health conscious society, people concentrate on healthy foods to help them lose weight. But shouldnt we also concentrate on the health of our teeth as well?

Im Dr. James Stewart , and I would like to show you some healthy foods that promote good oral health.

Dairy This includes cheese, milk, and plain yogurt. Most dairy products are low in carbohydrates and high in calcium and phosphate. Cheese helps balance the pH level in your mouth and also preserves and rebuilds tooth enamel. Dairy products add minerals to your teeth minerals stripped away by starches, sugars, and other foods. Keep in mind, demineralization is the precursor to tooth decay.

Celery Celery protects your teeth by increased chewing and chomping. The chewing causes saliva production which neutralizes bacteria that cause cavities. The chomping on celery massages the gums and cleans between the teeth. (more)

How Vitamin D Deficiency Affects the Health of Your Teeth

Vitamin D is essential in helping your teeth remain anchored into their sockets. Research has shown that people with Vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the weakening of the supporting tissues that anchor the teeth. This includes gums, bone, and connective tissue. Untreated, gum disease leads to redness, bleeding, and inflammation of the gums and eventually leads to tooth loss.

So what role does Vitamin D play in the prevention of periodontal disease?

Our bodies host genes that are responsible for the expression of periodontal disease. Vitamin D regulates these genes. Vitamin D acts as a controller of genes in almost every cell. When Vitamin D levels are too low, the genes responsible for a number of problems, such as periodontal disease, get switched on and allow the disease to develop.

Vitamin D has not been tested as a treatment for periodontal disease. However, sustaining proper Vitamin D levels may help prevent periodontal disease. While it does not treat periodontal disease, Vitamin D may reduce gingivitis because of its anti-inflammatory effects. (more)

The third Monday in February represents the combined birthday celebration of our first and sixteen presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, along with recognizing all former presidents. Lincolns birthday is February 12 ^th , and Washingtons Birthday is February 22 ^nd . While George Washingtons Birthday was a federal holiday, Abraham Lincolns was a state-recognized holiday only. Presidents Day is still officially in the congressional book as George Washingtons Birthday. Advertisers made the push in the 1980s to call it Presidents Day.

Here are some other interesting facts about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln that you may not know:

1. Washingtons teeth were not made out of wood, but instead out of ivory, gold, lead, and human or animal teeth.

2. Lincoln hated his nickname Honest Abe. His friends called him either Mr. Lincoln or Lincoln. (more)

In a ground-breaking study, researchers from University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have found that individuals who average less than six hours of sleep a night are 50% more like to increase their risk of colorectal adenomas than those individuals who get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Adenomas are precursors to cancer tumors, and if left untreated, they turn malignant.

According to Dr. Li Li, the studys principal investigator, this is the first study to report the association between sleep duration and colorectal adenomas. A short amount of sleep can now be viewed as a new risk factor for the development of colon cancer, Dr. Li explained. (more)