A healthy smile is beneficial for many reasons. Not only does an appealing smile improve your appearance, but healthy teeth are also necessary for eating and speaking properly. Unfortunately, certain issues do arise, affecting the look and underlying health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Cavities are one of these issues that affect an estimated 91 percent of adults. Even though they are common, most people do not fully understand this dental problem.
Since many health insurance carriers do not provide dental services, many people forgo their annual cleanings instead of getting dental insurance. Whether you have a policy or not, it's important that you make time for a dental cleaning. Brushing and flossing aren't enough to keep your teeth clean. While your oral hygiene routine can help you remove plaque, a sticky substance of bacteria that can form on your teeth, it cannot remove tartar.
If you snore, or if you wake yourself up gasping for air, you may have obstructive sleep apnea. During an apneic episode, breathing ceases for a period of time, usually only a second or two, however, this is can lead to daytime drowsiness.
Sleep apnea may also raise your risk for developing cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, your dentist or physician may have recommended that you try a sleep apnea appliance.
