Could You Be Suffering From Gum Disease?
March 27, 2013
Today, a staggering majority of Americans are suffering from the common oral health problem known as gum disease – three out of four, to be exact! If that number seems a little big to you, it’s probably because many of those people aren’t even aware that there’s anything wrong. While cracks and cavities are easily noticeable dental problems that have tried-and-true restorative solutions, gum disease (also commonly referred to as periodontal disease) is often a much more subtle condition – or it is until it reaches the most advanced stage, which can cause advanced deterioration, inflammation, and even tooth loss. Thankfully, Dr. Weinman and his staff take gum disease very seriously, and we’ll be sure to thoroughly inspect your mouth for any tell-tale signs of the condition when you come into our Westfield office for a routine check-up. In the meantime, here are some common symptoms that can indicate the presence of gum disease:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath that even mouthwash doesn’t help
- Receding gums (teeth that look longer)
- A sudden change in the way your bite feels
- Loose, shifting teeth
In addition, here are some common risk factors for gum disease:
- If you commonly smoke or use tobacco
- If you’re suffering from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or another systemic disease
- If you’re 65 or older
- If you regularly clench or grind your teeth
At his Westfield office, Dr. Weinman is committed to detecting and treating gum disease as early as possible in order to save his patients valuable time and expense, as well as preserve their oral health. We can provide Arestin for early cases, an antibiotic that is placed directly in the infected periodontal pockets in order to help heal your gums.
Don’t let gum disease put a damper on your smile! Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and enjoy the concise, comprehensive care our dedicated team is known for. In addition to Westfield, NJ, Dr. Weinman is also happy to see patients from Scotch Plains, Farmwood, Cranford, Mountainside, and beyond!
Stop the Snoring and Give Your Smile a Rest
March 1, 2013
Many of us snore while we sleep. In fact, we often don’t even find out that we’re doing it until someone (usually a tired spouse) lets us know. But what if you’re honestly not sure? Is it really that big of a deal? While snoring may seem like a harmless, if annoying, habit, it can cost you valuable rest and relaxation time, causing you to not perform to the best of your abilities during daytime hours. Snoring can also be an indicator of a much more serious problem: sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes multiple pauses in breathing throughout the night, and it can lead to many crucial problems down the road if left untreated, including an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and memory loss.
If you’re a chronic snorer or if you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea by your doctor, a snoreguard may be able to help! Dr. Weinman and his dedicated team are committed to provide you comprehensive, thorough care that puts your health and safety first, which is why they’re happy to offer snoreguards for your convenience here at our Westfield, NJ office.
Here are some common symptoms that can suggest chronic snoring or sleep apnea:
- Choking, snorting, gasping, or abnormally long pauses while sleeping – check with your spouse to see if they’ve noticed this!
- Daytime exhaustion, no matter how many hours you spend in bed
- Waking up with a dry or sore throat
- Morning headaches
Be sure to check with your doctor if you have concerns!
What can you do to help me sleep better?
Dr. Weinman will be happy to help you find a successful solution that can combat your snoring. We provide custom-made snoreguards at our Westfield office, which comfortably reposition the jaw while you sleep, opening your airway and eliminating snoring. Many patients who have found the use of a CPAP machine to be lacking or ineffective have finally received the relief they needed when using a snoreguard!
Don’t let snoring ruin your smile and your day – Dr. Weinman enjoys providing his patients with comfortable, effective care that leaves them happy and healthy. Contact our Westfield, NJ office today to learn more about snoreguards. We also accept patients from Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford, Mountainside, and beyond.