What is sleep apnoea

If you have ever felt yourself drifting off to sleep when watching TV, during a phone call, or amidst an important meeting, there is high likelihood that you are suffering from sleep apnoea. For serious sleep apnea victims, such feelings are day to day reality. Though everyone tend to feel tired occasionally, people with sleep apnea feel sleepy and lethargic every other day. Unfortunately, they tend to remain in the dark with regards to the causes of this condition. In fact, studies suggest that it takes even up to 8 years for a sufferer to be finally diagnosed with this condition.

What is it?


It is a sleeping disorder that occurs when a person experiences one or several pauses in their breathing while asleep. Breathing pauses often last from a few second to several minutes and may occur 30 times or more in a single hour. Typically, normal breathing often follows, sometimes with a chocking sound or a loud snort.

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that will interfere or disrupt your sleep. This is because when your breathing becomes shallow or is paused, you will move out of that interesting deep sleep into light sleep. Sleep apnoea is cited as the leading cause of daytime sleepiness.

Types of Sleep Apnoea

There are two main types of Sleep apnoea:

·         Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: 

This is the most common type of sleep apnoea. In this type of sleep apnoea, the airway collapses or blocks during sleep resulting into breathing pauses or shallow breathing.

·         Central Sleep Apnoea:

This is a less common variant of the disorder. It usually occurs when part of your brain that controls your breathing patterns fails to send the correct signals to your breathing muscles. Consequently, you will not make any efforts to breath for brief seconds or minutes.

Generally, it affects more than 3 in 10 men and roughly 1in 5 women; it is therefore very common than many people might think. So in case you detect any symptoms of sleep apnoea (excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, anxiety or depression, forgetfulness, and change in mood or behaviours among others), it is pertinent to consult your doctor immediately. For more information, please visit Dental On Cue, or your local dentist or medical practitioner.

Tools That a Dentist Uses

Tools Of The Trade


Dental experts utilise a myriad of tools for regular checkups and surgical procedures. These tools are also used by orthodontists and periodontal experts. While dentistry incorporates a number of innovative and cutting edge tools, they still use implements that are conventional or traditional in nature. This includes the mouth mirror, which is designed to reach hard to see and hidden areas in the mouth. With mouth mirrors, dentists can see cavities forming in the back of the teeth, as well as mouth sores and possible pre-cancerous legions. Along with mouth mirrors, dental explorers or sickle probes are used to scrape away plaque and restore proper oral hygiene.

Common Dental Instruments

While sickle probes eliminate foreign debris and remnants of food from the gums and teeth, they are even used to distribute fluoride and other common dental solutions. Similarly, periodontal probes are utilised to measure pocket depths around teeth, along with the state of the overall periodontium. These tools, of course, resemble small fishing hooks and are intricate and detailed in nature. Suffice to say; dental experts must keep a steady hand when using these implements or instruments on patients. There are also moth props, which are designed for patients that have difficulties keeping their mouths open. These props are used on dental patients of all ages, and especially during procedures where sedatives are administered.

Other Dentistry Tools

Other common and widely utilised dentist tools include cheek retractors, along with tongue and lip retractors. Local or dental anaesthesia is often used to numb or sedate patients during dental treatments. This is especially true when working on root canals, cavities, and removal of molars or irreparable teeth. Dental drills are essential for cavity repair work, while lasers help in oral surgical procedures. Dentists also use torque wrenches for dental implants, crowns, and bridge and denture work. Excavators are important in tackling tooth decay, while burs are implemented for various and specific procedures. Other common tools are pluggers, scalers, curettes, spatulas, fox planes, cutters, wax knives, microscopes, and so much more.

If you are interested in learning more about dental instruments, simply visit your local dental lab. You can also speak to dentists or dental assistants to learn more about these tools and how they are utilised on a daily basis.

Oral Hygiene


Common Causes of Bad Breath & How to Treat It

Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is a common problem. For some people it happens from time to time but in others it is permanent. It happens because there are millions of bacteria that thrive in the warm and moist condition of the mouth. In order for you to protect yourself from bad breath it is important to know what causes it in the first place.

•    The most common reason for bad breath is poor oral hygiene. You are supposed to brush your teeth at least three times a day or after every meal in order to get rid of food particles that bacteria may feed on. You are also supposed to floss after meals. If you fail to do this it is quite likely that you will experience bad breath.

•    Gum disease is another common reason for bad breath. This is when plaque forms between the teeth and the gums. If not treated by a dentist you will get bad breath.

•    Not brushing your tongue is a sure way to get bad breath, again because there are millions of bacteria that thrive there.

•    If you do all the above and you still have bad breath it is likely that there may be a medical condition behind it. Depending on how long it persists you should see a doctor for a full checkup.

•    There is a psychological condition where sufferers imagine that they have bad breath which cannot be smelled by others.

•    It is normal to have bad breath right after you wake up. This is because while you sleep your mouth becomes dry and saliva which would ordinarily wash away bacteria isn’t produced.

There mat be other causes of bad breath but these are the most common. For most, good oral hygiene is enough to ensure that they have fresh breath. In addition to that, make sure that you eat something from time to time as this promotes the production of saliva to tackle oral bacteria. You should also avoid sugary food and drinks. In the event that you consume them you should wash out your mouth with plain water.

What Is A Migraine ?


What is a Migraine?

Migraine is a severe headaches caused by a number of factors. Some people also refer to migraines as tension headaches, given the fact that they are a common symptom when someone is undergoing anxiety. Though the causes vary, medical experts do argue that the condition stems from two main factors: genetic factors and environmental factors.


How it Occurs

A migraine attack usually starts when there are changes in your brainstem with respect to how it interacts with the trigeminal nerve (a major nerve receptive to pain). When serotonin levels drop in the body, the trigeminal nerve is triggered to release chemicals known as neuropeptides which find their way to the meninges (outer area of the brain) which results in severe pain.


Common Causes of Migraines

If you constantly get migraines, you may have noticed some common pre-disposing factors. The triggers vary with individuals, but common complains cited by most people include; migraines from allergic reactions, emotional and/physical stress, high sensitivity to bright lights, perfumes, specific odours or bright light. Other causes include exposure to smoke or tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, changes in sleep patterns, or irregular sleep patterns, menstrual cycles or consumption of tyramine in foods.

Tension Headaches are mild head pains characterised by a feeling of tightness around the head. When tension headaches become prolonged and recurring, they eventually graduate to distressing migraines. Excessive consumption of caffeine or withdrawal symptoms from caffeine can trigger severe migraines.

A change in weather conditions is likely to trigger the condition as well, especially during storms, changes in altitude, and fluctuations in barometric pressure or change in altitudes.


Who Gets Migraines?

Migraines or tension headaches are frequent in women than in men. Medical statistics show that in every 4 women, one is likely to be suffering migraines. In men, the statistic is different; in every 12 men, one is likely to suffer migraines.


Is there a Cure?

Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, paracetamol, or naproxen can eliminate the severe pain. Serotonin agonists may be used for migraines that refuse to respond to over-the-counter drugs. Sometimes a lifestyle change can help clear migraines without having to visit a doctor or pharmacist; try and get enough sleep, avoid tyramine rich foods, reduce the stress in life, work out regularly and drink lots of water.

Migraines or severe headaches are often manageable with the above highlighted treatment options. However, for severe and recurring tension headaches, it is important to get a head scan to check for tumours, clots, or blockages in the blood vessels leading to the brain.