With spring in full swing, now is a great time to plan for all your summer activities. If you’re like many of our patients and you stay active all year long, then summertime just means that you change activities – you don’t slow down.

However, the more active you are, the more likely you are to suffer from a dental disaster involving your pearly whites. Did you know that the American Dental Association says that athletes who don’t wear mouth protection are 60 times more likely to suffer from a dental injury than those who do?

You don’t want to become a statistic, do you? We didn’t think so. That’s why it’s wise to come to Brian C. McDowell, DDS to get fitted for a custom athletic mouthguard. We’ll take precise impressions so that your new mouthguard can be made to exact specifications. It will fit better, provide better protection, feel more comfortable, and last longer than a store-bought appliance. And that’s the name of the game, right? When you’re looking for protection for your teeth, you don’t want to cut any corners.

If you get a new mouthguard from Dr. McDowell, your pearly whites will be fully protected the next time you or your child hits the field or track. Any activity that involves quick changes in direction, player contact, or a flying puck or ball can potentially wreak havoc on your smile. You don’t want to end up in an emergency situation, so it’s wise to get the protection your grin deserves beforehand.

However, don’t make the mistake of getting a new mouthguard, then letting it sit in the drawer unused. It’s not doing you any good just sitting there. Anytime you’re out there playing hard, you should have your mouthguard in place so it can do its job. If you accidentally run into another player or a ball hits you in the face, you’re much more likely to come through it unscathed if you’re wearing a mouthguard.

Since your appliance will be custom-fitted for your mouth, you can count on it feeling as comfortable as possible. It should fit snugly but firmly over your teeth to provide them as much protection as possible. Since it will be comfortable, there’s less chance of you removing it in between plays and forgetting to put it back in place. Just pop it in and let it work.

With proper care, your new mouthguard will last you several years, unlike the so-called “boil-and-bite” mouthguards you can buy at the big box stores. They won’t give you the custom fit that a mouthguard from Dr. McDowell will. Plus, they won’t last as long or provide you the same level of protection. All in all, you just won’t get the same performance from a store-bought appliance.

If you’re ready to protect your pearly whites for this summer and beyond with a custom athletic mouthguard, call Brian C. McDowell, DDS today at 978-343-4031 to schedule an appointment. You can also request an appointment time online. Your teeth will thank you for it.

People may joke about your loud snoring, but sleep apnea is no joke. Research has linked the disorder to many health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. At our Fitchburg, MA office we treat mild to moderate cases of apnea with a custom-made oral device you wear while you sleep. We will also recommend lifestyle changes to lessen your sleep apnea symptoms and improve your overall health.

In addition to snoring, symptoms of sleep apnea include insomnia, dry mouth, irritability, excessive fatigue during the day, and difficulty focusing on tasks. These symptoms not only rob you of rest but negatively affect your life in many ways – and the lives of those around you as well.

To schedule a sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Brian McDowell, call us today at 978-343-4031. He can help you get a sleep screening, if needed, and fit you for an oral appliance that allows you to get a good night’s rest.

It’s all about the airway. People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea experience brief interruptions in breathing multiple times a night when their airway becomes blocked. An appliance gently moves your jaw into a position that keeps your airway clear so you can breathe easily.

Many patients find an oral appliance preferable to a CPAP machine, another commonly prescribed treatment for sleep apnea. In addition to wearing an appliance, you can minimize your sleep apnea symptoms by following our tips below.

Quit Smoking

Smokers are three times more likely than non-smokers to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Cigarettes are an irritant for your upper airway, soft palate, throat, tongue, and uvula. Over time these areas become inflamed, making you more susceptible to airway blockage.Sleep On Your Side

Sleeping on your back often makes sleep apnea symptoms worse because your tongue and soft palate tend to relax more when you sleep this way.

You can try the Stop Snoring T-Shirt, which sells for about $22 on Amazon. It’s a t-shirt with a zippered pocket on the back. When you put a tennis ball (or similar object) in the pocket, it will make it uncomfortable enough to keep most people off their backs. More than three quarters of the 278 people who have reviewed it on Amazon gave the product four or five stars.

Drop Some Pounds

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), more than half of people who suffer from sleep apnea are overweight. Fatty deposits in your neck can impair breathing by making your airway more prone to collapse. In fact, a large neck size (16 inches or larger for women, 17 inches or larger for men) is a common sign you may have sleep apnea.

To lose weight, we suggest making dietary changes that will help you feel full. Drink lots of water and increase the amount of high-fiber foods you consume. Good choices include fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Bonus: fruits and veggies like apples and carrots are also good for your dental health. They scrub away remnants of other foods from your teeth, almost like a natural “toothbrush.”

Get More Exercise

Adding exercise to your daily routine also will help you lose weight. In addition, regular exercise helps break up nasal congestion that can worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Try to get at least a half hour of moderate activity every day. You won’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership; a brisk walk is a great way to get moving.

Keep Your Nose Clear

Allergies or other nasal obstructions can also worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Use antihistamines, nasal strips, or other products to help keep your nasal passages clear. You may also want to elevate your head while sleeping, which can help clear congestion and prevent acid reflux, another condition often associated with sleep apnea.

Some people use a humidifier in their bedroom to encourage their sinuses to drain. This makes it easier to breathe through your nose. Applying a product like Vicks VapoRub to your chest before bedtime also will help open your airway.

Reduce Use of Sedatives & Alcohol

Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, if possible. Both relax muscles, including those in your throat. Sleeping pills are especially likely to worsen sleep apnea symptoms. In addition to relaxing muscles, they make it more difficult to awaken. Your body will need to send an even stronger signal of respiratory distress to your brain to rouse you enough to open your airway.

Tired of experiencing sleep apnea symptoms? Call us today at 978-343-4031 to schedule a consultation at Brian C. McDowell, DDS.

If you have a damaged tooth, you can restore it with a dental crown. A beautiful new crown is an excellent way to save your smile and get your confidence back. Dr. McDowell is a highly skilled dentist you can trust with your smile, no matter what condition it’s in.

Call us today at 978-343-4031 to get your smile back. You can also request an appointment online. Be sure to watch this short video that explains how a crown works.