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Sleep apnea is a condition in which insufficient air reaches the lungs during sleep. In most cases, sleep apnea results because a person’s tongue is blocking the flow of air. This can cause blood oxygen levels to drop, causing sufferers to snort or choke awake. Sleep apnea can interrupt daily life by causing excessive daytime sleepiness, and it can also cause cardiovascular problems, so ask your dentist to prescribe an oral appliance if you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea.

 •Keeps Your Airway Open

Most sleep apnea sufferers sleep on their backs. In this position, the tongue rests on the back of the throat, restricting air flow. An oral appliance, which is similar to a night guard, keeps the tongue from relaxing and blocking the flow of oxygen.

•Provides a Cost-Effective Solution

There are a variety of oral surgeries available that can help resolve sleep apnea. However, you can easily avoid undergoing costly oral surgery while still getting relief by using an oral appliance. This affordable device can halt snoring, poor sleep quality, and other sleep apnea symptoms.

•Prevents Sleep Interruptions

Sleep apnea can lead to major health side effects, such as heart problems, depression, and memory loss. Sleep apnea sufferers easily tire, have a hard time focusing on work or school, and often feel irritable. Using an oral appliance while you sleep can ensure that you get a full night’s rest so that you can have easier, happier days. You’ll stop tossing and turning, waking up your partner, and constantly feeling exhausted.

If you’re tired of living with sleep apnea, contact Dr. Minnoch's office today. We can provide the oral appliances needed to help you get a better night’s sleep. We also offer dental treatments and services for the whole family, including preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental care. To learn more, call us at (425) 709-7171

You know that your dentist wants you to brush your teeth twice a day—but did you know that it’s also important to brush your teeth for the proper amount of time as well? If you need help brushing your teeth for the recommended two minutes, check out the Toothbrush Timer iPhone app. With this application, your whole family can be sure that they are brushing for the right amount of time. The easy-to-use timer will also help you to remember to switch quadrants of your mouth so you don't neglect any particular area. It even has handy reminder to change your toothbrush quarterly! Come to Bellevue Dental Care in Bellevue for all of your general dentistry needs. Call 425-709-7171 for an appointment with Dr. Minnoch.

Digital dental X-rays are one of the best new technologies that dentists can utilize to properly evaluate the state of patients’ mouths. With a digital X-ray machine, patients have the opportunity to look at their own mouths and see what the dentist is seeing! The following video explores the benefits of digital X-rays, including reduced radiation and more precise diagnoses. Watch for more information on why digital X-rays are essential for the future of dentistry. To get started evaluating the state of your dental health, contact Bellevue Dental Care. We offer the latest in dental technology to residents of the Bellevue and Seattle areas. Call (425) 709-7171 today to schedule an appointment.

 

Did you know that you could actually save hundreds of dollars by using your dental benefits before the end of the year? While some dental insurance plans run on a fiscal year, most run on a calendar year. If your dental insurance plan is on a calendar year, these 5 reasons will show you why you should make a dental appointment now. 1. Yearly Maximum The yearly maximum is the most money that the dental insurance plan will pay for your dental work within one full year. This amount varies by insurance company, but the average is around $1,000 per year, per person. The yearly maximum usually renews every year (on January 1 if your plan is on a calendar year). If you have unused benefits, these will not rollover. 2. Deductible The deductible is the amount of money that you must pay to your dentist out of pocket before your insurance company will pay for any services. This fee varies from one plan to another and could be higher if you choose an out-of-network dentist. However, the average deductible for a dental insurance plan is usually around $50 per year. Your deductible also starts again when your plan rolls over. 3. Premiums If you are paying your dental insurance premiums every month, you should be using your benefits. Even if you don’t need any dental treatment, you should always have your regular dental cleanings to help prevent and detect any early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer and other dental problems. 4. Fee Increases Another reason to use your benefits before the end of the year are possible fee increases. Some dentists raise their rates at the beginning of the year due to the increased cost of living, materials and equipment. A fee increase can also make your copay higher. 5. Dental Problems Can Worsen By delaying dental treatment, you are risking more extensive and expensive treatment down the road. What may be a simple cavity now, could turn into a root canal later. Call our office today 425-709-7171 and schedule an appointment to use those benefits.

With the holidays coming up and all the tempting holiday candy, you may be worried about the health of your teeth and possibly getting cavities. It's not only kids who love to snack on holiday candy, as plenty of adults do it as well. It seems to all start on Halloween with all the trick-or-treat candy and go straight into Christmas with the candy canes. If you want to avoid cavities this holiday season but still enjoy your holiday candy, here are some tips to remember. It may sound silly, but brushing your teeth right after eating holiday candy or cookies is the best way to avoid cavities. This may involve bringing a toothbrush with you to a holiday party, but it is surely the best way to prevent cavities. The longer you wait to brush your teeth after consuming the sugar in candy, the more damage that the sugar is doing to your teeth. When you are able to brush them right after eating the candy or cookies, you can get rid of the sugar and not have it eating away at your teeth all day or night. Store a toothbrush at your desk at work, in your purse, or even in your car if you have to. Use a mouthwash to wash away the sugar from the holiday candy as well. If you can't brush your teeth, then the next best thing is fluoride mouthwashes that can help get rid of the sugar. You can easily store a small travel size bottle with you when you go to parties, work, or other places.

Third Annual Football Spirit Day, September 14, 2011. We are sports fanatics here at Bellevue Dental Care and this is our way of welcoming the football season and the coming of school and fall. Patients enjoy our spirit supporting favorite teams. Lots of fun for everyone.

Happy Mardi Gras from the staff at Bellevue Dental Care!

 

Are you interested in whitening your teeth? Our office is proud to provide the Zoom! Chairside Whitening System. Zoom! is a scientifically advanced and patent pending whitening procedure. It is safe, effective and very fast. In less than an hour your teeth will become dramatically whiter.

Zoom! is ideal for anyone looking for instant results. Please contact our office for more information about Zoom! and to schedule your appointment today!

 

There is something in the water at Bellevue Dental Care. We recently had a get together with current and previous staff. Many of you will remember Star, our previous Office Manager. She brought her son Dominic who is almost 2. Amy, who was a dental assistant and front office assistant, brought Reese. She was born in March. Corey, one of our Dental Hygienists, brought her son Kalvin who was born in May. Corey is currently on Maternity Leave, but will be returning after Labor Day. Hilary is pregnant with twins- a boy and a girl. She and her family have moved to Arizona and we wish them the best of luck.

 

We are excited to announce that we are official distributors of the new Under Armour Performance Mouthwear. UA Performance Mouthpieces deliver an arsenal of physical benefits that help athletes train harder and compete at a higher level than ever before. UA Performance Mouthguards provide those same benefits, with the added benefit of customized dental protection.

The technology is patented, the performance is proven. With improved airflow and less stress from clenching, these Mouthpieces increase strength, endurance, and reaction time while reducing athletic stress.

Collegiate, professional and Olympic athletes perform every day with the help of Under Armour Performance Mouthwear. Now the same level of innovation and customization is available to athletes at every level.

Please call our office today to schedule a consultation appointment.