Issue #9 Autumn 2013

Autumn Report
With 2013 well under way, the SmileBright Dental team has hit the ground running and is looking forward to what this year has in store. As always we strive to improve our services to our valued patients through continuing education and adding to our extensive range of available treatment options and this year is no different. Patients suffering from Sleep Apnoea and/or chronic snoring will soon be able to access anti-snoring devices to aid in this issue. Speak with Dr Chang during your next visit about your suitability for the devices available.

GETTING TO KNOW US
This issue we get to know the voice on the end of the phone, and the smile when you walk in the door, Stacey, our Front Office Manager. Born & Raised: In Brisbane Favourite Food: Dont judge me Bacon. Food Dislike: Anything REALLY spicy. Favourite Movie: Almost Famous Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family and were also huge Brisbane Lions fans. Pets: None at the moment hopefully soon (hint hint hubby). Something Interesting: A lot of people are shocked when I tell them I have three children.

A SNAKE BRINGS CHANGE

2013 The year of the Snake, is meant for steady progress and attention to detail. This year the SmileBright Dental team has some exciting progress which will require our attention to detail to be at its best. While we cant let the cat out of the bag just yet, we are very eager to get these changes underway, and cant wait to share them with you throughout the year. Be sure to stay in the loop on our Facebook page.

Surviving Easter
Frightening fact, half of all six-year-olds have a decayed, missing or filled baby tooth. With Easter fast approaching and EB set to leave our little ones baskets full of sugary goodness, here are a few tips to prevent increasing that statistic. Maintain a balanced diet and increase water intake throughout the season Limit treats to meal times only dont snack throughout the day Darker chocolate is a better option than milk and white chocolate as it generally has less added sugar Keep the size and number of eggs small BRUSH, BRUSH, BRUSH (and floss!)

WEDDING EXPO
We have been invited again to join some other fantastic businesses at The Glen Wedding Expo scheduled for Friday 5th of April. If you or someone you know is planning their big day, be sure to stop in at say hi! There will be great bridal party specials to take advantage of and prizes to be won! Visit: http://www.glenhotel.com.au/weddingexpos for more details.

IN 1682 A GERMAN PHYSICIAN FIRST MENTIONED THE ALSACE TRADITION OF AN EASTER HARE BRINGING EASTER EGGS

Awakening Sleep Apnoea

Sleep Apnoea is a sleep disorder when a person experiences repetitive episodes of partial or complete occlusion of the upperairway while theyre sleeping. What this means, is that someone who suffers from Sleep Apnoea will have abnormal pauses in their breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing during sleep. Each pause is called an apnoea, which may occur 5 to 30 or more times an hour and can last from at least ten seconds to minutes. There are three forms of Sleep Apnoea, Central (CSA), Obstructive (OSA), and complex or mixed (a combination of CSA and OSA). In CSA, the breathing is interrupted by a lack of respiratory effort, whereas in OSA, breathing is interrupted by a physical block to the airflow regardless of respiratory effort. It is difficult to identify the exact number of Australians suffering from OSA because many are unaware of any disturbance in their sleep. However, it is thought that around 9% of women and 25% of men suffer from OSA in some form.

The economic load of Sleep Apnoea (including healthcare costs, lost productivity, road accidents and work related accidents) in Australia is estimated at $2-8 billion per year. People who suffer Sleep Apnoea are 4 to 9 times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident.

SILENCE THE SNORING

Treatment for Sleep Apnoea should be individualised based on severity and present risk factors, such as age, body weight, degree of daytime sleepiness, alcohol consumption, medical history and the anatomy of the upper airway. Options include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment, dental appliances, surgery (in selected patients), or in some cases, a lifestyle change, such as weight loss, change of sleep position, improved sleep habits, change in alcohol consumption and quitting smoking. A special type of custom dental appliance called a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) is sometimes recommended for people who suffer from mild Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. The MAS fits into your mouth like a mouth-guard and generally works by holding the lower jaw forward slightly. This is to create extra room in the pharynx for the tongue and some patients experience a reduction in their snoring while using the MAS. If you can relate to any of the symptoms mentioned you should seek advice from your GP, dentist or a sleep specialist to perform tests and give you all the information needed to make an informed decision regarding your treatment options.

OSA AND YOUR HEALTH

While a sneaky back hand from your disgruntled partner in the middle of the night to silence your snoring may be the only effect you notice, Sleep Apnoea has damaging effects on sleep quality and overall health. It amplifies the risk of snoring, daytime sleepiness, lack of concentration, obesity, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, type-2 diabetes, depression, impotence, mood disorders and motor vehicle and industrial accidents.

Whats On
There is a lot happening at The Hills this Easter, with free gifts and cooking demos from 27th-30th March in the lead up to Easter. The kids are also in for a eco-friendly treat these school holidays. Little Green Thumbs will be visiting from 2nd-6th of April allowing kids to plant their own vegetable seeds to take home and care for and from 9th-13th April ABC4Kids Dirtgirl will be appearing on centre stage so come and get grubby this school holidays at The Hills! For more information visit: www.sbhshoppingtown.com.au

Sunnybank Hills Shopping Town, Sunnybank Hills Qld 4109 Phone 3272 8833 | Email info@smilebrightdental.com.au

www.smilebrightdental.com.au