Health

Studies have shown a link between teeth grinding, clenching and headaches. There are also links to people who have sleep breathing disorders, and those who take serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRI). Some brand names of these drugs are Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil and...

Last week I introduced Part 1 of “In Search of Better Sleep”. For this week’s column to make the most sense, I would encourage you to read that column first. It can be found at www.thetowncommon.com. In case you don’t have a chance to read it, here is a brief recap: I...

Almost ten years ago I took a weekend course at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine entitled "Sleep Dentistry". This was not a course in putting patients to sleep for their dental work. This particular course was an introduction to treating people who had been...

Happy New Year! As most of us are back from a few extra days off, time marches on and our daily routines are back in full force. One of the things reinforced with me during my short break was how important sleep is.  My body has become accustomed to a certain amount...

At the end of each of the past 16 years, I have used this space to publish these 21 Suggestions for Success authored by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.  Cut this out and put it on the refrigerator. Read this list often and take these suggestions to heart. The more of these you...

The two things you’re supposed to do to clean your teeth: Brush & Floss. Any of you have your hygienist get on your case about not flossing? You may be the best brusher in the world, but if you’re not cleaning between your teeth, we know it. Cleaning between the...

If you have kids, and you take them to the dentist, I am sure you have heard about sealants. Many, if not most dentists recommend dental sealants.  A dental sealant is a flowable resin, generally placed on permanent 6 and 12-year molars. It is placed in the grooves on...

Last week I discussed the importance of communication in any relationship, specifically the healthcare provider/patient relationship. Trust is mutually built as this relationship develops over time.  “There’s not enough time in the day.” Have you ever used this...

Patients see things differently than dentists. Often, what is important to dentists is not important to patients and vice versa. This seems like the hysterical discovery of the obvious, but dentists often have a blind spot when it comes to seeing things from a...

Happy Thanksgiving! While we may be giving thanks for the many blessings in our lives, we also often need to battle the stressors.  This time of year always seems more stressful, but stress in general is hard to avoid. We worry about school, work, finances, illness,...