tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60730536479952631242024-03-05T05:38:18.154-08:00Dakota SmilesKelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-89197801398630627122010-08-03T07:34:00.000-07:002010-08-03T15:25:52.111-07:00How to fit proper dental care into any budget!Last time I shared with you one part of a conversation that I had with four women in the health food store. Part one was about the limitations of dental insurance and what it really cost one mother…the ability to choose the type and quality of the health care she desired for her family. This week’s blog is about another mother’s concern about not being able to afford braces for her child. <br /><br />Sharon was distraught. She was educated enough to recognize that her daughter was having early warning signs of TMJ…and that the clock was ticking when it came to getting proper treatment. It wasn’t just that Beth’s lower jaw was beginning to stick out like “Jay Leno”, that she rarely smiled or even that she was becoming more introverted…she was more concerned, and rightly so, that Beth was having jaw joint pain, grating and clicking in one jaw joint, frequent headaches and a noticeable “slouch” in her posture. <br /><br />Sharon already knew that getting Beth into braces while she was still growing was crucial…and she felt terribly guilty because her daughter was suffering, both emotionally and physically. The helpless and hopeless feelings were gut-wrenching. However, what Sharon didn’t know was that braces could actually fit into her “single mother going back to school” budget. Ahhh, relief!<br /><br />Nearly anyone with a good credit history can be easily and quickly approved for payment arrangements that fit comfortably into any budget. You can even pre-qualify online in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Simply visit www.springstoneplan.com or www.carecredit.com for an application. It doesn’t affect your credit rating to apply, it costs nothing and the results are fast. <br /><br /><strong>Then, give our office a call at 342-0989 and schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation</strong>. Sure, the confidence and self-esteem that comes from a great smile is one of the best head starts you can give your child in life. We wish it wasn’t so, but we all know that looks do matter. But even more important is the gift of good health…. and when it comes to helping the jaws to grow and develop properly via orthodontics, timing does matter…. a lot.Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-19069852879200648142010-07-20T10:28:00.000-07:002010-07-20T10:35:18.791-07:00Insurance and DentistryI was in our local health food co-op recently and soon found myself chatting with four other women about their health, or the lack thereof. After hearing their stories I knew I could help, so I offered each of them a free consultation to learn more about how our unique style of dentistry could help them feel better. <br /><br />Over the next few blogs I will offer you a glimpse into our conversation. If you find yourself with similar problems, I will extend the same free consultation to you, a loved one, or a friend. Just call Danny at 342-0989 and he will take care of the details. <br /><br /><br /> With a pony tail pulled high, a baseball shirt and a healthy glow that didn’t come from makeup, Kim asked if I wasn’t Dr. Kelly and reminded me that I had treated her son 7 years ago. Back then she was a mother of three. Well read, health centered and determined to find doctors that would respect her wishes…she would not be vaccinating her kids, she would be breastfeeding until they were toddlers and there would absolutely be no poisonous mercury fillings to insult their immature little immune systems…period. Since I had never placed a silver mercury filling in 22 years and spend more time getting to know people and educating them about their treatment options than we spend in actual treatment time, she felt like it was a match made in heaven. Even though getting to Dakota Smiles meant a drive across the state, she was determined to get the right care for her family. <br /><br />As I was deciding between the mung beans or the red lentils, she went on to describe their recent visit to a non-holistic dentist that her husband had asked her to go to because they “took their insurance”… and what a mistake it was. Not only didn’t she feel listened to, she felt amiss when the insurance based dentist couldn’t answer her questions about ozone therapy or Price-Pottenger’s work concerning how nutrition and allergies affect the growth and development of the dental arches. I nodded with empathy and felt a swell of pride knowing we are, and always have been, on the leading edge ….and then I rightly took her scolding that I should advertise more because I am the areas only holistic dentist focused on whole body wellness. <br /><br />True to her inquisitive nature she goes on to ask me to explain this whole dental insurance thing. As I shared with her the following points I couldn’t help but notice a tinge of embarrassment and a bit of regret when it dawned on her that she had turned over that in which she took so much pride and found power in…her right to choose and to care for her family on her terms. <br /><br />Lets look at some disturbing facts about choosing a dentist based on insurance;<br /><br />1. If premiums had kept pace with inflation over the years Kim would be entitled to nearly $7000 in dental services, but instead she receives only $1000 or less. <br />2. Insurance companies profits are made by limiting total benefits, paying for average or below average materials and services and having established a monopoly over the doctors. <br />3. Dentists that “take insurance”, like Delta Dental for example, are contractually required to write off the difference between what Delta pays and their regular fee.<br />4. The above is bound to cost someone, somewhere…in service, product quality, etc. <br /><br /><br />Then, without missing a beat in our conversation and as automatic as her next breath, she lifts up the corner of the baseball shirt, which I wasn’t too sure she didn’t borrow from her son’s drawer, and puts baby number four to her breast…. and confidently says…”I will be back in to see you very soon.”Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-69796769781771302292010-04-13T12:29:00.000-07:002010-04-13T12:31:22.439-07:00HORSE SENSE OR NON-SENSE? <br /><br /><br />I was surprised and intrigued to come across an article this week about TMJ and Cranial-Sacral Work…. for horses. It was of particular interest since I had just spent last week training with Dr. Michelle Walker, a chiropractor from Missouri that specializes in cranial-sacral work in humans. I flew her in to teach myself, and a local chiropractor, Dr. Alan Juel, more about how to co-treat complex TMJ, back, neck and pain cases for optimum results. <br /><br />The article was written by Maureen Rodgers and she uses the same principles to treat horses and dogs that we use in treating people with TMJ or what we call “Dental Distress Syndrome”. Here’s an excerpt from her article. “I urge you to take a close look at your horses TMJ functioning. It can be easily overlooked. As I said earlier in this article I consider it the “Master Link” in the chain of healthy equine biomechanics and movement. I see far too many hocks and backs get injected that actually have TMD; although there will often be some temporary improvement especially if corticosteroids are used, after a while the imbalance shows up somewhere else, often the feet or neck. Unkink the master link and be sure the feet are balanced and you will see the life force flow through your horse’s entire body. You may still have body work to do and old postural compensations to correct, but it is much more possible for the horse to achieve a state of self perpetrating wellness, vitality, and strength with a healthy happy TMJ. This is homeostasis, every cell in the body has a built in intelligence to allow well being, it is natural and it is where they want and need to be. <br /><br />She goes on to explain…<br />The Stomatognathic System and Guzay’s Theorem<br />The TMJ Mechanism connects to the body through an intricate system known as the Stomatognathic System. The Stomatognathic System consists of the parts of the head, the neck, and the upper thorax. This system is concerned with muscular, osseous (bone), ligamentous, fascial and nervous system control of biting, chewing and swallowing, and is comprised of twenty-seven bones, one of those bones being the mandible. Thus, each part must be addressed to truly treat any TMD condition. However, another joint area that is connected to and highly affected by the condition of the TMJ is that of the atlantoaxial joint. This is the area where the atlas, the first cervical vertebra (C1), articulates with the axis, the second cervical vertebra (C2).<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuMnywFS4Mqz5tmn2HZkPdd7NAQOBwTKgQuAY4dyDz_VXgpWDEbTNwbB2_tcLzZCDWQDZGfL-3mjmz2liN7u8yRYWVHm_xODWUAUtcmMr9cS3rtU-8_azVcjDwJtuTshIdvOeHA4apSk/s1600/horse+color"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuMnywFS4Mqz5tmn2HZkPdd7NAQOBwTKgQuAY4dyDz_VXgpWDEbTNwbB2_tcLzZCDWQDZGfL-3mjmz2liN7u8yRYWVHm_xODWUAUtcmMr9cS3rtU-8_azVcjDwJtuTshIdvOeHA4apSk/s320/horse+color" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459706605462483298" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW94g6jkLW4ZbS2Oo888VsSFisvFNIfB4KvFi7AqH7etgS5nkXty2Y2OHCYsl9BT8WrIZ5noQDdDle8L1Y5Ce5oA6m7Tuk9RTKTE5WOE9oAaLjQhVGGgiQutW-4UDwTdb6Upp79vcMCA/s1600/b+and+w+horse"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW94g6jkLW4ZbS2Oo888VsSFisvFNIfB4KvFi7AqH7etgS5nkXty2Y2OHCYsl9BT8WrIZ5noQDdDle8L1Y5Ce5oA6m7Tuk9RTKTE5WOE9oAaLjQhVGGgiQutW-4UDwTdb6Upp79vcMCA/s320/b+and+w+horse" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459706703902031762" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Side view of a retrusion of the mandible, TMD - the masseter muscle here shows slight atrophy and other muscles have started to compensate for this. Guzay's Theorem. a: mandible, b: temporal bone, c: condyle, d: occiput, e: atlantoaxial joint<br />Guzay’s Theorem states that the atlantoaxial axis of rotation acts as the primary joint for mastication/ chewing. Although the TMJ, in the immediate structural and physiological sense, seems to be the axis of rotation of the mandible, a deeper look shows that the TMJ acts as the secondary joint of mastication. These two joints, the TMJ and the atlantoaxial joint, interact in every moment to provide healthy function for the mandible (see diagram). To properly address any TMD condition, it must be treated holistically, attending to the whole Stomatognathic System. Treatment that does not address all parts will not rectify a dysfunctional component of the Stomatognathic System; treating a singular area will only achieve a rearrangement of symptoms. This is the reason that, although it is a vital component, dental work alone will not resolve most TMD conditions.<br /><br />These are the very principles we use (plus Low Level Laser energy medicine, chiropractic, nutrition and lifestyle) in our “Destination Dentistry” program to relieve headaches, migraines, ringing in the ears, dizziness, back pain, neck pain, fingers that fall asleep at night, snoring, sleep apnea and other chronic degenerative conditions. <br />In my opinion it is nonsense to take better care of your animals than you do of yourself. So use your good “horse sense” and give us a call today at 605.342.0989 and let us help you achieve “homeostasis” and optimum health. <br />As an incentive to take action, we will be giving away a FREE VIRTUAL CONSULTATION, valued at $500, to the first three inquiries.Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-57970207541625832642010-03-30T08:35:00.001-07:002010-03-30T08:35:52.837-07:00Spring CleaningWe are all familiar with Spring Cleaning. It’s a great way to get yourself organized and back on track. Out with the old; in with the new. Time to straighten up for the rest of the year and get things looking good again.<br /><br />While you are in the mood for Spring Cleaning, why not consider your dental health schedule for the year. Regardless of how you pay for your dental health care, an annual schedule for basic care for you and your family should be the basis of your annual plan. As part of getting organized this spring, I suggest you make your schedule for cleanings and exams.<br /><br />Regular cleanings are the best way to ensure that placque build up does not damage your teeth or gums. Your daily brushing routine gives you a good basis for a healthy mouth, but professional cleanings give you a deep cleaning necessary to avoid gum disease and weakened teeth enamel. You may be surprised at the new technologies available to achieve this purpose.<br /><br />Your annual exam is important for a variety of health reasons. One of the most important reasons for regularly scheduled exams is to have a proper oral cancer screening. This painless screening for the first signs of oral cancer is just as important as any skin cancer screening you would get at your primary care physician or dermatologist.<br /><br />So, as part of your Spring Cleaning and organization, why not plan out cleanings and exams for youself and your family members? It’s a great way to prioritize your dental health. If you have any questions about any of this, especially oral cancer screening, please feel free to contact me today.Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-72576402597725361092010-03-03T14:14:00.000-08:002010-03-03T15:07:41.361-08:00Interesting trend in sportsIn my blog, I frequently talk about TMJ pain and the Tempromandibular Joint Disorder. Normally, the discussion of TMJ or jaw alignment centers around the wide range of pains and discomforts caused when the jaw is not aligned. But, recently, anyone who has been paying attention to sports has seen the positive effects of aligning the jaw.<br /><br />Many key players from the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints football team used a special mouthpiece called the Makkar PPM that aligns the jaw. Users of the Makkar PPM note an improvement in strength, speed, balance and agility. In the Olympics, US skier Bode Miller also used the Makkar PPM in his Gold medal winning performance in the Vancouver Olympics. The spotlight is now on the Makkar PPM but for the past several years, athletes seeking improved performance in their training and competition have utilized this simple yet effective technology.<br /><br />For all of you golfers, weight lifter and weekend warriors, I offer a mouthpiece which can be custom designed for your improved athletic performance. This neuromuscular technology can improve your performance in any athletic endeavor.<br /><br />The Makkar PPM and the recent success enjoyed by some of its users is a real lesson about neuromuscular dentistry. The alignment of the jaw clearly is critical to peak performance. If your jaw is out of alignment to the point where it is causing pain and symptoms of discomfort, you can imagine how much your potential is decreased just doing day to day tasks. If you or someone you know is suffering head pain, migraines, neck or jaw pain, please contact me today. This is a condition that can be treated with non-invasive techniques and you can see what you might consider a championship-level improvement.Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-38335934639637685172010-02-04T11:20:00.000-08:002010-02-04T11:21:50.827-08:00Root CanalsRoot Canal. Just hearing the word can cause the imagination to go wild. Some would “rather have a baby than have a root canal”. President Obama says “fixing our economy will be about as popular as having a root canal.” As a laser owner, you need not fear! I just had a root canal myself, and thanks to the Q1000 Laser (and my laser trained dentist, Dr. Kelly Lytle, which I introduced to you last month) it was a pain free, totally comfortable experience. <br /><br />True Story. The night before I was scheduled to leave for a 2 week business trip I was awakened with one hell of a toothache. If you haven’t ever had one, consider yourself lucky. For those of you who have , it was the kind where you feel each and every heart beat pounding inside of your tooth. The kind that you would give anything to make it stop! <br /><br />Since my laser is always within arms reach, I placed the QLaser 660 probe directly on the throbbing tooth for 2 minutes. That was followed up by putting the 880 probe on jawbone where the root tip is. Within minutes, the pain had totally stopped and I was back sleeping like a baby. In the morning I made my plane, kept my lecture tour. I continued to laser the tooth daily until I got home and could get into the dentist. The laser kept my pain at bay for two full weeks!<br /><br />Had I not owned a laser (or have raised a fabulous dentist that would take care of her ol’ dad even if it was 2am) it would have certainly meant a trip to the hospital ER that night. I also would have had to reschedule my AM flight, missed my scheduled lectures, disappointed hundreds of customers and who knows how much business would have been lost. One thing I do know for sure….it certainly would have been more than the cost of the Q1000 Laser!<br /><br />But moving along. I made it home, had my root canal and have 3 pointers to share with you should you ever need one yourself. <br /><br />#1. Avoid them in the first place! Teeth need root canals when they become traumatized by either decay, injury or a “bad bite” and the nerve dies. A neuromuscular dentist aligns the teeth and jaws to eliminate these problems. Call me biased, but I’d recommend Dr. Kelly Lytle. Visit her website at www.dakotasmiles.com or call 605-342-0989 to inquire about becoming a Destination Dental Guest. <br /><br />#2. Take the Q1000 laser with you to the dentist. Laser the tooth as described above then ask the doc to begin treatment without numbing the tooth. If the nerve is already dead, you won’t feel anything other than vibration. (If it isn’t fully dead you will know it and the doc will get you numb. <br /><br />#3. Partner with your doctor. Doing a good root canal requires that the root be cleaned and sealed down to its tip, but not past it. X-rays are used to guage this but sometimes can be misleading, and not all dentists have the special instrument called an “apex locator” that can measure it…but they do have you! If your tooth is not put to sleep during the procedure you can tell the doc if the cleaning instrument goes out the tip of the root. It no big deal, just feels like a “pin prick”. <br /><br />So that’s it…my “up close and personal” story about how the Q1000 Laser (and the best laser, neuromuscular, cosmetic, biological dentist in the country… who, by the way, you too can see!) made it a pleasant, comfortable and totally painless experience!Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-39191805558909984202010-02-02T21:07:00.001-08:002010-02-02T21:08:25.590-08:00Living with TMJ?Do you know someone who is making excuses about living with TMJ pain? It happens all the time. Whether it is the popping and clicking jaw, the soreness caused by grinding teeth during sleep, headaches or other pain in the head and neck area, for some reason people tend to avoid TMJ pain. So they take pain relievers or prescription medicines to mask the pain. However, it is not a cure and things tend to get worse if not treated.<br /><br />One of the main reasons why people tend to put off treatment is that they think major surgery is needed to repair the problem. They may have read this in their research or have been told that by a doctor. If they are thorough in their research, they will also discover the non-invasive neuromuscular treatment. This is the treatment that neuromuscular dentists administer for TMJ that does not include surgery. <br /><br />My neuromuscular training comes from the world’s leading post-graduate institute on the subject: The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Every day, TMJ suffers are treated successfully by LVI graduates without one jawbone being broken and reset. Our specialized treatment resets the jaw without surgery and places the jaw and all the interconnected tissues back to a normal, functioning position, eliminating the pain and discomfort.<br /><br />This is good for you to know because many of us know someone who suffers in this condition. They think surgery is the only option and therefore decide to live with their pain. Sometimes simply mentioning the non-invasive neuromuscular option is all that is needed to make a difference.Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-86440002937554547052010-01-05T14:27:00.000-08:002010-01-05T14:29:11.608-08:00New Year’s Dental ResolutionHere's a great idea for the new year put a little extra emphasis on your health care in 2010.<span style=""> </span>Isn't it time to do some of the little things that can lead to better health.<span style=""> </span>Ok... Good idea.<span style=""> </span>So how about starting with a new<span style=""> </span>years dental resolution? <p class="MsoNormal">It is so easy to affect a more positive dental health.<span style=""> </span>Most of the steps can be routine.<span style=""> </span>We all know brushing after every meal and flossing daily are everyday tasks you should be doing.<span style=""> </span>However, rushing through brushing and skipping flossing can undo your efforts. Done properly and regularly, brushing and flossing keep your mouth clean but also stimulate the gums.<span style=""> </span>Unhealthy gums are medically connected to heart disease, which is something most people do not realize.<span style=""> </span>So, being more diligent with brushing and flossing can have a huge impact on your health.<span style=""> </span>So, maybe add that to your new years dental resolution.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Regular visits to see me for cleanings will also help nip emerging problems in the bud.<span style=""> </span>In deep cleanings, we make sure that the plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease is completely removed.<span style=""> </span>I strongly suggest making your cleaning appointments a priority in the coming year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And, for anyone suffering from symptoms of TMJ, maybe this will be the year when you have had it living with the pain and the headaches.<span style=""> </span>If you are ready to start the year headed toward a pain-free 2010, why not schedule an appointment for a neuromuscular exam.<span style=""> </span>I am trained to treat TMJ pain with non-invasive techniques that change lives.<span style=""> </span>Treating TMj can do much for your mental health as well if the burden of the pain is affecting your functioning or your moods.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And, one last idea for your new years dental resolution.<span style=""> </span>If you or someone you know snores, why not treat the sleep apnea that causes the snoring?<span style=""> </span>Sleep apnea can be life threatening and it clearly affects how you function.<span style=""> </span>Again, non-invasive neuromuscular treatments I offer can treat sleep apnea and improve your overall health.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, what sounds good for your new years dental resolution?<span style=""> </span>Email me and let me know.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-81955259647339563722009-12-03T19:16:00.001-08:002009-12-03T19:16:53.942-08:00Looking your best for the holidaysAs the holidays approach, holiday pictures, parties and social events come up on most of our schedules. It’s a time for your holiday dress, your new haircut or hairstyle and for a beautiful smile. <br /><br />Keep in mind that you can give your smile an immediate boost with teeth whitening, which is the easiest way to quickly improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile. If you want that little extra boost for your smile and your family photo or holiday party is right around the corner, we can brighten your smile in just one day. In fact, we can do it on your lunch hour.<br /><br />If you are interested in a more dramatic and permanent improvement, why not take a little time during this holiday season to learn about cosmetic reconstruction. Being an accredited cosmetic dentist and an instructor at The Las Vegas Institute, you can rest easy knowing you are in qualified and caring hands. <br /><br /> Maybe you want to consider this as a gift for a loved one or maybe this is something you have always dreamed of for yourself. Either way, why not start asking some questions now. A new, beautiful, confident smile may be an important part of 2010 for you. <br /><br />If you have been thinking about improving your smile, please contact me today at 605-342-0989.Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-5163227018098452602009-11-16T09:57:00.000-08:002009-12-07T10:04:22.748-08:00Neuromuscular science and sports<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2009-11-16-neuromuscular-mouthguard-cover_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip">Check out this article</a> on Neuromuscular mouthguards and how they improve performance.Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-42150745511558008882009-11-13T13:10:00.000-08:002009-11-13T13:13:10.388-08:00Improving Athletic PerformanceNo doubt there are some Monday night football fans out there. Well, last week the power of Neuromuscular Dentistry hit the airwaves.<br /><br />When Jonathan Vilma was traded to New Orleans he brought with him more than his talent, he brought a mouthguard called the PPM which is based upon the science of what I specialize in....Neuromuscular Dentistry. The general manager Mickey Loomis was so <br />impressed, he had the entire team fitted!<br /><br />PPM stands for Pure Power Mouthguard. The PPM was created by one of my colleagues at LVI, Dr. Anil Maker. Neuromuscular Dentistry considers the entire system that controls the position and function of your jaw. It seeks to establish a jaw position based upon a harmonious relationship of the teeth, muscles and jaw joints. When this is accomplished, it affects the nervous system in a big way.<br /><br />The purpose of this blog isn't to sell you a PPM. It is to create awareness around a science and a service that we use everyday as your dentist. We use the same medical grade testing equipment when we relieve the headaches of pain patients, create a snore guard for the sleep apnea patient, or reconstruct a severely damaged bite.<br /><br />With the likes of Shaq and other pro athletes now benefiting from the science of Neuromuscular Dentistry, we hope that it soon will become a household word.<br /><br />Until then, I'd love to let you know more about how you may personally benefit!<br />Go Saints!Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-83574261139635868382009-10-07T12:01:00.001-07:002009-10-07T12:01:38.758-07:00Do you snoreDo you snore? If so, there is important information and a special offer in this blog. <br /><br />Snoring is not normal! In 1/3 of the people who snore it is just a social inconvenience or irritant and actually causes more health problems for your bed partner than yourself. They loose , on average, 1.5 hours of sleep a night thanks to you. However, for the remaining 2/3rds who snore, it is a sign of a very serious and dangerous disorder called sleep apnea/hypopnea. <br /><br />Sleep apnea is where the body stops breathing entirely for 10 seconds or more. Hypopnea is where only very shallow breaths are taken. Not a big deal if it happens occasionally, but when it is happening hundreds of times a night, there’s a big problem…a lack of oxygen going to the brain and vital organs. <br /><br />Other risk factors besides snoring include;<br />➢ Overweight<br />➢ Aging<br />➢ Large neck size (men >17…women >14.5)<br />➢ Narrow dental arches<br />➢ Enlarged tonsils/adenoids<br />➢ Allergies<br />➢ <br /> Disorders associated with chronic oxygen deprivation include:<br />➢ Heart disease<br />➢ Diabetes<br />➢ Inability to loose weight<br />➢ Stroke<br />➢ Fatigue<br />➢ Loss of libido<br />➢ Depression<br />➢ Irritability, Mood swings<br />➢ Memory Loss / Mental fog<br /> <br />That statistics are alarming. Studies show a 47% increase risk of premature death if sleep apnea goes undiagnosed and untreated. And if it doesn’t kill you, it may kill someone else. It’s one thing to fall asleep while watching TV and totally another thing to have an episode of “micro-sleep” while behind the wheel with the grandkids in the back seat. <br /><br />Testing yourself for this silent but serious problem has never been easier. Instead of spending $3500 at a sleep center for a full blown sleep study, there is a home screening test available for only $350. The unit looks like a wrist watch with a couple of sensors attached to it that fit over the index and ring finger. One button is pressed and you go to sleep! It’s that simple. When the unit is returned the next morning the information is downloaded into the computer and your results are printed out for immediate review. <br /><br />If the results show simple snoring with no sleep disorder then a snoring appliance is indicated. Believe me, your bed partner will appreciate it! I know I do. (On our last trip my husband forgot his appliance and I was a bit grouchy the whole trip because I didn’t sleep well.)<br /><br />If the results show a problem, then treatment is available for that as well in the form of a custom made appliance specifically designed to keep the airway open at night and allow for maximum oxygenation of the brain and organ systems. Nutritional and lifestyle counseling may also be needed if there is a pH imbalance involved. <br /><br /> If you would like to be tested and have the piece of mind knowing that your snoring isn’t killing you or harming your loved ones, please give us a call at 605-342- 0989.<br /><br />Yours for better health, <br />Dr. Kelly <br /><br />P,S. Snoring in kids can be problem too! I will look at your kids for free and let you know if there’s a potential problem. Just call me at 605.342.0989 and mention this. <br /><br />P.S.S. The first 3 to call will receive a 10% courtesy off of the home screening test.Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-2020594869124180252009-09-09T20:23:00.000-07:002009-09-09T20:24:29.916-07:00Migraines and TMJIf you suffer from migraines headaches, you know it is an intense head pain that can last for hours or days. For some, it can be totally debilitating. If you have frequent headaches and the best your doctor can do is prescribe pain medication for your migraines, you should look into what neuromuscular dentistry can do for your headaches. The alternative might be migraines for the rest of your life and the need for dulling medications to live with them.<br /><br />Migraine headaches are a common symptom of TMJ. This is a misalignment of the jaw that can cause numerous pains and discomforts in the head and neck. Most people think of TMJ (tempromandibular joint disorder) as only a cause of jaw pain. However, migraine headaches are a very common symptom and, because of their severity, they are a major cause for people to seek out more advanced treatments. Informed family doctors will also recognize persistent migraines as a symptom of TMJ and make a referral to a neuromuscular dentist.<br /><br />My training at The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies qualifies me as one of this area’s top professionals treating TMJ. The neuromuscular approach to treating TMJ is non-invasive. Through the use of measuring technologies, I am able to determine the proper alignment of your jaw to relieve the stress on the jaw joint. In turn, this eliminates all the issues that misalignment is causing on all the connected tissues. The neuroumuscular approach is an effective and non-invasive way to treat TMJ and restore normal function to the jaw joint. <br /><br />Along with normal function comes relief from TMJ symptoms including migraines. If you suffer from migraine headaches, why not ask me about how TMJ treatment works?Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-52832234803961656042009-08-04T13:53:00.000-07:002009-08-04T13:54:41.231-07:00What is Bruxism?Many people are not aware that they have a condition called Bruxism. But, if you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw or a headache, you may be grinding your teeth at night and that is bruxism.<br /><br />This can be caused by short-term stress but it can also be part of a chronic, bigger picture issue such as TMJ. In high stress situation, we tend to bear down and grind our teeth. Most people do not realize when they do this during the day and they certainly don’t realize it when they are sleeping. The tension in the muscles from the grinding is what causes inflammation and pain.<br /><br />If your bruxism is due to stress, stress relief techniques ranging from exercise to counseling to muscle relaxants might be the answer. But in the case of chronic bruxism, treatment for TMJ may be the relief you need. Treatments can range from custom fit nightguards to full treatment for TMJ is the bruxism is a symptom of the TMJ. It is important to treat bruxism to avoid putting undue stress on the teeth, which can lead to receding gums or damage to the tooth.<br /><br />If you are grinding your teeth at night, causing stiffness in your neck and jaw or headaches, please contact me today about treatment for your bruxism.Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-85297797340504321512009-06-30T10:31:00.001-07:002009-06-30T10:31:46.452-07:00Thinking of whitening your teeth?There are lots of reasons why teeth whitening is a topic this time of year. Summer is a time for weddings, family reunions, travel and outdoor fun. Generally it is a time when a lot of photos are taken and people want to look their best. That often means teeth whitening.<br /><br />Whitening is a very common treatment that can be done a number of different ways. It is often the first step someone takes when it comes to cosmetic dentistry and it is also one of the easiest and quickest treatments you can have to improve your smile. That is why teeth whitening is so popular.<br /><br />When it comes to teeth whitening, you can get over the counter products at your local grocery store or drug store. These over the counter products can be effective but lack the strength of the treatments you can get from a dentist. And, in this case, strength of the chemicals equates to the amount of product and time you need to achieve a result. And, in the end, it makes a difference in what kind of result you will see. Most people who are serious about whitening their teeth wind up at the dentist asking for options even after they have tried the over the counter products.<br /><br />Most dentists have a take-home whitening kit that you can purchase. Generally, it is more effective than the over the counter products. However, when someone comes to me for whitening, it is usually all about laser whitening. This is the one-hour whitening process we offer where we apply a special chemical to your teeth. That chemical reacts to a light source we place in your mouth and the results are whiter teeth. This is known as chairside whitening or laser whitening. <br /><br />If you would like more information on whitening your teeth for an upcoming occasion, please contact me.Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-84799837579226704002009-06-03T13:30:00.001-07:002009-06-03T13:30:23.490-07:00Join our social networkOver the summer, we will be starting a Facebook page for our practice. If you haven’t tried social networking online, you should give it a try. It a great way to stay connected with people and share information with each other.<br /><br />I will post it in my blog when we are ready for you to search us out and become our friend on facebook. Until then, you may want to try out Facebook. If you are unfamiliar with it, it is a free service with a lot of important privacy options. Users will tell you that it is a good way to keep up with what is going on with friends.<br /><br />This is why we are making a Facebook page for my practice. As you, know, my practice is not your average dental practice. We make all kinds of efforts to ensure your comfort and to keep you posted on the important advancements in dentistry that can be of benefit to you and your family. Our Facebook page will allow us to do that even better, so we want to encourage anyone who is not on it to join up. We’ll be out there looking for you to become a Facebook friend really soon.Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6073053647995263124.post-65584001468464909492009-05-06T13:23:00.000-07:002009-05-06T13:24:01.662-07:00Do you have chronic headaches?Most people would not consider going to the dentist for a headache but, for a lot of people, it can save you a lot of time and trouble. If you have chronic migraines, it could be caused by your bite.<br /><br />I have a special post-graduate training in treating TMJ, a jaw joint disorder that causes all kinds of chronic pains, including headaches. In a nutshell, if your bite does not site properly, the jaw joint and connective tissues become irritated causing pain the jaw, head, neck and more. <br /><br />Most people just go to their family physician when they have a persistent headache. Almost always, a family doctor will prescribe pain medication because the cause of the headache is usually apparent. I do my best to let area doctors know that they should refer patients with chronic, undiagnosed head, neck or jaw pain to me for a TMJ exam. Our TMJ exams are not invasive and the treatments are non-invasive as our goals are to realign the bite to alleviate the irritation in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues.<br /><br />Treating TMJ when it is the cause of chronic head, neck and jaw pain is more preferable than relying on painkillers to numb back pain. It is healthier and almost all my TMJ patients tell me they feel like they have their life back now that the pain is gone. If you or someone you know suffers from chronic head, neck and jaw pain, please contact us for help.Kelly Lytlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13453870555954224757noreply@blogger.com0