Donald Marks Family Dentistry Blog

Oral cancer may not get as much attention in general as other types of cancer, but it’s still responsible for over 12,250 deaths per year, which comes out to around one death every hour. For this reason, it’s important to have oral cancer diagnosed as early as possible – and oftentimes, the key to doing so is to have your preventive dentist perform an oral cancer screening. As part of Oral Cancer Awareness Month in April, now is a good opportunity to learn more about oral cancer screenings and why they’re important.

Your oral health plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. Since the mouth is the body’s main entry point, neglecting your teeth and gums can lead to significant health issues beyond just cavities or bad breath. Harmful bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, triggering infections and inflammation throughout the body. Maintaining a healthy smile isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s essential for protecting your overall health. Read on to learn which serious health problems are linked to poor oral hygiene.

Tinnitus is a constant dull ringing in the ears, and it is often associated with hearing loss due to age or noise exposure. However, there is a mounting body of evidence suggesting that problems with the jaw may be the main cause of tinnitus in a small number of cases. Here’s a brief guide to how TMJ disorder may lead to ringing in your ears and how your dentist can address this issue.

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you likely already know that it doesn’t just cause disruptions during the night, but the lack of sleep you experience can have negative effects during waking hours, too. If you are struggling to get a good night’s rest, research has shown that staying active during the day can help you fall -and stay- asleep, even with sleep apnea.

Here’s how (and why) daily exercise can help reduce your sleep apnea symptoms and help you get the rest you deserve.

With a couple of major holidays just around the corner, it can be difficult to think already about starting a new year. However, before you know it, it’ll be January! Although you probably have a lot going on in your life during this season, try to look forward a little and schedule your dental checkup early in 2025. Why should you make it a priority now? Here are just three out of many good reasons!

If you didn’t know, November is TMJ Disorder Awareness Month! This special time is dedicated to educating others about temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and the importance of getting treatment. These disorders affect your jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often causing pain and discomfort that can affect your daily life. Continue reading below to explore TMJ symptoms more in-depth and see what you can do to find relief!

Dental implants are a popular solution for replacing missing teeth, offering a durable and natural-looking alternative to traditional dentures and bridges. Despite their growing acceptance, several myths and misconceptions persist about dental implants that can influence patients’ decisions. This article aims to clarify these myths by addressing common misunderstandings and providing accurate information.

Age can change your body in many ways, and your teeth are no exception. As you grow older, the protective outer layer of enamel begins to thin. As a result, more of the yellow dentin underneath can shine through, giving them a more stained or tinted appearance.

But discoloration isn’t the only oral issue that can leave you looking more mature than you feel. Chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can also impact your facial structure. Continue reading to learn how this subconscious habit might detract from your looks and what you can do to prevent it!

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located just in front of your ears, connecting your jaw to your skull. The hinge-like joints allow you to open and close your mouth and make other movements necessary for your quality of life. Unfortunately, the joints can function incorrectly for various reasons. Recurring jaw pain is a common sign of a TMJ disorder. Although anyone can experience jaw dysfunction, researchers have found an increased risk for women. Not to mention, symptoms are also more severe. If you’re a woman suffering from jaw pain, here’s what you need to know about TMJ disorders.

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Many people associate sleep apnea with chronic snoring. Although snoring is a common symptom of the breathing disorder, it’s the least of your concerns if you have sleep apnea. Believe it or not, you can experience potentially deadly complications with no treatment. Here’s why you should seek treatment for sleep apnea right away.

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