Special Topics

Stop the Silent Danger: What Is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a serious health condition characterized by temporary pauses or reductions in breathing during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the soft tissues in the upper airway relax and block airflow. This interruption can happen multiple times throughout the night, reducing sleep quality and leading to serious problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and excessive daytime fatigue. Dentistry offers effective solutions for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea, especially through the use of oral appliances designed to keep the airway open during sleep. Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Loud and irregular snoring Feeling of breathlessness or sudden awakening during the night Waking up tired or with headaches Constant daytime sleepiness Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness Irritability and mood changes Dry mouth and sore throat Causes of Sleep Apnea Excess weight and fat accumulation around the neck Receding lower jaw Enlarged tonsils or uvula Smoking and alcohol consumption Nasal obstructions Excessive use of sleeping pills and muscle relaxants Dental Treatment for Sleep Apnea In mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea cases, specially designed oral appliances (sleep splints) provide successful results. These devices: Move the lower jaw forward to prevent the tongue from falling back Keep the airway open throughout the night Make breathing easier during sleep Significantly reduce snoring These appliances are custom-made for each patient and worn during sleep. They provide a comfortable and portable alternative to complex systems like CPAP machines. What Happens If Sleep Apnea Is Not Treated? If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to severe health problems over time: High blood pressure and heart disease Increased risk of stroke Development of type 2 diabetes Sudden death during sleep Higher risk of traffic and work accidents Depression and anxiety disorders For this reason, symptoms should not be ignored, and diagnosis and treatment should be carried out in cooperation with an ENT specialist and a dentist. What Does the Dentist Do in Sleep Apnea Treatment? Evaluates the patient’s medical history and symptoms of snoring and apnea Refers the patient for a sleep test (polysomnography) if necessary Designs a custom-made oral appliance that positions the lower jaw forward in mild to moderate cases Monitors progress through regular follow-ups Frequently Asked Questions Is visiting a dentist enough for sleep apnea treatment? Yes, for mild to moderate cases. However, an initial diagnosis by an ENT or pulmonologist is recommended. Should the sleep appliance be worn every night? Yes. Regular nightly use is necessary to ensure effectiveness. Is the appliance painful or uncomfortable? No. Since it’s custom-made, patients usually adapt quickly. A slight feeling of pressure may occur at first. Does it also reduce snoring? Yes. Sleep appliances significantly reduce both apnea and snoring. Can I travel with the appliance? Yes. It’s portable and very easy to use, making it ideal for travel.

You Might Be Damaging Your Teeth Without Realizing It Bruxism is the involuntary habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, often occurring during sleep. Over time, it can lead to problems such as tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and tension in the facial muscles. Stress and anxiety are among the main triggers, while jaw misalignment and sleep disorders can also increase the severity of bruxism. If left untreated, bruxism can negatively affect both oral health and overall quality of life. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, it is entirely manageable. Symptoms of Bruxism Jaw pain or fatigue in the morning Tooth wear, cracks, or fractures Head, neck, or facial pain Ringing or fullness in the ears Gum recession Grinding noises during sleep (often noticed by a partner) Limited mouth opening or jaw locking Causes of Bruxism Stress and anxiety Sleep disorders (sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, etc.) Bite misalignment (malocclusion) Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures Neurological conditions Side effects of certain medications Burnout or emotional trauma Treatment of Bruxism Night Guard (Splint) Therapy Custom-made night guards prepared by dentists prevent teeth from grinding against each other and reduce tension on the jaw muscles. Regular use helps relax the muscles, protect the teeth, and relieve pain. Muscle Relaxation and Supportive Therapies In some cases, physiotherapy, Botox injections, or massage therapy may be recommended to relax the jaw and facial muscles, in addition to using a night guard. Psychological Support and Stress Management For stress-related bruxism, psychological therapy, breathing exercises, meditation, and lifestyle changes can be highly effective. Dental and Jaw Adjustments Correcting bite problems through replacing missing teeth or adjusting high fillings and ill-fitting prosthetics helps eliminate mechanical causes. Benefits of Bruxism Treatment Prevents further tooth wear and damage Relaxes jaw muscles and reduces pain Decreases headaches and facial pain Improves sleep quality Provides psychological relief Prevents joint disorders caused by chronic clenching Frequently Asked Questions Can bruxism be completely cured? Symptoms greatly improve when stress is managed and night guards are used consistently. Long-term improvement requires regular follow-up and a multidisciplinary approach. Do I need to wear my night guard every night? Yes. Consistent use protects the jaw muscles and prevents tooth damage. Will the night guard straighten my teeth? No. A night guard prevents clenching and grinding; it is not the same as orthodontic treatment. Can Botox be used for teeth clenching? Yes. Botox injections into the jaw muscles help prevent excessive contraction and relieve tension. Does bruxism occur in children? Yes. It can appear during stressful periods, tooth transition phases, or in children with sleep disturbances.

A Fresh Breath Begins with a Healthy Mouth Bad breath (halitosis) is a common problem that negatively affects both personal and social life. While temporary bad breath may result from hunger, smoking, or certain foods, persistent bad breath can be a sign of an underlying oral health issue. The most common causes include tooth decay, gum disease, bacterial buildup on the tongue, and poor oral hygiene. To eliminate persistent and unpleasant odors, a professional evaluation by a dentist is essential. Causes of Bad Breath Tooth decay and old fillings Gum diseases (gingivitis, periodontitis) Bacterial plaque on the tongue Poor oral hygiene Dry mouth (lack of saliva) Smoking and alcohol consumption Hunger and irregular eating habits Digestive system disorders Upper respiratory infections such as sinusitis or tonsillitis How Is Bad Breath Diagnosed? During a dental examination, the dentist will: Check gum health Evaluate tooth decay and old fillings Examine tongue hygiene Perform an oral microorganism analysis if necessary Refer to a specialist if a systemic condition is suspected Treatment Methods for Bad Breath Professional Dental Cleaning (Scaling) Dental plaque and tartar buildup are major causes of bad breath. A professional cleaning removes these deposits. Treatment of Tooth Decay and Replacement of Fillings Decayed teeth are treated, and leaking or old fillings are renewed. Treatment of Gum Diseases Advanced gum diseases are treated to eliminate inflammatory sources in the mouth. Tongue Cleaning Specially designed tongue brushes or scrapers are used to ensure tongue hygiene. Managing Dry Mouth Drinking plenty of water, chewing sugar-free gum, and using saliva-stimulating products are recommended. Mouth Rinses and Oral Hygiene Education The use of antibacterial mouthwashes and proper brushing techniques reinforce oral hygiene. Identifying Underlying Systemic Causes If bad breath is linked to reflux, diabetes, or kidney failure, the patient is referred for medical evaluation. Can Bad Breath Be Prevented? Yes! Most cases of bad breath can be prevented through simple oral hygiene habits: Brushing teeth at least twice a day Using dental floss or interdental brushes once a day Cleaning the tongue regularly Drinking plenty of water Using mouthwash Visiting the dentist every six months Frequently Asked Questions Is bad breath only caused by teeth? No. It often originates in the mouth, but systemic issues like stomach, sinus, or liver problems can also be responsible. Will I have bad breath if I don’t use dental floss? Yes. Food particles stuck between teeth can cause odor if not cleaned properly. Is tongue cleaning really necessary? Absolutely. Bacterial buildup on the tongue is one of the main sources of bad breath. Can mouthwash completely eliminate bad breath? It can temporarily mask the odor, but lasting results require treating the underlying cause. Which doctor should I see for bad breath? Start by visiting a dentist. If necessary, you may be referred to an ENT or gastroenterologist.

Don’t Let Excess Gum Tissue Overshadow Your Smile When the gums show more than usual while smiling, the condition is called a “gummy smile.” Although it is not a health problem, it can cause aesthetic discomfort and loss of confidence. A gummy smile can result from various factors such as genetics, muscle activity, dental alignment, or lip position. Thanks to advances in aesthetic dentistry, gummy smile treatment is now easy, effective, and minimally invasive. The treatment is planned individually, taking into account the patient’s facial structure, gum condition, and smile line, providing both functional and aesthetic improvement. Causes of Gummy Smile Excessive gum growth (gingival hyperplasia) High or hyperactive upper lip Structural prominence or elongation of the upper jaw (vertical maxillary excess) Short or partially erupted teeth Orthodontic disorders Genetic predisposition Treatment Methods for Gummy Smile The treatment plan depends on the underlying cause. Common approaches include: Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy / Gingivoplasty) Under local anesthesia, excess gum tissue is reshaped using a laser or scalpel to create a more symmetrical smile line. Botox Application Botox injections applied to the muscles that lift the upper lip limit its movement, reducing gum exposure. The effect lasts about 4–6 months. Orthodontic Treatment If the gummy smile is caused by tooth position or bite problems, braces can realign the teeth for a balanced appearance. Orthognathic Surgery In severe cases caused by jaw structure, surgical repositioning of the jaw bones may be required. Laser Aesthetic Procedures Laser gum reshaping is a painless and fast method with a short healing period. Who Can Benefit from Gummy Smile Treatment? Individuals with noticeably visible gums when smiling Those seeking aesthetic smile design Patients with gum asymmetry People with short or partially erupted teeth Individuals seeking aesthetic refinement after orthodontic treatment Post-Treatment Care Avoid hot or cold foods on the first day Prefer soft foods after gum contouring Maintain good oral hygiene during healing Attend all follow-up appointments as advised Avoid excessive facial movement for a few hours after Botox Frequently Asked Questions Is a gummy smile a health or aesthetic issue? It is usually an aesthetic concern. However, if jaw irregularities are present, orthodontic or surgical treatment may be needed. Is laser gum reshaping painful? No. It’s performed under local anesthesia and is generally painless with a fast recovery. Is Botox a permanent solution? No. Botox is temporary and lasts around 4–6 months. Surgical gum correction offers a more permanent result. How many sessions does gummy smile treatment take? It depends on the method. Laser treatment can be completed in one session, while orthodontic treatments may take several months. Is the same treatment applied to all patients? No. Every smile is unique. A personalized treatment plan is created after a detailed examination.