In a recent article in S-Magazine, skiing standout Manny Osborne-Paradis credits some of his latest athletic performances to the mouthguard, citing better balance and easier breathing as just some of the positive effects the mouthguard has had for him during competition.

How does the PPM work?

Backed by more than forty years of science and research and based on neuromuscular dentistry, the PPM corrects misalignment and relaxes the jaw, allowing the wearer’s body to operate more efficiently. More flexibility, better endurance, more efficient oxygen flow, more strength, and better balance are just a few of the improvements you’ll see from this simple yet effective adjustment. From golfers who don’t want the PPM to be an obvious part of their athletic attire to football players who need a mouthguard for both protection and improvement in performance, Dr. Mason has a PPM solution for you. By fitting your mouthguard within one millimeter of perfect accuracy, you are guaranteed to enjoy a comfortable fit that will work for you.

Elite Athletes have embraced the power of the Pure Power Mouthguard

Science and research aside, the Pure Power Mouthguard is also backed by real users, like Manny Osborne-Paradis who also has joined a group of elite athletes, including Terrell Owens, Scott McCarron, Bode Miller, and Rhonda Rajsich, who also use the appliance.

To learn more about how the Pure Power Mouthguard can help your athletic performance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mason today at  804.745.0666.

When you evaluate the possible consequences, including fatigue, high blood pressure, depression, and even heart attack, it’s clear that learning more about sleep apnea should be at the top of your health checklist– even if you think you’re not at risk.

CPAP alternative appeals to athletes

With Erika Mason’s thoughtful treatment approach, which utilizes a minimalist dental device, there are fewer excuses than ever before to ignore what could lead to serious health issues. Athletes often don’t want to wear a mask and some cannot tolerate it. And for those who can’t the dental device is a great alternative treatment.

How does the sleep apnea dental device work?

SomnaDent is a low-profile sleep apnea dental device that gently pushes the jaw forward to increase oxygen flow through the airway. Ideal for those who have difficulty with a CPAP, the dental device allows for a more restful and unencumbered night’s sleep. For athletes, a good night’s sleep is particularly important, as it allows the body to recover and rest after intense workouts, which is key to maintaining and increasing fitness levels.

Sleep Apnea Facts

Not convinced? Here are some important statistics to know:

• An estimated 4-6% of men suffer from sleep apnea.
• As many as 14% of NFL players have sleep apnea, according to a 2003 study in the New England Journal of Medicine.
• As many as 55% cannot use the device, a CPAP, most often prescribed to treat sleep apnea

Invisalign is the most comfortable thing in your mouth since your teeth and the best way to transform your smile permanently.

Not only is Invisalign versatile and suits your lifestyle, It helps correct a broad range of dental and orthodontic issues such as over crowded or widely spaced teeth, overbite or underbite.  And unlike metal braces, the Invisalign is virtually invisible.

Invisalign treatment consists of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. Your Invisalign system would be made for your teeth with a plan devised by you and Dr. Mason.

Invisalign teen. Young people can get straight teeth the easy way, too.

Not all teenagers need traditional braces and some can correct their teeth problems with this more cosmetically appealing alternative. Brushing and flossing is not a challenge with Invisalign and you can remove the liner if and when you need to. So consider Invisalign teen for your teenager.

In an effort to expand on this initiative, Dr. Mason is focusing  on a ‘whole heath’ approach as it relates to dentistry. Part of that charge is helping people who have sleep apnea but cannot tolerate a CPAP. Dr. Mason is AADSM (American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine) certified– important if you are interested in the oral appliance.

As many as 55% cannot use the device most often prescribed to treat sleep apnea

Those who cannot tolerate it often go without treatment, which is a serious health risk. And those left untreated feel lethargic and sleep deprived. Sufferers may not be aware there is a CPAP alternative or where to get it.

But there is another option –the sleep apnea dental device. We can fit you with a SomnaMed or another brand of device depending on your other health, teeth and jaw issues.

If you, a friend, or relative wants to know more about the oral appliance for sleep apnea to replace your CPAP, call us at 804-745-0666, Mon-Thurs, 7am-5pm. Erika Mason DDS is located at 1061 Hull Street Road Midlothian, VA 23112.

See a certified AADSM dentist for the sleep apnea dental device

If you have sleep apnea and are interested in the dental device that treats the condition instead of the CPAP, Erika Mason, DDS is AADSM certified. She regularly attends educational sessions, participates in ongoing workshops and collaboration regarding sleep apnea and the oral appliances used to treat the disorder. In addition to the SomnaMed device, Dr. Mason also will consider other oral appliances depending on the patient’s problems and even their income. Since there is more than one device, Mason has the choice of using  a particular device based on your needs.

There are qualified dentists all over the U.S.

No matter where you live, whether it’s Richmond VA or Peoria Illinois, it is important if you are considering the sleep apnea dental device to choose an AADSM certified dentist to ensure the best results. If you are looking for a sleep apnea oral appliance in Richmond VA, Midlothian VA and surrounding areas, do call us for an evaluation. OSA Oral appliances are covered by major medical plans.

The Pure Power Mouth Guard by Makkar (PPM) was founded on the principles of neuromuscular dentistry and  instantly enhances athletic performance. This oral appliance is used by professional, collegiate and amateur athletes worldwide, including the New Orleans Saints in their 2010 Super Bowl win. For sports commonly utilizing a mouthguard to protect teeth, it does double duty and works as an athletic enhancer as well as a guard.

How does the PPM work?

The PPM works by bringing your jaw into an alignment position optimized for performance. This enhanced alignment position allows the body to operate much more efficiently. PPM has been shown to provide instant improvements in several areas vital to athletic performance – balance, range of motion, flexibility, explosive speed and strength.

Like this works? Are you joshing me?

It does. A recent study on PPM done by Rutgers University has shown that it is particularly effective when it comes to vertical jump and explosive speed and explosive power. Get the PPM Study here.

So how do you get one?

It’s not a “boil in the pot ” mouthguard. The PPM is a custom-fitted appliance offered only through a network of PPM certified dentists. Erika Mason DDS happens to be one of these.

Download a brochure relating to PPM for football on this page. You can call Dr. Mason to find out more at 804.745.0666.

We wish we could change the way people feel about wearing a CPAP mask or start a sleep apnea dating service. And while many people of all kinds married or unmarried like the sleep apnea dental appliance, those who are dating REALLY love it. It is discreet enough to carry in an athletic bag, glove compartment, purse or briefcase and it doesn’t cover your entire face and have a hose running out of it.  So those who are on the dating scene will often choose the sleep apnea oral appliance.

We’re thrilled when you use something because it’s dangerous if you don’t. Besides,  you feel like crap the next day if you haven’t had a restful night’s sleep. SomnaMed device is the one we prescribe most. But we match the person with the right device.

Device expenses can be covered by major medical. So if you are unmarried or recently unmarried and looking for a CPAP alternative, consider the SomnaMed sleep apnea dental device. We’re here to talk to you about it.  Erika Mason DDS is AADSM –which is the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. So she’s officially qualified to prescribe the device and offer advice.

Call (804) 745-0666 for an appointment.

In other words, they don’t use it. That is a dangerous health risk. Sleep apnea is suspected as a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes for those under 65. So sleeping without one can threaten your quality of life.

So what do you do if you have sleep apnea and can’t or don’t like use a CPAP?

You can use the dental device for sleep apnea is an alternative to the CPAP. In many cases, people who’ve never used a CPAP prefer this device for it’s portability as well as the fact that it allows for more freedom of movement. Spouses and bedmates tend to prefer it as well.

In short, the device thrusts your bottom jaw so structurally you can breath and oxygenate your blood properly.

Erika Mason DDS  is a AADSM–American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

See our sleep apnea page.

1. Visit Dr. Mason’s office regularly – bad breath may be a sign of gum disease. Only a dental professional can remove hardened plaque from below the gumline and custom design the right plan of action for a future filled with odor-free conversations.

2. Brush and floss daily – this seems like a no-brainer, but when it comes down to it, people admit to flossing about as often as they flip their mattress. The primary cause of bad breath is a buildup of bacteria between the teeth, so brushing and flossing daily is absolutely essential.

3. Use a tongue scraper – a scraper will more effectively remove odor-emitting bacteria that are trapped beneath taste buds.

4. Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash – many commercial mouth rinses contain alcohol, which can dry out the mouth and actually contribute to bad breath. A baking soda or peroxide mouthwash can help fight odiferous bacteria.

5. Replace your toothbrush – a toothbrush can harbor bacteria, as well as viruses, so replace yours every 2-3 months for maximum odor-fighting power.

6. Wet your whistle – sip on water throughout the day to wash away food particles and prevent dehydration.

7. Spice things up – fresh herbs such as parsley, coriander, tarragon, rosemary, and cardamom have natural odor fighters. Steep them in hot water for a refreshing after-dinner tonic.

8. Snack wisely – studies show that foods rich in vitamins and minerals can improve mouth odor. Vitamin-D-rich foods (yogurt, cheese, and milk) reduce the level of hydrogen sulfide in the mouth, and foods containing vitamin C (berries, citrus fruits, melons) create an environment inhospitable for bacteria growth.

9. Avoid common offenders – coffee, wine, and whiskey top the list of liquid offenders. Consider drinking green tea instead of coffee to fight bacteria and help prevent gum disease.

10. Chew sugar-free gum – while this isn’t a permanent solution, it can freshen breath in a pinch, and because it’s sugar-free, it won’t contribute to decay, which can exacerbate the problem.

Don’t be embarrassed to talk to Dr. Mason about chronic bad breath (also called halitosis). We’re here to offer solutions that will give you confidence in your oral health. Learn more about bad-breath products we recommend here, and call today to reserve your appointment! Located in Midlothian, our practice serves patients of all ages from all across Virginia and beyond!

What is sleep apnea?
An apnea is a lapse in breath that occurs for 10 seconds or longer. People with sleep apnea stop breathing several times – even hundreds of times – throughout the night. The body awakens just enough to take a breath, which prevents the patient from achieving deep sleep. Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but most people aren’t aware that they have a sleep-breathing disorder at all.

What causes sleep apnea?
The most common type of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is often caused by enlarged tonsils or other soft-tissue (tongue, palate) blockages.

It’s easy to see how sleep apnea can lead to poor concentration and behavioral problems, but many parents don’t consider it a factor when dealing with children. A recent study presented at SLEEP 2010 found that sleep apnea is actually quite common among children (overweight children especially). Out of 163 overweight children (age 10-16) studied, 58 had mild sleep apnea and 42 had moderate to severe sleep apnea. When compared with grades and overall performance, the study found:

• Students with moderate to severe OSA averaged a half a letter grade lower than those without any sleep disorders.
• None of the students with moderate OSA had an ‘A’ average.
• 30% of students with moderate OSA had a ‘C’ average or lower.
• Parents and teachers reported inattention and poor study skills for subjects with OSA.

At our Midlothian, VA dental office, we take sleep apnea seriously, and we oftentimes we can solve the problem with custom, non-surgical solutions. Call our office at (804) 745-0666 and schedule an appointment for more information on how you can ensure your child gets the rest he or she needs to perform well in school – and in life.

To learn more about sleep apnea in children, visit this page on Dr. Mason’s website. You can also read the full report in Science Daily here.