Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Dental Tips for National Public Health Week

People don't often think of dental health as a natural part of public health, but having healthy teeth is important, and, unfortunately, increasingly rare. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofracial Research, over 92 % of Americans have had cavities in their permanent teeth. At Dr. Michael P. Folck's Norfolk cosmetic dentistry practice, we are marking National Public Health Week by reminding our patients of the importance of regular teeth cleanings.

The American Public Health Association has declared April 6-12 to be National Public Health Week, a time to spread awareness about the importance of public health. The costs of healthcare in the United States rise as the number of health problems go up, so teaching individuals how to live healthy lives can reduce health costs for all of us.

The same is true of dental health: preventing tooth decay and cavities can prevent more expensive and invasive procedures like dental implants further down the line. This reduces the total cost of your dental care and can even lower the premiums you pay for dental insurance.

Some of the ways you can prevent tooth decay:
·         Brush your teeth at least twice a day
·         Use dental floss daily
·         Get your teeth professionally checked and cleaned by a dentist at least twice a year
·         Eat nutritious meals and avoid processed sugars
·         Ask your dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride and dental sealants


If it's been a while since you've seen the dentist, then don't hesitate. Schedule your semiannual dental cleaning today. Call Dr. Michael P. Folck's Norfolk cosmetic dentistry offices at (757) 428-7440 to set up an appointment. Dr. Folck serves Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the surrounding areas.

posted by Admin at 6:59 PM 0 comments

Friday, April 3, 2015

Your Snore Score™ and Sleep Apnea

One of the major difficulties of diagnosing sleep apnea is the difficulty of knowing whether anything is wrong with your breathing when you're asleep. Many people assume their chronic fatigue is a result of temporary sickness or a hard day at work, and don't think of sleep apnea unless their snoring becomes loud enough to bother the people who live with them. Many people who live alone go years without knowing anything is wrong.

To help people self-diagnose sleep apnea, the American Sleep Apnea Association created the Snore Score™ Test, which asks six simple questions. If you are wondering whether you may have sleep apnea, it's a simple matter to ask yourself these questions now:

1.    When you sleep, do you snore loudly and/or consistently?
2.    Has anyone ever seen you stop breathing or start gasping when you sleep?
3.    Are you often tired or fatigued during your waking hours?
4.    Do you often feel tired or groggy immediately after waking up, or have a headache?
5.    Have you been known to fall asleep sitting, reading, watching TV, or driving?
6.    Do you have problems with memory or concentration?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, you could be at risk for sleep apnea. People who are overweight, have a large neck, or have high blood pressure could be even further at risk. People at risk for sleep apnea should schedule an appointment with Dr. Folck at his Norfolk-area practice immediately.


If you think you are at risk for sleep apnea, then call Dr. Michael Folck at (877) 206-3444 immediately. We serve patients in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and surrounding communities.

posted by Admin at 11:57 AM 0 comments

Call or email us today to learn more about Dr. Folck, our office, and what we can do for you. Your first consultation is no-obligation so you've got nothing to lose, and plenty to gain!