After all, a bright, white smile may only last a few seconds, but the memory of its warmth and friendship can last a lifetime.

Why not give something back – a white teeth whitener experience that will make your bridesmaids glow with appreciation. These are special bridesmaids’ gifts to express your gratitude to the women who are serving you on your wedding day.

During this time, your maid or matron of honor and your bridesmaids are patiently with you, giving you their encouragement, advice and love.

They assisted you in picking out your wedding theme, gave you an expensive bridal shower and danced and laughed the night away at your girls’ baccalaureate party.

Picking out a unique gift for bridesmaids is very appropriate to show your love and appreciation. You wish to thank your bridesmaids for their love and support on your special wedding day.

So why not thank them by giving them something special, where they can be the focus of attention for once? What you do will, of course, depend upon your budget, and what you believe your bridesmaids will all appreciate.

There is a new trend that many brides are following. Why not get together with your friends for a personal beauty day? Select a time and place where you can go to a spa together, get a manicure or pedicure.

For an additional treat, give your wedding party a customized make up bag that they can carry in their purses each day. You can fill a gift bag full of handy beauty items like lip-gloss, gum, mints, perfume, and any toiletries they carry with them daily?

Since smiles are important for your wedding photo album, join your bridesmaids in a joint teeth whitening session. Since you are counting on their bright smiles on your wedding day and captured in your wedding photographs, providing a tooth whitening party can be something your bridesmaids can all smile about.

Your wedding day is an extremely special, in reality unique, day for your groom and you. Make sure that you share your joy so that your bridesmaids receive a fair amount of attention as a part of your supporting cast.

A bright, white smile is something will benefit each one of your bridesmaids, because they will be able to flash a winning smile at your wedding and in their day-to-day life. And they will look so elegant in their bridesmaid dresses, that you will shine right in the middle of them.

Give the tooth whitening experience as bridesmaids gifts that they will smile about every time they think of you!

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. (“Apnea” is the Greek word for “without breath.”) If you suffer from sleep apnea, each time your breathing stops, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Because the time spent awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don’t remember it — and many think they are getting a good night’s sleep. However, the constant wake-sleep-wake-sleep cycle precludes the deep sleep that refreshes the body, and sufferers are frequently drowsy during the day.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, give us a call, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist.

• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Loud snoring at night
• Waking up at night short of breath
• Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
• Headaches upon waking in the morning
• Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
• Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

Are there different types of sleep apnea?

There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don’t receive the proper signal from the brain. And some people suffer from “mixed” or “complex” sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central.

What are risk factors for sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40 and up) than younger adults and children. However, anyone — regardless of gender or age — can suffer from sleep apnea. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, high blood pressure, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors. It is also more common in males.

Is sleep apnea dangerous?

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem and if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when operating cars or other heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medication or surgery: sedation by anesthesia can be risky, as can lying flat in bed after an operation. If you know or suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, alert any doctors who prescribe medication or advise surgery.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatments range widely and depend on the severity of the problem and the type of apnea. Basic treatment can be behavioral — for instance, patients are instructed to lose weight, stop smoking, or sleep on their sides instead of on their backs. Beyond that, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option.

What should I do if I suspect that someone in my family suffers from sleep apnea?

Give us a call, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a “sleep study” to diagnose the precise extent of the problem, and can prescribe appropriate treatment. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you after you complete a sleep study.