Articles by Dr. Kellye Rice

At Cool Springs Laser Dentistry, we want you to remain informed about your oral heath. Dr. Kellye Rice has extensive wisdom that she shares with her patients and the Brentwood community here and in Franklin Lifestyle magazine. By staying up-to-date, you are better equipped to make educated decisions about your and your family's dental care. 

A Breakthrough Solution for Silent Nights

Snoring can be more than just a noisy annoyance; it can disrupt sleep patterns and strain relationships. For those who suffer from chronic snoring, the search for effective treatments is ongoing. One promising solution that has gained attention in recent years is NightLase Laser snoring treatment. In this article, we will explore what NightLase is, how it works, its benefits, and its potential to provide relief to snorers and their partners.

Does my child have sleep apnea?

Unfortunately, the answer might be yes. More parents are searching for answers to questions about this than ever before. Sleep disorders are common in children, with estimates suggesting that up to 50% of children may experience some kind of a sleep problem at some point in their lives.

Addressing this as early as possible is crucial to the health and development of any child. Common problems in sleepy children can range from stuffy noses and dark circles under the eyes, to crowded baby teeth, poor head posture, and ADHD symptoms.

I think I may have TMJ

If you think that you have TMJ, you are not alone. More than 75% of females and 25% of males in the U.S. suffer from the condition and even more do now, especially because of the stress in the aftermath of Covid 19. But while stress can certainly exacerbate a TMJ condition, the real root cause may not be what you think.

TMD - Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction - or more commonly known as TMJ, is a condition that involves a breakdown of the disc within the joint and/or the bones that allow us to chew, swallow, and smile. Along with the damage to the joint structures, the teeth can both suffer and be part of the root cause if the bite is not in balance.

Hate your CPAP?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, OSA, is frequently caused by the airway collapsing, creating a restricted passage and even stopping breathing completely. The causes of these blockages typically are the tongue and soft tissues falling into the throat or excess weight around the neck diminishing the airway. The condition is characterized by gasping and choking during sleep and, most commonly, loud chronic snoring. Long-term, untreated sufferers are susceptible to co-morbidities like hypertension, heart disease and impotence from the oxygen deprivation and vascular damage associated with the condition.

While CPAP therapy is the best means of treatment, especially for people diagnosed with severe OSA, many patients have difficulty using the machine. Compliance with CPAP therapy is around sixty percent. The most popular complaints about CPAP are mask discomfort, claustrophobia, and throat irritation from the air pressure. Many patients stop using CPAP therapy all together despite knowing how dangerous untreated OSA is. The two most talked about options are surgery and oral appliances.