What do health problems like sleep apnea, diabetes, stroke, and oral cancer have in common? Would you be surprised to learn that they're all likely to be discovered first by your dentist?When most of us think of the dentist, it's in terms of getting that regular cleaning and exam. For some, it's a visit we put off or avoid all together, because of bad past experiences or common phobias. But your dentist is an important member of your healthcare team, not just a glorified tooth polisher. Your mouth is the window to your whole body's health, and your dentist is on the front lines of preventative care in keeping all of you running smoothly. In this comprehensive guide to oral care, written by a dentist for the layperson, you'll learn: * The latest advances in oral care and cosmetic dentistry that can give you the smile of your dreams far more easily than ever before. * Why baby teeth matter, and how proper care now can save you and your child years of expensive treatments later. * The healthcare crisis of sleep apnea; not just among the middle-aged and overweight, but even among children, and what your dentist can do to give you back a good night's sleep. * How poor oral care puts your whole body at risk. * New directions in holistic dentistry that mean less pain AND less medication. * The controversy over silver fillings; what are the options, and what should you choose? * Evidence-based dentistry and what it means to you as an informed consumer.