sleep Solutions & Tmj Pain Therapy Blog

If you have just received a sleep apnea diagnosis and begun treatment, you might’ve received a brand-new oral appliance—and you should be feeling pretty excited since this piece of equipment is your secret weapon to getting a good night’s sleep! That said, you may be worried about the adjustment period; after all, this new headgear might seem awkward and cumbersome to wear at first and could even cause aggravation. That said, once you adjust to wearing it, you’ll instantly notice a difference in the quality of your sleep. Here are some tips to help you make this transition with ease.

Do you suffer from recurring jaw pain? Maybe your jaw clicks or pops when you open or close your mouth? You may be suffering from a temporomandibular joint disorder. While it can be caused by stress, a past injury, or arthritis, your posture can also affect your jaw functions. Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) require a precise balance to keep your jaw functioning its best. Poor posture can affect your TMJs. Here’s how to stand and sit correctly to improve your posture and stop your jaw pain.

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If you suffer from chronic jaw pain caused by a TMJ disorder, you might have tried several home remedies and non-surgical solutions for relief. Although they are effective for many TMJ sufferers, they don’t work for everyone. If traditional methods haven’t been successful, your dentist may recommend TMJ surgery. Here’s what you can expect on the road ahead.

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If you wake up with a stiff neck or a sore back, chances are you slept in a strange position, or it might be time for a new pillow. However, what about if you wake up with a sore jaw in the morning? Unfortunately, a bad mattress or poor sleeping position isn’t the cause. Instead, here are 3 common culprits of recurring morning jaw pain.

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Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on either side of your face, connecting your jaw to your skull. The hinge-like joints allow you to open and close your mouth and make other necessary movements. However, inflammation in the joints can make it painful and difficult to make even the simplest motions. In some cases, your jaw can even lock in an opened or closed position. Known as a TMJ disorder, chewing, laughing, and yawning can be painful, but those aren’t the only concerns. It can even affect your speech. TMJ doesn’t have to control your quality of life or take away your ability to speak clearly. Your dentist has the solutions you need for TMJ therapy. 

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TMJ disorders often cause severe pain, and in many cases, the best way to deal with them is to seek treatment from a professional. Naturally, when you commit to TMJ therapy, you’ll want to know how long it will take before you can enjoy lasting relief. Your dentist will only be able to give you an estimate once they have a grasp on your unique situation, but in the meantime, here is what you can generally expect.

How often do you wake up with a wet spot on your pillow? Everyone drools occasionally, like when battling a stuffy nose. If the issue is ongoing, it could be a symptom of an underlying condition, like sleep apnea. Although the two may not seem related, hypersalivation can be a sign of breathing disruptions while you’re sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea and drooling go hand in hand, and here’s why. 

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Sleep apnea is a condition that’s associated with snoring, but that’s not the only concern. The most common form of the disorder is caused by an obstruction in the upper airway. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can result in frequent breathing disruptions. Each pause in breathing depletes your body of oxygen, placing you at risk of many health conditions that can shorten your lifespan with no treatment. Here’s how sleep apnea therapy can add more years to your life expectancy.

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Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes many pauses in breathing frequently throughout the night. People often believe the condition only affects adults, but children can suffer from sleep apnea, too. Not only is it less common, but it can also be more difficult to diagnose because symptoms can manifest differently than in adults. In fact, sleep apnea can often be misdiagnosed as ADHD in young children. Acting out, restlessness, and throwing tantrums can all be signs of untreated sleep apnea.

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If you have sleep apnea, a good night’s rest can be difficult to come by. A CPAP or an oral appliance will help keep your airways open to stop breathing disturbances, but insomnia can be a little more challenging to treat. If you toss and turn at night, the solution may be as simple as taking a walk or going for a bike ride. Research has found that people who are physically active sleep longer and more deeply than those who don’t. Not only can you drift off to sleep peacefully, but you may also improve your sleep apnea symptoms. 

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