“TMJ” refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is where your lower jaw is anchored into your skull. When problems arise with this joint, it’s referred to as a “temporomandibular disorder,” or “TMD.” Problems with this joint can result in headaches, pain around the ear, clicking or popping sounds when the joint moves or an inability to fully open or close the jaw. There are several remedies for this problem and we always want to start with the most conservative ones first.

Just like any other joint, the TMJ can be affected by inflammation, arthritis, sore muscles and deterioration of the padding between the bones. Our first priority is relieving your pain. This is followed by an alleviation of any underlying conditions. For instance, a diet consisting of softer foods can help calm the muscles down, cold compresses can help reduce inflammation and moist heat helps muscles relax. In some cases, we may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants.

Getting to the bottom of the problem could mean orthodontics (moving your teeth into the optimum locations), bridges to remedy missing teeth and improve the bite, or cortisone injections to bring down inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. However, we will do everything we can to remedy TMD without surgery. If you think you might suffer from TMD, please reach out. We can help.

Overcome Your Snoring With Sleep Apnea Treatment

Snoring, for many, is an inconvenience, yet it can also be a sign of more serious health conditions. Many adults suffer from sleep apnea-- a condition that can lead to sleeplessness, weight gain, and even serious heart conditions. As part of services, our dentist at Smile Savers Dentistry  speak to our patients about their sleeping habits, especially when it comes to snoring. See how you can improve your sleep with proper sleep apnea treatment.

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing stops and starts, interrupting a person’s rest . It’s a frustrating problem that makes life difficult for one’s spouse and reduces the quality of life for the sufferer. In the morning, a person suffering from sleep apnea may feel no more rested than they did the night before because of the many periods of gasping and choking. Prolonged periods of sleep apnea can contribute to serious health problems like heart attacks, stroke and high blood pressure, so it’s very important to seek a resolution.

It is possible to eliminate snoring and improve your sleep with proper treatment. A common sleep apnea treatment involves the use of custom-fit dental devices . Your dentist can fit and craft oral appliances you can wear while you sleep, which will open the airways and prevent snoring.

Get Serious About Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Not all patients who have sleep apnea snore, but it is a common symptom. You should seek assistance with your care provider about sleep apnea if:

• Your sleep partner notes you snore very loudly
  
• It is observed that you stop breathing repeatedly through the night
  
• You wake up feeling fatigued, as if you never slept
  
• Have attention problems
  

If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause many different health problems. These include unhealthy weight gain, irregular blood pressure, and heart failure. 

Reasons for Snoring

There are many reasons for snoring. At the root of the cause is the airway--specifically, your uvula and soft palate. These structures, located at the back of your throat, regulate the flow of air coming into your body. While you sleep, they tend to relax. It is possible that they become so relaxed that they partially block your airway, causing vibrations: and that’s where snoring comes from.

Everyone associates snoring with loud noises. They can cause restlessness in the snorer and those around them, and the act of snoring can cause sleep deprivation. There are many causes for snoring, including genetics, the use of medication or alcohol, obstructions to the nasal passageway, and even excess fat as a result of obesity. However, snoring can also be a symptom of a potentially life-threatening condition, sleep apnea.

Snoring is less serious but can also result in poor-quality sleep . We can help you understand why snoring or sleep apnea are disturbing your rest and work out a solution. Treatments range from changing your sleeping position to the use of a device that keeps your airways open all night. Obesity and health conditions like low thyroid function may be contributing to this problem and we can help you remedy these causes as well. Consult with us to learn how you can eliminate snoring or sleep apnea and get a great night’s sleep at last.

If you are a candidate for one of our additional dental procedures, please call us to schedule an assessment of the care needed. Our goal is your lasting dental health. To help you achieve that goal, we provide high-quality dental care in a welcoming and friendly environment. In fact, you may not even feel like you are at a dentist’s office! Find out how comfortable dental care can be. Call us to schedule an appointment for a consultation or treatment: (410) 730-6460.