When most of us think about our oral health, our teeth and gums come to mind first – however, our jaws are just as important! Not only do they help to secure your teeth in place, but they also allow you to eat, speak, and smile your way through life. This is why as soon as an issue arises, like TMJ disorder, treatment is in your best interest. Continue reading to learn a little more about TMJ disorder, what causes it, and how your dentist might be able to help!

Have you been dealing with jaw pain recently, but haven’t the slightest clue as to what the cause might be? You’re far from alone – estimates indicated that anywhere from 5% to 12% of the general population experiences some form of TMJ disorder, or TMD. But did you know that sometimes, it’s linked to arthritis? Continue reading to learn more about the curious connection between jaw pain and arthritis, along with how your pain can be managed and your quality of life can be improved.

Invisalign is popular for its aesthetic benefits. Indeed, it has the potential to correct misalignment and boost your confidence in your smile! But did you know that in some cases, its benefits go far beyond mere appearances? If you have been struggling with jaw pain and other symptoms of TMJ disorder (TMD), Invisalign might be able to help you find long-term relief! This blog post explores how that may happen.

Falling asleep behind the wheel is extremely dangerous and can even be deadly. But what many people don’t realize is that operating a vehicle while sleep deprived can be just as dangerous, even if you’re still awake. Drowsy driving can cause similar mental impairment to drunk driving. In fact, studies have found that 24 hours of sleep deprivation affects your body the same way a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10% does!

If you find yourself struggling to get a good night’s sleep, you could be suffering from a condition known as sleep apnea. Here’s how sleep apnea can cause dangerous sleep deprivation, and what you can do to finally get the rest you deserve.

Did you know that an estimated 30 million people in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea? This occurs when your airways are blocked when you lay down at night, interrupting your circadian cycle. People with this disorder suffer from loud snoring, restlessness, excessive daytime exhaustion, and other issues.

Your sleep dentist can provide an oral appliance, like an occlusal splint, to reposition your jaw to prevent nighttime blockages. However, you must clean it correctly to prevent common problems, like gum disease or cavities, from developing. Continue reading to learn 3 hints for maintaining your dental device!

If you suffer from sleep apnea and have been prescribed a Vivos DNA Appliance for treatment, you’re likely to feel an overwhelming sense of relief. After all, in just 9 to 18 months, you could be experiencing improved sleep and better breathing at night. But sometimes, getting used to wearing a sleep device can be challenging. Here’s how to adjust to your new prosthetic so you can finally get the rest you deserve!

Few things are more comforting than snuggling up in bed with your partner! Research shows that sharing a bed can lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones. However, if you snore loudly, you might find yourself banished to the couch. Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, a condition that not only disrupts sleep but can also put a strain on relationships. Read on to learn how sleep apnea affects relationships and what your dentist can do to help.

When you have a stiff or locked jaw, that isn’t a problem you should ignore. It’s likely to harm your body if left unchecked, rWhen you have a stiff or locked jaw, that isn’t a problem you should ignore. It’s likely to harm your body if left unchecked, reducing your quality of life in the process. The good news is that there are various ways to address this particular jaw issue. By using them, you’ll be on the path to eating, speaking, and smiling comfortably again! Just keep reading to learn what a stiff or locked jaw means, useful home remedies, and when to get proper dental care.

Approximately 39 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, but up to 90% of cases aren’t diagnosed. The sleep-related breathing disorder can affect your physical and mental health negatively with no treatment. It can even increase your risk of life-threatening complications. Thankfully, sleep apnea is easy to treat with an oral appliance or a CPAP machine. However, there are a few mistakes you might make that can worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. Here are 7 things you should avoid to breathe better.

(more…)

Eye pain can impact more areas than just your eyes. It can lead to headaches, dizziness, and other unpleasant symptoms. However, the source of your pain may not be your eyes at all. When the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is your jaw joint that allows you to open and close your mouth, isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to discomfort in a variety of surrounding areas, including the eyes. Continue reading to learn more about the TMJ, its connection to your eyes, and the treatment options available.