Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
With life becoming busier, increasing job demands, and the desire to spend quality time with our families, the importance of staying healthy is at its all time high.
Many of our guests didn’t realize the connection of oral health to our bodies’ systemic health.
As part of our total health approach we address signs and symptoms of TMJ Disorders. These disorders can range from something as simple as a misaligned bite to headaches, vertigo, and jaw or neck pain.
For instance, Julie didn’t realize her other symptoms (headaches, pain running down her neck and arm, muscle spasms, etc) could be corrected by stabilizing and correcting her bite. Not only did Julie obtain a functionally correct bite but also eliminated years of pain, headaches, broken teeth, but ended up with a beautiful smile!
While treating other TMJ guests we started to notice that some didn’t heal as quickly as others, if at all. Upon asking questions and reviewing complete medical histories we discovered several symptoms: hypertension, heart attacks, fibromyalgia, depression, weight gain, and gastric reflux… which can be related to the lack of sleep.
Sleep provides the necessary time for our bodies to repair and heal. However, when sleep is interrupted by snoring or sleep apnea (partially or totally obstructed air flow) our bodies do not heal properly.
These are all symptoms of Sleep Apnea. The most common sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Waking up with a sore and/or dry throat
- Loud snoring
- Occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation
- Sleepiness during the day
- Morning headaches
- Forgetfulness, mood changes and a decreased interest in sex
- Recurrent awakening or insomnia