April 4-10th was National Health Week. And, while we might have deemed that week specifically for it, we shouldn’t forget what we learned. As an initiative of the American Public Health Association, National Health Week was created to:

  • Strengthen the profession of public health
  • Understand, engage and support key public health issues
  • Directly influence public policy to improve global health

During the first full week of April every year, APHA brings together communities across the United States to Observe National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation.

At Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia, we want to continue to raise awareness for health every day of the year. To help you maintain a healthy, happy life, let’s revisit sleep apnea and TMD:

Sleep Apnea

The signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea can often include the following:

  • Snoring
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Gasping or choking during the night
  • Non-refreshed sleep
  • Fragmented sleep
  • Clouded memory
  • Irritability
  • Personality changes
  • Morning headaches.

Subconsciously waking up hundreds of times a night disrupts normal sleep patterns and can make a person feel very tired and un-refreshed the next day. The frequently associated snoring creates its own health issues and, in addition, even disrupts the normal sleep patterns of those in your household.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

Joint sound is one of the most recognized signs of TMJ disorders, but other symptoms can include:

  • Clicking and/or difficulty when opening and closing your mouth
  • Frequent headaches
  • Neck and/or shoulder pain
  • Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found
  • Jaw pain or stiff jaw when chewing, biting, eating or yawning
  • Earaches without an infection

At the end of the day, if your jaw hurts or your head is still pounding, you may be exhibiting TMD symptoms.

National Health Week already happened, but we want to make sure you are aware of your health every day of the year. For more information on sleep apnea, craniofacial pain and TMD, please contact our office today.