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Sleep apnea can add extra stress on your heart. By treating sleep apnea, you can potentially protect yourself from hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmia, congestive heart failure and sudden death. Sleep apnea’s stress on the heart should not go ignored. Take a look at the infographic below to learn more about sleep apnea and stress on the heart.   For more information on treating sleep apnea, please contact Dr. Patel at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia. We are here to help protect you from further complications associated with untreated sleep apnea.

Are you experiencing chronic facial, neck or head pain? If you are, then you might be suffering from craniofacial pain. And the most common condition associated with craniofacial pain is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction (TMD). To help you gain a better understanding of your craniofacial pain, here is some background information to consider. What are the causes of TMD and craniofacial pain? Craniofacial pain might mean frequent migraines, headaches, earaches, facial-muscle stiffness and fatigue, neck and upper back tension, “lock jaw,” dizziness or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Each of these symptoms can interfere with living fully and enjoying your life. There are many factors that can lead to TMD and other craniofacial pain. This can include bite problems, habitual teeth-clenching or clicking, and overall anxiety. As a result, these factors can complicate potential effective treatment moving forward. It is important to know that you don’t have to “just live with” the pain. There is a solution available. What craniofacial pain treatment options are available? The first step to treatment is exploring the cause of your craniofacial pain–whether it is TMD or something else. Understanding the specific nature of your symptoms will help Dr. Mayoor Patel find the best treatment […]

Are you committed to a proper sleep regimen? Do you avoid certain foods and drinks that can mess with your sleep? Do you practice meditation and other breathing methods to help you unwind each night? Are you tired all the time? There are a variety of things you can do to improve your sleep every night. However, what happens when you do all of those things and you still wake up exhausted? This means you are not getting the restful hours of sleep you might imagine you are getting. In this case, you might be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Let’s take a look at why you might be tired all the time. Why does OSA make you more tired? Think about how you sleep. When sleeping, the muscles in the body relax. This includes the muscles in your airway. However, when the muscles in your airway relax, the narrower your airway is. And when the airway becomes narrow, the movement of air leads to a vibration, which often results in snoring. However, when the airway becomes so narrow that it is blocked, breathing can be obstructed causing the brain to wake you up–not just one time, but many […]

I think it is time to revisit some helpful resources for all your sleep apnea needs. Aside from Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia’s website, there are some other website I would recommend visiting. This is important because, when it comes to sleep apnea, education is key to success. You can get valuable information from Dr. Mayoor Patel, but outside of office hours where else can you go to learn more about sleep apnea? To help you better understand sleep apnea–and to get the answers you need when you need them–here are a few online resources to consider. American Sleep Apnea Association Founded in 1990, the American Sleep Apnea Association is a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness of sleep apnea, works for continuing improvements in treatments for this serious disorder, and advocates for the interests of sleep apnea patients. Visit the American Sleep Apnea Association’s website here. National Sleep Foundation The National Sleep Foundation celebrates 25 years of dedication to the improvement of health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. And, it is well-known for its annual Sleep in America poll. You can visit National Sleep Foundation online for more information. Everyday Health This website is a […]

This seems to be a common question. Many people are left wondering how they can find proper treatment for their temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD). It shouldn’t be that hard to receive the care and treatment you need for relief from pain. Because the muscles and joints of the jaw are so complex and full of nerve endings, there are a lot of risk factors involved that can cause further complications. And when they do, the pain problems that arise can be acute and often widespread. For example, if you suffer from TMD you might also experience headaches, earaches, ringing of the ear, nausea, fatigue, neck pain and even numbness and tingling in the hands. This occurs before your physician often realizes the jaw’s involvement. People spend a lot of time trying treatment after treatment and it’s debilitating for them. Your dentist can provide TMD treatment There is an unending cycle of visits to your physician for a different symptom that just leaves you dizzy and confused with the conflicting diagnosis and treatment options, as well as medical bills. Physicians are not typically well-trained in jaw problems because it is a dentist’s domain. However, most dentists still lack a solid […]

We are currently experiencing the calm of the fall season with leaves changing color. Before you know it, you will be thrown into the hustle and bustle of the holiday rush. And with the holiday season comes the stress of shopping, planning family get-togethers and traveling. With so much on your to-do list, it can often lead to recurrent headaches. So, how do you improve your headache pain? According to the World Health Organization, headaches are the most common disorder of the nervous system with one-half of the population worldwide experiencing at least one headache each year. While many people might assume headaches are caused by caffeine withdrawal, lack of sleep and stress, there are a multitude of other variables at play here. However, one thing can help: Physical therapy. Physical therapy helps improve headache pain Physical therapy can be a valuable resource in evaluating and treating some of the more common types of headaches, such as tension type, cervicogenic (from the neck) and TMD headaches (from the jaw). These three types of headaches can all be caused by bad posture, unusual stress on the body, stiffness of your joints and muscular weakness. Here is how a physical therapist might […]

Getting the proper amount of sleep each night is important for your overall health and well-being. As you know, this is because sleep is considered to be one of the biggest–and most underrated–factors in a person’s health. To get a better night’s sleep, take a look at the infographic below. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Patel at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for more information.

A cluster headache refers to the type of headache that recurs over a period of time. You might experience cluster headaches one to three times a day during a period of time, which may last from two weeks to three months—that’s no good! People who suffer from cluster headaches often get them at the same time each year, such as the spring or fall. You might wake up from sleep one to two hours after going to bed due to a cluster headache. These nocturnal attacks can be more severe than the daytime cluster headaches because they appear to be linked to the circadian rhythm, or “biological” clock. Cluster headaches can also be more intense than a migraine attack but fortunately do not last as long as a migraine headache. These headaches might even disappear completely, only to return again in months or years without any warning. Who Gets Cluster Headaches? Cluster headaches are the least common type of headaches and affect less than one in 1,000 people. Typically, cluster headaches start before the age of 30 and are more common in men than women. The cause is often unknown, but the headaches occur when a nerve pathway in the […]

Whether you just ate something with garlic or you’re trying to curb your hunger, we all tend to chew gum from time to time. However, if you are a regular gum chewer, it is important to know how this habit impacts your body. From your teeth to your stomach, chewing gum can negatively impact your health in a few ways. Here are four ways chewing gum is hurting you more than you realize. 1. It could cause jaw problems. One common side effect of chewing gum, especially during period of high stress, is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, or TMD. This condition predominantly affects the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding muscles, which can lead to severe pain any time you try to move your jaw away from its typical closed alignment. It can often hurt to chew your food or even to laugh. 2. It can give you headaches. Constant compression in your jaw from excessive chewing does more than predispose you to conditions like TMD. It can also increase the number of tension headaches you experience and how frequently they present themselves. So if you’re someone who already deals with a migraine disorder or frequent headaches due to the common […]

There are many people who suffer from snoring or sleep apnea. The fact that you might miss is that you may be suffering from this condition too. People who suffer from snoring, sleep apnea, or both, will often visit their family doctor or an ENT specialist for further diagnosis. However, you might be skipping a key person in the treatment of sleep apnea: your dentist. By visiting your dentist, you can receive important information and care for sleep apnea in Atlanta. To help you better understand this connection, let’s take a look at the oral origins and the role of Mayoor Patel, DDS, MS. What are the dental origins? Everything begins with your oral health. For example, snoring and sleep apnea are caused by a collapse of the upper airway when the muscles relax during sleep. This results in episodes of pauses in breathing throughout the night. The tongue is the most likely culprit for the collapse of the airway. Often, the tongue might even be larger than normal. While the tongue is present in the mouth, it also extends down the throat and beyond–most of the length of the collapsible upper airway. What is Dr. Patel’s role in treating […]

While you are preparing for back-to-school with your children, let’s talk about sleep. As you know, after a long day at school your child might come home feeling tired. That’s normal, right? Most likely. However, what if they’re constantly tired because they are suffering from sleep apnea? Would you know the difference? It’s ok if you don’t. To help you understand normal sleepiness from the side effects of sleep apnea, here is what to look out for in your children. Frequent, shallow breaths. Since children have smaller lungs, they have less oxygen in reserve. As a result, this causes them to take frequent, shallow breaths rather than slow, deep breaths. When this occurs, it can also cause a child to have too much carbon dioxide in the blood. As an adult with OSA, you may have fragmented sleep, briefly waking up after breathing stops. However, children do not wake up in response to pauses in breathing. They have a higher “arousal threshold” than adults, making their sleeping patterns fairly normal with OSA. A history of snoring. Most children with sleep apnea have a history of snoring that tends to be loud and may include obvious pauses in breathing and gasps […]

Chronic pain might rule the world around you, but that is no way to live your life. If you have ever experienced pain or a pop when yawning, talking, or chewing it is called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD). The TMJ is the area of the body where the jaw meets the temporal bone on your skull, and is important because it helps us eat, talk, and yawn. And, for some people, this pain and annoying clicking or popping can significantly alter your daily life. How to alleviate pain from TMD If you are suffering from pain (especially TMD), one option for pain relief is through physical therapy. Different physical therapy techniques can help to improve the mechanics of the movement of the jaw, reduce muscle tension, and improve training of the muscles surrounding the joint so it can work properly. We can help educate you on proper pillow support while sleeping, provide relaxation strategies, and provide education on ways to improve performance of the joint. By seeking proper treatment, even simply physical therapy, you can improve your symptoms early and easier, rather than waiting several weeks or even months. Other options for relief from your TMD pain include oral […]

If you suffer from migraines, you might be at risk for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD) or jaw pain. In a new study, researchers found that people with migraines might be at risk for TMD. And anyone who has had a migraine knows just how bad it can be–it can ruin your whole day! Migraines are the third most common illness in the world, affecting about 12 percent of the population. But now, a new study links migraines to painful TMD. In this study, researchers found that people who suffer from chronic migraines are three times more likely to have symptoms of TMD. What are treatment options? Between four and 15 percent of the population have pain, discomfort or dysfunction that would benefit from treatment. Treatment for TMD and migraines often include night guards, relaxation exercises, anti-anxiety or pain medications, dental work, injections and others. Talk to Dr. Mayoor Patel if you suffer from frequent migraines and jaw pain. By receiving the right treatments for your condition, it could help lessen your pain and have you feeling better and pain-free in no time. Contact Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for more information on migraines, TMD and available […]

The reason many people seek diagnosis and treatment is because a concerned spouse or family member has noticed sleep disturbances. This occurs more frequently than a person complaining about the condition themselves. Sleep apnea directly affects family members as much as it would affect the person with the condition because the symptoms associated with sleep apnea include snoring, frequent waking up, gasps and pauses in breathing, and irritability. As a result, a family member might open the dialogue about a complaint that can result in a proper diagnosis of sleep apnea in Atlanta, GA. Sleep apnea is a silent condition While sleep apnea might be a silent condition to the sufferer, a family member may be the first to notice the condition. It has been estimated that up to 20 million people are currently suffering from sleep apnea–many may not even know. Factors increasing your risk of sleep apnea include: Being overweight. Having a first or second generation family member that has it. Snoring. A thicker neck and narrow airway. Smoking. Nasal congestion. The result of sleep apnea is daytime fatigue and a cascade of compensations our bodies use to deal with it. Over time, these can lead to a […]

Whether you were prescribed an oral appliance for the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction (TMD) or sleep apnea, it is important to understand what some of the side effects might be. Most treatments come with their share of side effects, but it is important to understand that this does not mean you should avoid treatment or stop completely. It just means, the more you know, the better. Understanding the side effects of oral appliance therapy will help you continue treatment and overcome these short term effects that are often associated with treatment. Each person is different and will react in various ways. So, just because one person had a certain side effect doesn’t mean you will too. Let’s take a look at what you might experience. What are the side effects? The use of oral appliance therapy for the treatment of sleep apnea or TMD may cause some side effects. While many of these side effects are only short term, it is important to understand what might occur. Some possible side effects might include: Excessive salivation. Dry mouth. Tooth and jaw discomfort. Temporary bite changes. Some people might also run the risk of developing further complications with oral appliance […]

Have you ever experienced ringing in your ear? If so, that is called tinnitus. While it might happen more frequently in some people, what does it have to do with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)? To understand how TMD affects hearing and tinnitus, we need to first understand TMD, which is soemtimes referred to as locked jaw. The jaw joints are responsible for opening the mouth, speaking, and chewing. And when these joints get damaged, your ability to perform these functions becomes limited and your jaw may feel as if it is locked. What is the connection? Studies have found a strong link between TMD and tinnitus. It found that patients with TMD are more likely to experience tinnitus, similar to how patients with a head or neck injury do. Look at it this way, the chewing muscles are closely situated to the inner ear muscles, which can translate to ringing of the ears as a side effect of pain or other dysfunction. Next, there may be a direct connection between the ligaments attaching to the jaw and one of the hearing bones in the middle ear. And lastly, the nerve supply from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has connections with brain […]

If you are pregnant and tired it’s because your body is simply going through normal pregnancy changes, right? It’s possible. However, if you are tired and pregnant it might also be gestational sleep apnea. Researchers continue to advance their knowledge of sleep apnea complications and continue to raise awareness for sleep apnea in pregnant women. What is gestational sleep apnea? The term gestational sleep apnea (GSA) allows health professionals to properly describe, diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pregnant women. This would also parallel other established transient diagnoses of pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension and diabetes mellitus. There remains a lack of criteria to properly diagnose, treat and classify OSA in the pregnant population. In turn, this continues to complicate any efforts to determine risk factors for, and complications of, gestational sleep apnea. The negative effects of untreated OSA include: High blood pressure High blood sugar levels Heart disease With these negative effects, it is important to receive a proper diagnosis for gestational sleep apnea for proper treatment. What is the risk? Approximately 15 million Americans and 350 million people worldwide currently suffer from OSA, which is a lot of people. Recent studies even indicate that ¼ of […]

Headaches and migraines can be caused by teeth grinding. This involuntary and excessive clenching and grinding of your teeth is a common condition with one in five adults being affected in the U.S. at the moment–it continues to rise. As a result, teeth grinding, or Bruxism, can result in significant tooth wear and enamel erosion. This can then leading to tooth surface sensitivity and chipped or fractured teeth, among other dental complications. However, 90 percent of those who suffer from bruxism also experience headache pain that is caused by their grinding. What is the link? The link between teeth grinding and headaches is caused by the clenching or grinding of the teeth, which makes sense. Look at it this way; the jaw is capable of exerting more than 250 pounds of force when clenching. This is enough to crack a walnut and explains tooth wear caused by teeth grinding. It may also lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Responsible for all jaw movements, TMJs are the most active joints in your body and can endure a lot of wear and tear. Because your TMJ connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull, excessive grinding and clenching can […]

Ouch! If you suffer from jaw pain or clicking, it can be extremely uncomfortable. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are complex musculoskeletal health complications that impact neurological pain in the face. And for many sufferers, symptoms experienced can be difficult to manage. If you suffer from jaw pain, it is important to seek help from your dentist to become familiar with the risks faced and how to manage the pain with some home remedies. When wondering, “What else can I do to find relief?” We have some options for you that can help improve your pain and provide relief. Hot and cold packs While hot and cold packs do not treat TMD, they do work to help alleviate any aches and pains you might be experiencing. When using hot and cold packs, remember to rotate every 20 minutes to ensure the best accuracy and pain relief. A cold pack can be used on the side of the lower jaw near the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for 10-20 minutes. Next, after the cold pack is used, perform recommended stretches and/or exercises to help in the process. This can also help keep the TMJ from remaining stiff. Once the cold pack has been applied and […]

Untreated sleep apnea is dangerous and when it goes untreated, it can lead to a variety of health complications. From an increased risk of cardiovascular disease to diabetes, health complications associated with sleep apnea should never be ignored. To help you gain a better understanding, let’s take a look at a few health problems linked with sleep apnea. Heart Disease. As you might know, heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, while stroke takes fourth place for the cause of death and a leading cause of disability with high blood pressure being a major risk in both conditions. The relationship between sleep apnea, hypertension and cardiovascular disease is very strong, which makes it vital that everyone understand this connection and seek treatment immediately. High Blood Pressure. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can contribute to high blood pressure in people who have it due to the frequency of waking up at nighttime. Because of this, hormonal systems go into overdrive, which results in high blood pressure levels. The sudden drops in blood-oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea episodes increase blood pressure and place a strain on your cardiovascular system. Type 2 Diabetes. People suffering from Type 2 diabetes […]

In the second part of this blog series, let’s take a look at four more headaches and how to treat them. By understanding the various types of headaches, we hope you can be better prepared to eliminate your pain. And if you need further treatment, we’re always a phone call away. Sudden pain everywhere Ouch! This one isn’t always pleasant. Thunderclap headaches might feel like a lightning strike inside your head, which is not a good thing. These are intense headaches that can last at least five minutes. You might not know why they are happening either. If you experience a cluster headache, it should send off alarms in your head. Contact your physician immediately or go to the emergency room. Thunderclap headaches can be caused by life-threatening conditions such as a brain aneurysm, stroke or a brain hemorrhage. Pain behind your eyes A cluster headache might make you feel like someone or something is poking you hard behind the eye. These headaches often affect men more than women and are associated with other symptoms, such as redness in the eye with the pain, tearing in that eye, nose running on that side or droopiness of the eyelid. You might […]

Waking up with a slight headache is one thing, but imagine if that lasts for decades. That wouldn’t be good! Or what if you are driving to work one day and instead of seeing traffic ahead of you, there’s just wavy lines, flashing lights and dots? Headaches come in all shapes and sizes. They might not even cause you any pain, but just display auras. Unfortunately, some headaches are more painful and hard to deal with than others. From excruciating pain to auras, it is important to identify the problem and find appropriate treatment. Headaches are some of the most common disorders of the nervous system with almost half of the adult population experiencing some type of headache in 2015, according to the World Health Organization. To help you better understand headaches, let’s look at two of the most painful and disabling headaches you might face today. Cluster Headaches This might be a new level of pain for most people. Cluster headaches are considered to be the most painful type of headache you can experience. It is estimated that one in 1,000 people in the United States will experience this type of headache. A cluster headache will typically target one […]

For those that are diagnosed with sleep apnea, a CPAP machine is often the prescribed treatment of choice by most physicians. However, many people are not able to use this device for treatment of sleep apnea. This might be due to discomfort while wearing the CPAP mask. Fortunately, there is another treatment option for your sleep apnea–oral appliance therapy. We’ve mentioned it before, but with the availability of oral appliance therapy, you can get the treatment you need without the uncomfortable mask of the CPAP machine. Here’s why oral appliance therapy from Dr. Mayoor Patel works: Look beyond CPAP therapy This is probably the main reason why you should visit your dentist. While the CPAP machine is beneficial for a variety of reasons, it still might not be the best solution for everyone. Most people feel that compared to CPAP, an oral appliance is very comfortable and easy to use. There are even social reasons that make oral appliances very appealing. However, before treatment can begin, it is important to understand who is a candidate for oral appliance therapy and who is not. Increased Mobility with Oral Appliances Oral appliance therapy is extremely convenient and comfortable. I mean, who really […]

Women are often not well-represented in clinical trials, which leads to differences in how treatments are administered. And, most studies might not even offer results separated by gender. It can be problematic, especially for sleep apnea. Women often get misdiagnosed because there isn’t enough information about how the disorder presents for them. Diseases and health conditions present themselves differently in men and women. Where does the misdiagnosis begin? Sleep apnea is a common sleep breathing disorder that occurs when a person experiences one or more pauses in breathing, as well as shallow breathing during sleep. One in five Americans suffer from mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but women are still misdiagnosed. Instead of a sleep apnea diagnosis, many women find themselves being diagnosed with depression, hypertension or hypochondria, among other things and this is a big issue. As a result, women often don’t get the treatment they actually need. Men often describe their symptoms as snoring, waking up gasping for air or even snorting. However, women describe their symptoms as feeling fatigued, anxious or even depressed. Some women might also experience snoring and shortness of breath, but symptoms in women are often less obvious. Sleep apnea is still a serious […]

If you hear your son or daughter snoring, it should not be ignored. Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which requires immediate attention. You might be aware of what sleep apnea is due to the existence among adults, but it is not only restricted to adults–children can develop it too. Sleep apnea is actually one of the most common reasons children need their tonsils or adenoids removed. Sleep apnea and children Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when something is blocking the airway, such as your child’s tonsils, while central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. Symptoms of sleep apnea among children often include the following: Snoring Hyperactivity Trouble focusing in school Depression Anger Bed wetting Unfortunately, some of these symptoms can often be confused for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many children will get labeled as being “hyperactive,” but that isn’t always the correct diagnosis. It is important to look at what is causing these behaviors. If you are worried about your child’s sleeping patterns, it is important to bring that to the attention of Dr. Patel or your family physician. Due to the misdiagnosis of ADHD, sleep remains important for […]

Let’s face it; pain is uncomfortable and difficult to deal with. And if you suffer from constant pain, where is the relief? Whether you suffer from neck or shoulder pain, it is important to understand how you can find relief from your pain. To help you get a better idea for ways to improve your pain, here are a few exercises you can follow: Wall arm stretches For this exercise, stand against a wall with your arms extended in front of you. Next, move your arms up and down, as if you were making a snow angel. As you move slowly you will feel tension–this is what you are looking for. Keep your head up and your back against the wall through the entire exercise. Repeat this 10 times. How do you feel? Shoulder shrugs This next exercise you can sit down for. While you are sitting, make sure to sit upright with your arms at your side (I would sit in a chair for this). With your arms at your side, shrug your shoulders and release them quickly while dropping the shoulders down. After releasing your muscles, you might notice that your muscles are beginning to tremble. That is […]

As you attempt to fall asleep, do you find yourself struggling to drift off? Well, when you’re trying to sleep, you might not be thinking about the position you’re lying in. Some people sleep on their backs and others sleep on their stomachs. Then there are those who prefer the fetal position while others spread across the entire bed. While your sleeping position varies, you might want to think again about your favorite sleeping position because it might have repercussions for your health. What’s the story? During sleep your brain processes information and experiences to create new memories, your muscles and joints recover from constant use during the day and you produce increased amounts of growth hormone to boost cell renewal and tissue repair. However, while you are asleep, your voluntary muscles become paralyzed. This is to prevent you from acting out your dreams and aids muscle relaxation, but it could lead to aches and strains if you are lying in an awkward position. The effect of your sleeping position on your health One of the most common sleeping positions is on your side. If you lay on your right side it has been shown to increase the risk of […]