Blog

Being back in school means more work and time to complete school activities. And, it can sometimes lead to headaches. However, what if those headaches are not related to school, but an underlying condition such as temporomandibular joint disorder?  By educating yourself on headaches and some of the causes and types, you can take better care and avoid pain. Here are three different types of headaches and some solutions for relief. Tension type headache As the most common type among adults, a tension type headache may appear periodically or chronically, and can often last from 30 minutes to several days. Tension type headaches can be triggered by environmental or internal stress, and can be either known or unknown.  If you suffer from tension type headaches, there are treatment options available to relieve your pain. Headaches with an aura  An aura is a perceptual disturbance experienced by someone with a migraine or headache before it begins. Headaches with auras account for less than 20% of all migraines. However, that is only little comfort when you are the one who falls victim to this painful headache.  When an aura is present, it typically begins about 30 minutes or less before the headache […]

While you may think it is just another day when experiencing headache, jaw or neck pain. But it is not. It is important to pay attention to that pain, especially if you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). About 20% to 40% of the adult population suffers from TMD. However, there is an easy solution that can help minimize pain: massage.  Target trigger points with massage Massaging trigger points can provide relief from TMD pain. Trigger points are tender or sore spots that when pressed, send a sensation elsewhere on the body. Some of those sensations include pain, tingling, twitching or itching.  The masseter muscle, which is located above and below the cheekbone, can have trigger points that are related to TMD. By massaging the masseter muscle, trigger points can relieve headaches, earaches and toothaches.  Some muscles in the neck can also relieve pain through massage. The suboccipital muscle group–under the back of the skull–and the sternocleidomastoid–the two thick bands of muscles on the front of the neck–may also hold TMJ trigger points that can provide relief through massage.  Additionally, the temporal muscles at the sides of your face–just in front of the ears by your temple–can hold trigger points. […]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was reported that dentists saw a 69% rise in patients who clench or grind their teeth, according to the American Dental Association. The problem is that most of these people probably were not aware that they were even clenching or grinding their teeth because it is an unconscious behavior.  Making matters worse is the fact that bruxism can apply up to 200 pounds of force to the teeth. That’s because the bite strength can be up to six times greater than when a person chews normally. This can lead to a lot of wear and tear on the teeth, even leading to teeth breaking. For older adults, teeth grinding is even more troubling. What are the causes? The troubling part is that bruxism can occur during the day or at night. What plays a significant role is stress. In moments of acute tension or during sleep, when elevated levels of stress hormones may still circulate after a difficult day, teeth grinding mahy occur. Smokers are also twice as likely to grind their teeth as nonsmokers. Additionally, certain medications, such as some antidepressants and antipsychotics, can also increase a person’s risk for teeth grinding. As far […]

We all tend to chew gum from time to time for a variety of reasons. But if you are a regular gum chewer, it is important to know how this habit can have a negative impact on your health. 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. It could cause jaw problems One common side effect of chewing gum, especially during period of high stress, is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, or TMD. This condition predominantly affects the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It 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. 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 stressors and anxiety triggers in your […]

As you might already know, oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a successful alternative to the CPAP machine. Not everyone is a candidate for OAT, but it remains a leading treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea. To help you better understand just how beneficial OAT can be, we’ve compiled a couple benefits. Let’s take a look.   A reduction in health risks OAT works to improve your sleep apnea symptoms, as well as your overall health as well. By treating your sleep apnea, you can reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The use of oral appliance therapy can not only improve your overall health, but it can also improve your daytime alertness, concentration and emotional stability. It’s easy to use Many people prefer OAT for treatment of sleep apnea because they are so easy to wear. While it might take a few weeks to get used to sleeping with an oral appliance in your mouth, you can rest easy knowing it isn’t intrusive and loud. This is very different than a CPAP machine because of the size and ease of use, as well as the lack of sound. With an oral appliance, you can easily sleep without complications […]

When a person suffers from sleep apnea, they stop breathing throughout the night while they sleep. As you know, this can be very dangerous because it can impact a person’s health. In fact, experts now recognize that there is a link between cholesterol and sleep apnea.  What is the link? A large study looked at this connection between sleep apnea and cholesterol. From this study, researchers found a significant relationship between high total cholesterol, harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and sleep apnea.  People with more severe obstructive sleep apnea also had lower levels of high-dentistry lipoprotein (HDL), which is also known as good cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is important because it helps your body eliminate excess LDL, which is known as bad cholesterol.  Seek treatment for sleep apnea Knowing about yet another negative impact on the health of those with sleep apnea, this should place further emphasis on the need to get tested for sleep apnea and treated. With proper treatment, you can improve your health and potentially avoid other complications that are associated with sleep apnea. Contact Dr. Mayoor Patel at Craniofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Center of Georgia to learn more about sleep apnea and what treatment options […]

I recently read an article from the American Medical Association (AMA) from their What Doctors Wish Patients Knew™ series. Two sleep medicine physicians shared some great information that is important for patients to know about sleep apnea. It is a great go-to article for an overview of a health topic that is near and dear to my practice.  Here are two highlights from the article “What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea” written by Sara Berg, MS, at the AMA.   It appears to develop over time The article notes that normal apnea-hypopnea index while a person sleeps is five or less. At first, after gaining a little weight, you may experience five to seven episodes of sleep apnea per hour that may not even bother you much, noted Alejandro Chediak, MD.  However, Dr. Chediak explains, as years go by more weight is gained and you are older, so your sleep may be more fragmented, leading to a person feeling more tired. Your bed partner is often the first to notice I have said this before, but it was great to learn more from Ilene Rosen, MD, in this article who notes that it is often hard to notice sleep […]

It is important to increase your knowledge of side effects if you have other conditions. For example, sickle cell disease (SCD) and TMD. SCD affects millions of people around the world–both adults and children. It is a potentially fatal disease, which is why it is important to raise awareness, especially if there is a connection with another painful condition like TMD.  So, with Sickle Cell Day fresh in our minds, let’s take a look at TMD and how that might hinder a person’s health when suffering from Sickle Cell. Sickle cell disease and TMD Sickle cell disease is a congenital blood disorder. The abnormal hemoglobin causes microinfarcts that lead to multiorgan alterations, including dental involvement. The entire oral and maxillofacial region may be involved, affecting the teeth, multiple oral structures, and maxillofacial bones. Patients with SCD are commonly affected by bone and joint complications, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).  Patients complaining of chronic pain can often experience pain in the orofacial region, especially in the area of the TMJ. With complications in chewing and talking, sickle cell can often be exhibited for those suffering from TMD. For this reason it is important to undergo a series of testing for your […]

Stress affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. In fact, about 77% of people reported that they experienced physical symptoms due to their stress. While you’re not alone in feeling stressed, especially as we continue to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to know how to find ways to overcome your stress.  Here are four ways to combat your stress and potentially alleviate your temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) pain symptoms. Identify where you’re carrying tension If you are feeling stressed, take a moment to notice if you’re carrying tension in your jaw. You might even notice that you are grinding your teeth. If so, it’s important to be able to pinpoint these moments throughout the day.  The more you can make yourself aware of the situation, the faster you’ll be able to stop yourself from clenching and grinding when you feel anxious. When this happens, loosen your jaw and massage the muscles. Doing this might relieve some of the tension and keep pain at bay. Try to get a good night’s sleep Sleep is extremely important. You should be getting about eight hours of sleep a night in order to feel fully rested the next day. […]

If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, are older in age and have reduced body mass index (BMI), it might limit your success of treatment. These are all predictors of upper airway stimulation treatment response. With that, what can you do to protect yourself and improve treatment outcomes? Make appropriate lifestyle changes By taking the appropriate steps to improving your overall health and well-being, you can enhance the success of your treatment. It is not just about what you eat, but where you eat it and who makes the food. What is alarming is that home cooking has fallen by 25% in the last 40 years in the U.S. That means people are eating out more than ever, which is not a good thing.  Home cooking can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being. Just by cooking at home you can experience a variety of benefits, including portion control. You will consume less calories, additives, fats, sugars and salt because you know what is going into your food.  And by cooking at home you can take the right steps toward losing weight and lowering your BMI, which can improve sleep apnea treatment outcomes.

Have you ever woken up with a sore jaw? Or maybe in the middle of the day you’ve found that eating has become difficult due to a nagging pain in your jaw? According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD) affect more than 10 million Americans.  Since TMD can be a painful and annoying condition,  it is important to understand the different ways to ease your jaw pain.  Ice your jaw When your body hurts, odds are you are going to apply ice to the irritated, painful area. The first step to take if you are experiencing jaw pain is to apply ice or a cold compress to your jaw. The use of ice or cold compresses help in reducing the swelling in the jaw joint.  This will alleviate some of the pain and inflammation it is causing. Think of your jaw joint like you would your knee or any other area–don’t hesitate to apply something cold for relief.  Stretch your jaw Not only is it important to ice your jaw, but it is vital that you stretch out the muscles as well. One exercise you can perform begins by touching your tongue […]

By now you’ve already heard sleep apnea is dangerous. And, while you are aware of this dangerous condition, what are you doing to prevent further complications? Whether you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, it is important to not ignore the dangers associated. From high blood pressure to heart disease, sleep apnea can lead to further complications in your health.  To help you get a better understanding, let’s take a look at heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  Heart disease If you suffer from sleep apnea and do not seek proper treatment, you’re in for a bad condition: heart disease. Due to low oxygen or the stress of waking up frequently during sleep, many people die in the middle of the night as a result of sleep apnea. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, while stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, and is also a leading cause of disability with high blood pressure being a major risk in both conditions.  Sleep apnea, hypertension and heart disease continue to have a strong connection. Because of this, it is vital that everyone understands how these conditions are connected. Once you understand the importance of […]

Maybe you’ve been trying to find the root cause for your temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), but are coming up short. For many, stress is the culprit. Stress affects almost everyone at some point in their lives, and approximately 77% of people reported that they experienced physical symptoms due to stress. But you’re in luck. Dr. Mayoor Patel has some ways to combat stress to help alleviate your TMD symptoms. Adopt awareness If you are feeling stressed, take a moment to notice if you’re carrying tension in your jaw. You might even notice that you are grinding your teeth. If so, it’s important to be able to pinpoint these moments throughout the day.  The more you can make yourself aware of the situation, the faster you’ll be able to stop yourself from clenching and grinding when you feel anxious. When this happens, loosen your jaw and massage the muscles. Doing this might relieve some of the tension and keep pain at bay. Get a good night’s rest  Sleep is extremely important. You should be getting at least eight hours of sleep a night in order to feel fully rested the next day. Having trouble sleeping? Make sure that electronic devices, caffeine […]

Have you been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD)? If you have been diagnosed with TMD, the next step would be to speak with your dentist about what treatment plans might work best for you.  Since the severity of TMD will vary from person to person, there are a variety of treatment options for you to choose from to suit your needs properly. Let’s take a look at some of the TMD treatment plans available from Dr. Mayoor Patel. Oral appliance therapy Oral appliance therapy is a very helpful and successful technique in treating TMD. These devices are extremely popular among TMD patients due to the simplicity and comfort of the appliance. People describe the appliance as being similar to a retainer for orthodontic treatments.  These appliances are made to fit your mouth and your mouth only, completely unique! Some of these devices are meant to move the lower jaw forward, while others simply prevent the tongue from falling backward which in turn would block the airway. These appliances are the most effective treatment in preventing and/or controlling sleep apnea related disorders.  Night splints Another popular option for TMD treatment is a splint. Splints are put in place and […]

If you are at risk for–or diagnosed with–early onset rheumatoid arthritis, it is important that you get screened for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD). New research shows that for people with systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, they may develop pain and disorders in the TMJ. However, while this research has been conducted, more information is needed.  Let’s take a closer look Individuals who are at risk for rheumatoid arthritis are more likely than healthy individuals to have TMD pain-related diagnosis. While the outcome was not significant, it still shows that there is a risk there for TMD and other jaw pain-related conditions.  Additionally, TMD pain was reported more frequently in those at risk for rheumatoid arthritis. That means treatment is needed to reduce risk and pain.  Get treated for TMD Oral appliance therapy is a very helpful and successful technique in treating Temporomandibular joint dysfunction. These devices are extremely popular among TMD patients due to the simplicity and comfort of the appliance. People describe the appliance as being similar to a retainer for orthodontic treatments.  These appliances are made to fit your mouth and your mouth only, completely unique! Some of these devices are meant to move the lower […]

Have you found that you wake up with a sore jaw? Do you ever have tired or achy jaw muscles? If so, you might be clenching and grinding your teeth at night. Known as bruxism, teeth grinding can damage your teeth as well as your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your lower jaw to your skull. When someone grinds their teeth, there is a solution: oral appliance therapy. The use of oral appliance therapy can help protect your teeth and TMJ while also helping to ease the pain. Let’s take a closer look at two types of oral appliances for jaw pain. Over-the-counter mouth guards For those experiencing jaw pain from teeth grinding, over-the-counter mouth guards might help. These are available in pharmacies and sporting goods stores, and are sold in small, medium and large to fit different mouth sizes.  However, many are referred to as “boil-and-bite.” For these, after warming them in hot water, you bite down into the softened material to mold the mouth guard to the size and shape of your mouth. While it can provide a better fit than the one-size-fits-most variety, it may not be what you need to find the best relief.  Custom-made oral […]

We have all been going through a lot during the pandemic with so many people trying to cope with the added stress they are facing. As we all continue to grapple with everything that is going on, it remains important that we all take care of ourselves as much as we can. And that includes treating your temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).  Here is what we know.  Jaw pain is not a symptom of COVID-19 When it comes to COVID-19, there are many symptoms that are often changing and typically fall into the flu-like illnesses. This often includes body aches and pains. But, unlike the flu, COVID-19 lingers for longer than a couple days.  However, jaw pain can be an ongoing symptom caused if you develop a cough from COVID-19. This is because of the repeated muscle actions and jolts of your jaw joint. But that discomfort may disappear with time and resolve once your cough is gone.  Stress may worsen jaw pain One thing COVID-19 can cause is stress, which, in turn, can further exacerbate your jaw pain or TMD symptoms. We are all experiencing high levels of stress across the country, whether it is from fear of exposure, losing […]

The main enemies of good oral health are plaque, acid and poor hygiene habits. That makes sense. But there is something else that is negatively impacting your oral health: mental health issues. Let’s take a look at how your mental health can impact your oral health while damaging your smile. Increased stress Since last March, we have all been under a considerable amount of stress from the COVID-19 pandemic with stay-at-home orders, missing supplies and fears of contracting SARS-CoV-2. We have found that dentists have seen a significant rise in stress-related oral health conditions since the pandemic began.  In fact, more than half of dentists reported an increase in teeth grinding, which can lead to jaw pain, earaches and headaches. It can even lead to worn down, chipped and cracked teeth. And the biggest culprit of that is the added stress we are all under. That’s because stress can cause us to start some bad habits such as drinking, smoking and overindulging in sugary dishes. These can all contribute to cavities, gum disease and even oral cancer.  Feeling anxious Similar to stress, anxiety can cause you to grind or clench your teeth too. This is not by choice, especially when […]

If you grind your teeth at night, it can be painful but it can also negatively impact the quality of your sleep. Fortunately, though, if you take a few simple steps, you can reduce the impact of teeth grinding and improve your sleep. Here’s how. Practice relaxation techniques An important tool in reducing nighttime teeth grinding and improving your quality of sleep is by reducing your stress. Whether you try meditation, guided imagery or breathing exercises, the right relaxation technique can make all the difference for stress relief.  One way to practice relaxation is by following a 4-7-8 breathing technique which involves: Inhaling for four seconds. Holding that breath for seven seconds.Slowly exhaling for eight seconds.Repeat for several rounds.  As you continue to follow this relaxation routine, you will notice when your body and mind begin to relax. Continue this process until you feel more relaxed.  Improve your sleep hygiene Another way to relax is to make sure your sleep hygiene is properly followed. To improve your bedtime routine to get a better night’s sleep, make these changes:  Keep a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time each […]

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the breathing pathways through the mouth, nose or throat are collapsed or blocked. Your airways are susceptible to blockages or collapse as the muscle lining relaxes while you are sleeping. Knowing that definition, are you at risk for sleep apnea? Do you think you or a loved one might have sleep apnea? It is common to ask these questions. But you’re in luck because we have some answers for you. Here is what you need to know about who is at risk for sleep apnea. People with obesity One of the biggest groups at risk for sleep apnea are those who are overweight. This is due to excess tissue, which may place added pressure on the airway. More than half of those with sleep apnea are classified as being overweight. Because of this, we need to really tackle this issue at hand. Your risk for developing sleep apnea continues to increase at a high rate when your weight goes up, you get older and even if you suffer from diabetes, as well as being a smoker. Constricted or small size nose, mouth or throat The size of your nose, mouth or throat might also play […]

About 50 to 70 million U.S. adults have some type of sleeping disorder. But did you know that what you eat–or don’t eat–may impact how well you sleep? It can! There have been many studies out there that provide evidence about how nutrition can influence sleep quality. Nutrition can also play a role in disorders such as sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and insomnia.  To help, here are three diet recommendations to follow that can potentially lead to better sleep.  Avoid inflammatory foods This includes sugar, dairy products and gluten. Why? Because they can cause inflammation and weight gain all over the body. In turn, this can increase your chances of developing a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.  Of those three inflammatory foods, sugar is the worst, though. That is because it causes inflammation all over the body, including the nasal passages, which can cause you to develop a bad habit of mouth breathing. In doing so, the lower jaw is set back and downard, which can lead to poor tongue position and swallowing habits.These all lead to sleeping problems. Choose Omega 3s Our diets are commonly filled with refined carbohydrates and animal proteins. What they do not […]

Since migraines take on many shapes and forms, it can be difficult at times to decipher the difference. We know that migraines are a specific type of headache with a variety of symptoms that require specific treatment that is often different from a regular headache.  Additionally, it is important to note that while most headaches are harmless, in a small number of cases they might be a symptom of something more serious. Being able to spot the signs of a migraine will help you plan ahead and seek appropriate treatment when needed. To help, here are four signs your headache might be a migraine.  You feel nauseous Feeling nauseous combined with a headache can often signal a migraine. A small number of people might get physically ill or experience a “sour” stomach. Since this is often a sign of a migraine, sleeping for a few hours might help to ease the unpleasant feeling of being sick, as well as the pounding headache you are experiencing at the same time. A little rest can go a long way.  You’re sensitive to light and sound  A migraine will heighten your sensitivity to both light and sound. When exposed to bright light and […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most challenging parts of history over the past year. As a result, heightened anxiety and increased stress have led to disrupted sleep and oral health complications. In fact, the American Dental Association found that 60% of dentists have reported an increase in teeth grinding, or bruxism, due to the heightened stress from the pandemic. If this has happened to you, there are treatments to help. Address anxiety and stress One way to alleviate sleep bruxism is to find a way to wind down before bed. This can be very effective in helping relieve your stress and anxiety. Whether it is meditation, deep breathing or reading before bed, it is important to find something that works for you.  It is important to note, though, that you will not change your ways overnight. It takes time to establish new habits. For example, start with meditation for five minutes and then increase to 10 minutes the following week.  Practice jaw exercises If alleviating your stress doesn’t work, you can try simple jaw exercises. Those exercises aim to bring balance back between the muscles that control the jaw joint. Through systemic tension followed by relaxation of […]

With a heart healthy diet and regular exercise you can improve your cardiovascular health. But there is something else that can help: the quality of your sleep. That’s right–getting quality sleep is critical to your heart health and overall well-being. That means, if you ignore your sleep apnea or snoring, it can lead to worsening symptoms. Now is the time to make sleep apnea treatment a top priority to prevent further complications. To further make our point, here are some medical complications that can be caused by untreated sleep apnea. Heart conditions When you experience sudden drops in blood oxygen levels caused by sleep apnea, it can increase your blood pressure and strain your cardiovascular system. Obstructive sleep apnea can also increase your risk of recurrent heart attacks, stroke and abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation. With heart disease, multiple episodes of low blood oxygen can lead to sudden death from an irregular heartbeat. Type 2 diabetes If you suffer from sleep apnea, you have a significantly higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This is because type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea share some common risk factors. Those include obesity and advancing age. What we know is that more […]

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed, which can lead to further health complications. But it can also have a major financial impact on individuals. In fact, a report by the Rand Corporation estimated that poor sleep costs American companies hundreds of billions of dollars each year.  Costs of sleep apnea When people lose out on sleep, it is linked to high-dollar conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. It is also linked with motor vehicle and workplace accidents. Additionally, lack of sleep can contribute to compensating behaviors such as the substance abuse of pills, tobacco and alcohol.  There are also indirect economic costs associated with undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea. Those include decreased productivity at work, reduced quality of life and added stress on interpersonal relationships. In fact, company executives might even be at a higher risk for sleep apnea because of the increased demands and stressful conditions of their jobs.  Those demanding executive jobs, especially among older adults, can lead to sedentary lifestyles. In turn, that can lead to obesity, which is a leading contributor to sleep apnea as well as age.  It’s time to take charge of your health and seek a proper diagnosis of sleep […]

When you experience jaw pain, it makes it difficult to chew, talk or even move. That is because the shock-like sensations, sharp stabs and dull aches just do not seem to go away. The constant nagging pain can be concerning and even disrupt your day-to-day life. To help, here are some reasons why your jaw might hurt or ache. Something is wrong with your teeth Cavities, an infected tooth or even gum disease can cause pain in your teeth, gums or jaw. If you experience a throbbing tooth or gum pain that is worse when you have cold or hot drinks or food, it is key that you visit the dentist. The longer you wait to see the dentist, the harder these conditions can be to treat. TMD disorder Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD) affect up to 12% of people around the world. In fact, women are twice as likely to suffer from TMD compared to men. Additionally, uniked other chronic pain conditions, TMD is also more common in younger people. If you suffer from TMD, you may experience pain in front of your ear when you chew, talk or move your jaw. You may also experience a clicking or […]

We’ve discussed heart health and sleep apnea before, but it bears repeating, especially during the pandemic. This is because heart problems can lead to worse COVID-19 health outcomes.  Snoring can keep you and your partner awake at night. It can also ruin your sleep cycle and your daily rhythm. In fact, it can also harm your relationships. However, it may also be more than just an annoyance–it can bring about life-threatening consequences from sleep apnea.  The threat of sleep apnea If you suffer from sleep apnea, it can become difficult to keep your upper airway open while you sleep because weight overpowers the muscles that hold it open. When your airway closes during sleep, there is a pause in your breathing. This can happen anywhere from five to 30 times an hour. As a result, you wake up gasping for air. When this happens, your body releases stress hormones. Overtime, those stress hormones can lead to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S. It can also lead to stroke and high blood pressure as well as increasing your risk for type 2 diabetes and liver problems. Additionally, sleep apnea is associated with obesity. This increases […]