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Jaw pain is often a debilitating condition that affects your ability to eat and speak. Your pain can develop from your sinuses, ears, teeth or jaw itself. With so many avenues for jaw pain, it can be hard to determine if it is actually because of your jaw or something else. However, most jaw pain is due to an abnormality or injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If you are suffering from jaw pain, here are six ways to find relief. Apply heat or ice packs For immediate relief, place ice in a plastic bag, wrap it in a thin cloth and apply it to your jaw for 10 minutes. You can also use an ice pack wrapped in cloth if you have one. After 10 minutes, massage the area briefly and reapply the cold pack. You can also run warm water over a washcloth and apply it to your jaw. This moist heat can help to relax your overactive jaw muscles, resulting in pain relief. It is OK to rewet the washcloth several times to maintain the heat.  Over-the-counter pain relievers Look to ibuprofen or acetaminophen for over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce any discomfort or inflammation you are experiencing. […]

We all want to get a better night’s sleep, but how can you do that if you suffer from sleep apnea? No matter what time of year it is or what your plans are, there are some tips you can keep in mind to sleep better at night. We have put together four tips to help you sleep better at night. Check them out. Develop a nighttime routine Your routine should include simple tasks such as brushing your teeth, taking a warm shower, listening to relaxing music, and reading a book. When you make this routine a habit and combine it with a set bedtime and wake-up time, your brain will begin to recognize this pattern as signals that it is time to relax and will release hormones to help you fall asleep when you get in bed. Make your bedroom device free As an adult, this may be harder to do, but it is a must for kids. Keeping your phone on the nightstand can keep you up all night. So, if you do this, try to make sure you don’t use it after starting your wind down routine. The light can affect how the brain prepares to fall […]

Snoring can cause more problems than you might think. For one, it can cause problems in the bedroom with your partner. That is because they can’t get a good night’s sleep when they are sleeping next to the sound of trains. We understand this is often difficult to deal with, but what can you do to stop your snoring? There are several things you can do to stop snoring. We have compiled four different ways you can reduce or stop snoring and make your bed partner happier.  Try to lose weight While not everyone with a snoring problem is overweight, obesity has been linked to snoring problems and sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. Eating healthier and exercising regularly can help you slim down so you not only have more energy during the day, but sleep better at night. Change your sleep position Switching your sleep position from lying on your back to sleeping on your side might also help keep your airways clearer. Watch your alcohol consumption A link has also been found between snoring and your alcohol intake. Try having your last drink a couple of hours before you are going to hit the sack so you can […]

The leading cause of sleep apnea is obesity. This means the best line of defense is losing weight! Here are five weight loss tips to help improve or eliminate your sleep apnea symptoms: Exercise regularly. A key part of losing weight is exercising at least three times a week. Whether you are hitting up the gym to run on the treadmill, or running outside, it is important to begin exercising. If you have a hard time motivating yourself to workout, try hiring a trainer. The availability of a trainer allows for accountability, while also helping you to better understand what you need to do to start losing weight. Remember, every bit counts, so start small and move your way up. Eat a healthy diet. It has been shown that 90% of weight loss has to do with your nutrition. While you could be exercising every day, you might not notice a difference in your appearance if you haven’t changed your eating habits. Pay attention to protein and eliminate sugars. Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption. Yes, we all love a nice glass of wine or beer to end our stressful day, but it is important that you start to phase this […]

Regular breathing usually continues with a loud snort or choking sound. Sleep apnea causes the airway to collapse or become blocked during sleep. Patients who are overweight are usually affected, but it can actually happen to anyone. To help you better understand sleep apnea, let’s take a look at some common myths and facts to help you decide if you or a loved one should see Dr. Mayoor Patel at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for a proper opinion as well as possible treatment. Myth: Sleep apnea is just an impressive word for snoring. Fact: Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea. But, it also might be an annoying sound that your bed partner makes throughout the night because the muscles in his or her throat relax too much. Myth: People with sleep apnea know they have it because they’re jerked awake when their breathing stops. Fact: Most people are unaware they have sleep apnea because they are sleeping when symptoms occur. Many people find out their breathing is affected by another who watches them or hears them while they sleep. Myth: Sleep apnea is no big deal. Fact: Sleep apnea actually is chronic and doesn’t […]

Everyone is aware that smoking causes lung cancer. That alone should be proof that you need to quit smoking to maintain your health and well-being. But if that doesn’t do the trick, we have one more combination you will want to beware of: Sleep apnea and smoking is a deadly combination.  Smokers have an increased risk for developing sleep apnea. In fact, smoking might even triple your risk for developing sleep apnea, which can have deadly consequences if not treated.  What is the connection? Smoking causes a narrowing of the airway, which can increase the risk of sleep apnea. This is also the reason why seemingly unrelated physical features such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids are also a risk factor of sleep apnea. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor to sleep apnea because, over time, smoking can cause the airway to become narrower. As a result, it can lead to an increased risk of airway obstruction while sleeping. The narrowing of your airway occurs because cigarette smoke is an irritant, and smoking can cause the upper airway to become inflamed. The irritation from smoking can lead to increased fluid retention in the area. Inflammation and retained fluid combine to narrow […]

Now that it is summer, how about a camping trip? It is a way to really enjoy the nice weather with friends, right? Maybe not if Billy is joining the crew for camping–he tends to snore louder than a freight train. When it comes to camping with a friend, family member or significant other you want to be able to enjoy it together, not in separate tents or cabins. If Billy is snoring uncontrollably you might want to guide him in the direction of seeking treatment before you plan your next great trip. Here’s what you need to know about snoring and sleep apnea to prepare for your camping trip. What is Snoring? Approximately 45% of adults snore at least occasionally and about 25% are habitual snorers. The noisy sounds of snoring occur when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose. This area is the collapsible part of the airway where the tongue and upper throat meet the soft palate and uvula. Snoring occurs when these structures strike each other and vibrate during breathing. Snoring can be both socially and medically disabling for various reasons. Socially, […]

Stroke is the number five cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke can have a variety of communication effects, one of which is aphasia. Stroke is the most common cause of aphasia, which is a language disorder that affects the ability to communicate. Awareness for aphasia June is National Aphasia Awareness Month to help increase public education around this language disorder and to recognize the numerous people who are currently living with or caring for people with aphasia. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association continue to increase awareness for aphasia by sharing communication tips, the effects of having aphasia, assistive devices for those with aphasia and more. The connection with sleep apnea Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. But what you may not realize is that sleep apnea can lead to heart attacks, which can cause people to die in the middle of the night due to low oxygen or the stress of waking up frequently during sleep. The relationship between sleep apnea, hypertension, stroke and heart disease is very strong, which makes it vital that everyone understand this connection as to further prevent the […]

Do you have trouble falling asleep? While it might be tempting to have a glass or two of wine before bed, think again. Insomnia is often accompanied by restlessness and anxiety, but alcohol can make you feel drowsy and relaxed. This might seem like an ideal combination when you need to wind down, but it can actually cause complications. Alcohol might make it easier to fall asleep, but it can have a negative impact on the overall quantity and efficiency of sleep. What’s the problem? Drinking alcohol before bed can also throw off the body’s circadian rhythm, or biological clock. Sleep is disrupted on a night of overindulgence and it may produce a rebound effect on the quality of sleep in the nights that follow. The consistent consumption of alcohol before bed can cause sleep problems or make existing ones worse. Alcohol can worsen snoring and abnormal breathing during sleep in people with obstructive sleep apnea. It can also increase symptoms in those suffering from restless leg syndrome. While alcohol does not directly cause sleep apnea, it can cause weight gain and obesity, which are common risk factors for this condition. And for those with existing sleep apnea, it can […]

About 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders each year while an additional 20 million experience occasional sleeping problems. If you are one of these individuals, you know how the problem can affect your daily life. It has also been shown that those who suffer from sleep disorders might also be suffering from a problem directly related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD), or jaw pain. A disorder in the TMJ can cause jaw pain and discomfort in other parts of the body and symptoms, such as sleep apnea, teeth grinding and tension headaches or migraines. And, when this occurs, it can negatively impact a good night’s sleep. Let’s take a look at sleep apnea, teeth grinding and how you can find relief for your jaw pain. What is Sleep Apnea? Studies continue to be conducted showcasing the connection between TMD and sleep disturbances. In many cases, a misaligned jaw joint, or TMJD, is actually to blame for sleep apnea. This is because the tongue’s position is impacted by the alignment of the upper and lower teeth, so when the teeth are misaligned, the tongue can block the airway as you sleep. When this problem occurs, it can cause […]

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has negative effects on medical conditions. You might have heard it already, but untreated OSA can be deadly. By visiting Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia to learn more about sleep apnea, you can take charge of your health. In the infographic below you can learn more about the negative effects of sleep apnea on various medical conditions. The negative effect of sleep apnea on your health should not go ignored or unnoticed. Contact Dr. Patel to learn more about sleep apnea treatment and how you can continue to improve your overall health and well-being. Don’t wait. Act now.  

Treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is so important. And what makes it extremely important to treat sleep apnea is because we want to keep our memories. New research now suggests that OSA may impair a person’s ability to form meaningful memories about their personal life. In turn this could be a sign of depression. In this study, researchers found that sleep apnea impairs a person’s ability to form autobiographical memories, which refers to a person’s ability to memorize specific episodes and retain information about their personal lives. What is autobiographical memory? One major consequence of OSA is depression, which is higher in patients with sleep apnea. However, the mechanisms behind this connection are unclear. If you have impaired autobiographical memory, it is often paired with depression. Autobiographical memory is a memory system consisting of episodes recollected from an individual’s life. This is often based on a combination of episodic (personal experiences and specific objects, people and events experienced at particular time and place) and semantic (general knowledge and facts about the world) memory. It is ultimately a type of explicit memory. Because sleep apnea is a significant risk factor for depression, it is important to better understand the neurobiological mechanisms […]

If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, are older in age and have reduced body mass index (BMI), it might limit your success of sleep apnea treatment. These are all predictors of upper airway stimulation treatment response. Researchers have found that for each one year increase in age, there is a 9 percent increase in the odds of treatment success in post hoc analysis. On the other hand, there is a 9 percent reduction in the odds of treatment success for each one unit increase in BMI. Age persisted as a statistically significant predictor for treatment success. So, knowing this information, what can you do to protect yourself and improve treatment outcomes? Adopt 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 percent 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 […]

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition where breathing stops and starts repeatedly throughout the night–it is not pleasant. With more than 18 million people in the United States suffering from sleep apnea, it is important to seek care as soon as possible. Many people who are not receiving treatment from any health care professional will notice complications. Here is why you should visit the dentist for sleep apnea treatment. Why visit the dentist for sleep apnea treatment? There is a growing number of people with sleep apnea that are now turning to dentists for proper treatment options. Most people don’t realize dentists have the expertise and tools necessary to treat sleep apnea, but they do, and are often the first line of defense. By visiting Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for sleep apnea, we can help you find relief and a better night’s sleep. First, we will perform a comprehensive examination. We will also note your medical history and listen to what is going on in your life. We will also take note of snoring habits and other sleep complications. In doing so, we can accurately assess your symptoms and provide a proper recommendation for diagnosis […]

We already know that if you quit smoking it will significantly improve your overall health—especially your lungs. However, did you also know that by quitting smoking you might also significantly improve your sleep?  There is an array of factors that influence how well you sleep each night, and smoking plays a major part in that. Let’s take a closer look at smoking and how it can negatively affect your sleep. What are the negative effects of smoking and sleep? If you compare a smoker to a non-smoker, it has been shown that smokers are three times more likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Why? Because smoking causes an increase of inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, which can further aggravate sleep apnea symptoms.   So, what is the end result? Both smoking and sleep apnea are deadly conditions that can severely shorten your lifespan when combined. Smoking and sleep apnea can both cause cardiovascular and respiratory health problems. Because of this, further importance is placed on the need to quit smoking while also seeking care for sleep apnea. You can kick the habit and treat sleep apnea You can further protect yourself and improve your health by […]

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located where the jaw connects to the skull on each side. Similar to a hinge that opens and closes, the TMJ must function properly for chewing, talking, smiling and yawning. If you experience pain or other problems with the functioning of your TMJ, it can lead to jaw pain, clicking and popping the jaw, lockjaw, headaches, neck pain and ear pain. This means that the TMD pain is in your neck. While many patients visit a dentist for treatment with mouth guards, braces or other dental options, not all cases will respond to these interventions–especially if it is related to your neck. Developing pain from the neck When the origination of TMD pain is in your neck, this is when a simple correction of cervical alignment can be profound results for TMD. The alignment of your neck affects jaw function because the skull sits on the very first vertebrae at the top of the neck, known as the atlas. This provides mobility for the head, allowing it to move in different directions. However, it can also twist out of place through trauma, accidents, falls or poor posture. If it does twist out of position, your […]

One-third of patients with a sleep apnea diagnosis also suffered from excessive daytime sleepiness, according to a recent survey. Excessive daytime sleepiness, while it does not sound serious, caused many people to miss out on activities, while also negatively impacting their quality of life. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often accompanied by excessive daytime sleepiness even after the introduction of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine into your lifestyle after diagnosis. To help, let’s take a look at the latest information on excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea and how it might be negatively impacting your life. The daily impact Excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep apnea can have an impact on your daily life, work performance and personal relationships. According to a recent survey, 17 percent said that their excessive daytime sleepiness impacted them at work. This might include losing or leaving their job and making special arrangements. It might also lead to missing meetings, deadlines or opportunities, such as a promotion or raise. In the last year, 21 percent fell asleep while working or during a meeting and 14 percent have fallen asleep at the wheel–either stopped at a light or while driving. Many patients also said that their […]

If you suffer from headaches, your dentist can help!. By visiting Dr. Mayoor Patel you will be able to find out if your headaches are related to dental pain, such as your bite. Many people might often experience frequent headache pain as the result of a toothache or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD). The link between your bite and headache pain Tension headaches are often the result of muscle strain. This occurs when muscles are held tight for too long and begin to ache. Headaches from dental stress are a type of muscle tension headache and may be on one or both sides of your head–even  surrounding your head. Some signs that might indicate your headache is caused by your bite include: Pain behind the eyes. Sore jaw muscles or tired muscles upon waking. Teeth grinding. Clicking or popping jaw joints. Head and/or scalp that is painful to the touch. The muscles that control your jaw and hold your head upright are very complex. Many people don’t even realize that every time they swallow, their upper and lower teeth must come together in a firm way to brace the jaw against the skull. Each day and night you swallow over […]

About 90 million Americans suffer from a snoring activity during sleep. And while about half of these people are “simple snorers” or primary snorers, the other half might actually have a serious sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Many people often misdiagnose themselves and inaccurately describe their condition. As a result, they miss out on important treatment and care. While OSA almost always leads to loud and frequent snoring, that does not mean if you snore you have OSA. Understanding the differences between sleep apnea, snoring and quality sleep is important to better understand your condition. To help you we have created this infographic that looks at the differences between sleep apnea and quality sleep. Take a look. As always, please contact us at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia to learn more about sleep apnea and the steps you can take to improving your overall well and well-being. Remember the benefits of quality sleep and how it can improve your health–it makes all the difference.

If you suffer from headaches, your dentist can help! By visiting the dentist you will be able to find out if your headaches are related to dental pain, such as your bite. Many people might  often experience frequent headaches as the result of a toothache or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD). What is the link between your bite and headaches? Tension headaches are often the result of muscle strain. This occurs when muscles are held tight for too long and begin to ache. Headaches from dental stress are a type of muscle tension headache and may be on one or both sides of your head–even  surrounding your head. Some signs that might indicate your headache is caused by your bite include: Pain behind the eyes. Sore jaw muscles or tired muscles upon waking. Teeth grinding. Clicking or popping jaw joints. Head and/or scalp that is painful to the touch. The muscles that control your jaw and hold your head upright are very complex. Many people don’t even realize that every time they swallow, their upper and lower teeth must come together in a firm way to brace the jaw against the skull. Each day and night you swallow over two […]

While you might think that snoring isn’t something to be overly concerned about, you might want to reconsider that opinion. Loud, frequent snoring might be a sign of sleep apnea, a common and potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts as you sleep. However, it is important to distinguish between snoring and sleep apnea. By understanding the difference, you can take better care of yourself and your well-being. What is snoring? Severe snoring can cause a variety of problems. For example, it can lead to sleep disturbances for the snower and other household members. It can even lead to pauses in breathing and waking episodes. Snoring does not always mean you have sleep apnea, but chronic snoring may indicate an underlying sleep disorder. If sleep apnea is left untreated, it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, diabetes and even car accidents due to sleepiness while driving. What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a type of breathing disorder that is serious and potentially life-threatening. It is characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. The three types of sleep apnea are: Central Sleep Apnea – the upper airway is open, but no oxygen […]

Ugh, it’s that time again. It’s back-to-school madness. With all the events of getting back into school and buying supplies, it can be extremely stressful. However, when stress occurs you might also experience pain–from headaches to jaw pain. And when pain occurs, diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Whether it is simply stress related or if it is a disorder like TMD, it is important to visit your dentist for more information and proper relief from pain. What is TMD? TMD occurs when difficulties arise with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles. Since you utilize these muscles on a daily basis, it becomes a problem very quickly. Without the proper function of these muscles, you will be in pain for a good chunk of the day, and it will be hard to perform daily activities. Oftentimes, avoiding this condition is impossible because of the pain it causes. This is a disorder that is often overlooked, but it can be very serious if left untreated. If you think you are suffering from TMD, take note of these signs: Pain when chewing Pain when talking Clicking/popping in the jaw Pain/tenderness in the jaw region Lock-jaw Keeping an eye out for these […]

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you might have noticed your sex life was suffering. You might feel like you have no solution, but you can rest easy knowing there is something that can help! Treating your sleep apnea! A study in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery found that adults suffering from sleep apnea may improve their sex life by wearing a CPAP mask to bed. What is the connection? Sleep apnea is a disorder that leads to disrupted breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. It has long been linked to sexual dysfunction. For example, for men it is tied to difficulties getting and maintaining an erection as well as ejaculation disorders. For women, sleep apnea is associated with vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. In the study, 182 men and women with newly diagnosed sleep apnea were prescribed nighttime treatment with CPAP machines. One year later, 72 patients maintained treatment with CPAP and experienced greater improvements in sexual quality of life than the 110 people who didn’t keep up with their treatment. However, the amount of improvement was negligible for men and more pronounced for women. Seek treatment now Treatment has proven to be beneficial for the health of patients […]

Cutting calories and exercise often helps a person lose weight. However, some people might have a harder time getting rid of excess body fat if they don’t get enough sleep. A recent study looked at 15 overweight individuals who focused on cutting calories while another 21 cut calories and got less sleep. Both groups lost about seven pounds, but those in the sleep restricted group lost less fat tissue and more lean muscle. When people want to lose weight–particularly fat–they need to avoid sleep loss during the week because there is no such thing as “catching up on sleep” during the weekend. Sleep loss and obesity When a person experiences sleep deprivation, it is linked to an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese. Inadequate sleep has also been linked to difficulties with weight loss. Without sleep restriction, people typically got about seven hours of sleep each night. Those that had sleep restriction got about six hours of sleep during the week and about eight hours on the weekends. If you are trying to lose weight, you should aim for about seven or eight hours of sleep each night. More sleep isn’t necessarily to lose weight. However, people who typically […]

It’s the summertime, which means warm weather, sun shining and grilling. And what is a great thing to grill? A nice juicy steak! Now that sounds delicious, doesn’t it? It does, but if you suffer from jaw pain, it can prevent you from eating just about any of your favorite foods. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can be a steak lover’s nightmare. It is a disorder of the jaw, and the joints and muscles associated with the jaw, which makes eating hard or chewy foods extremely difficult. Symptoms including headaches, pain with chewing, locking, clicking and jaw pain, interfere with the motion of the jaw and daily life in general. Why does TMD cause difficulties when chewing? Headaches associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)are generally one sided headaches that occur just in the front of the opening of the ear. From there the pain spreads and can be very debilitating, worsening with chewing. It can also sometimes be relieved with heat or ice, as well as resting the jaw. A myofascial type of TMD is a tension disorder in which the muscles used for chewing become inflamed, and full of spasms and trigger points. This is a common type of TMD […]

Whether a person chews gum as a snack or because they like the flavor, it is a common occurrence. However, if you chew gum and suffer from headaches or jaw pain, you might want to think before you pick up that new pack of gum or snack. A person suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) might find it painful to chew gum while others will gladly chew it on a daily basis. What the numbers say In a previous study, 30 daily gum chewers between the ages of 6 and 19 were studied–each suffered from chronic migraines or tension headaches and jaw pain. After eliminating the usage of gum, 19 of the 30 gum chewers had their headache and jaw pain go away completely. Another seven had a reduction in headache frequency and severity. Then, when 26 of them began to chew gum again, their pain returned almost immediately. With that in mind, think before you reach for another stick of gum or piece of junk food.   You’ll find you’re eating more junk food The more gum you chew, the more unhealthy foods you might find yourself eating. And, when you eat more junk food, the more weight you […]

Have you ever woken up feeling like you didn’t have a wink of sleep last night? We’ve all been there before–probably numerous times throughout our lifetime. Our sleep habits have a significant impact on how well we sleep every night. If you are able to maintain a regular schedule while also avoiding behavior that promotes sleep disruption, you can: Minimize insomnia Allow an adequate amount of sleep Reduce sleep-related headaches Ready to take charge of your sleep patterns in order to help you wake up feeling refreshed? Let’s take a look at a few tips that will help you create a healthy sleep regimen: If you’re tired, go to bed. When it comes to sleep, go to be when you are tired and not any earlier. If you attempt to go to bed before you are tired you will promote lying awake in bed, which can teach the brain to be awake in bed. And when you wake up refreshed, get up. Don’t linger in bed for long. The bedroom is for sleeping. It is important to use the bedroom only for sleeping and sexual activity. This means you should avoid reading, watching TV, eating and talking on the phone […]