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If you suffer from bruxism–also known as teeth grinding–you may be waking up with a sore jaw or achy jaw muscles. When this happens, it is important to know that there is a fix: dental mouth guards. Also known as splints, oral appliances or night guards, dental mouth guards can protect your teeth and joints, and help ease your pain. Let’s take a closer look at two types of mouth guards for a better understanding of how oral appliances work for teeth grinding. Over the counter mouth guards This is an easy to find option for potentially improving your jaw pain and teeth grinding. These mouthguards are available in pharmacies and sporting goods stores. They are often sold in small, medium and large sizes in order to fit different mouth sizes. However, many are also called “Boil-and-bite” mouthguards. That is because after warming them in hot water, you bite into the softened material to mold the mouthguard to the size and shape of your mouth. This helps to provide a better fit than a one-size-fits-most approach of the small, medium and large varieties.  Custom-made mouthguards When it comes to custom-made mouth guards or oral appliances, this is where you will […]

Picture this: No matter where you go or what you do, there is a sound that travels with you. It might be a ringing, a whoosh sound or buzzing. Whatever the sound is, it stays with you and you can’t escape it. Tinnitus is the perception of ringing when no external sound is being produced. It is a phantom sound.  About 20 million Americans suffer from chronic tinnitus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And, to make matters worse, the pandemic has created new cases as well as worsening of tinnitus symptoms in those who already have it. So what can you do to reduce those constant phantom noises? Let’s take a look. Practice mindfulness When you suffer from tinnitus, it can make you feel angry and frustrated. It can also prevent you from focusing on anything other than the noise you are hearing in your ear or ears. This can lead to increased anxiety that only worsens the sound. By practicing mindfulness, it can give you the tools you need to replace that stress response with something more relaxing. Doing so can even desensitize you to the ring. Disguise the ringing It might sound weird, but […]

With the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of people have been exhibiting disrupted sleep. This has been dubbed, “coronasomnia” because of the impact of the pandemic. While sleeping poorly might have been the norm for some before the pandemic, the stress, anxiety and disruptions of normal routines made our sleep worse. As we continue to navigate the pandemic, that sleep continues to deteriorate. But there are things that can help. If you don’t fall asleep right away, move There is a 25-minute rule that everyone should follow when it comes to sleep. If you get into bed and can’t fall asleep within 25 minutes, then you should get out of bed. The same goes for if you wake up at night and can’t get back to sleep. Doing a quiet activity that can calm your mind and make you drowsy is key.  Say goodbye to your worries This might be trickier than the 25-minute rule, but it is important. When we continue to worry about various things, it impedes our sleep. One way to overcome this is to write your worries on a blank piece of paper two hours before bed each night. After writing down your thoughts you can either […]

Celebrated across the country, Men’s Health Month provides screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health educational activities. This is done every year to help raise awareness for men and their health conditions. With that being said, men have an increased risk of developing sleep apnea, which means it is important to seek treatment immediately–even just as a precaution.  Increased risk for sleep apnea  Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by obstructed breathing, either due to too much tissue as seen in obesity or decreased muscle tone which may be seen with low testosterone. This inhibits the airflow in the mouth and nose which causes snoring and decreased ability for adequate oxygenation during sleep.  As a result, men often wake up numerous times during the night and rarely achieve deep sleep. Most cases of sleep apnea that are caused by low testosterone are considered to be OSA. While OSA may primarily be considered a “man’s disease,” it poses serious and even life-threatening health risks for women too.  Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea and Depression  Men with sleep apnea also appear to have a higher risk of depression. Men with undiagnosed sleep apnea had more than double the risk of depression compared to […]

When you are pregnant, you might feel abnormally tired. That is often because your body is going through normal pregnancy changes. However, if you are tired and pregnant, it might also signal gestational sleep apnea. While researchers continue to look at the connection between sleep apnea complications and pregnancy, it is important to understand what information is out there. Let’s take a closer look. 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 women who are pregnant. This would also align with other diagnoses during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Unfortunately, though, there remains a lack of criteria to properly diagnose, treat and classify OSA in people who are pregnant. This continues to complicate any efforts to determine risk factors for, and complications of, gestational sleep apnea. But we do know what the negative effects of untreated OSA are. Those 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.  Understanding the risk There are about 15 million Americans and 350 million people worldwide […]

We’re going to take a break from craniofacial pain and sleep apnea topics to focus a little on how your oral health impacts heart disease prevention. This is a topic that is important to cover throughout the year. Brushing and flossing helps to remove the buildup of bacteria that can stick to your teeth and other areas of your mouth. If you don’t maintain these habits or visit your dentist for regular cleanings, you are putting yourself at a high risk for gum disease and heart disease.  What is the link between oral health and heart health? Gum disease is associated with several chronic health conditions including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. That also includes a greater risk for heart attack and stroke. This may be because the bacteria that causes gum disease also causes damage to the heart and blood vessels. The bacteria may travel from your mouth to the bloodstream and go to other parts of the body such as the heart and other organs.  The other idea is that gum disease causes chronic inflammation in your mouth. Inflammation is part of your body’s normal response to injury or an infection. But if that inflammation turns chronic, […]

With the ongoing pandemic, many people have had a hard time getting sleep. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that one-third of U.S. adults report that they usually get less than the recommended amount of sleep each night. That means adults are getting less than seven hours of sleep per night.  Let’s take a look at why you might be missing out on sleep and ways you can improve your nightly rest. Reasons you are losing sleep There are some major sleep disorders that can affect your ability to sleep as well as your overall health. If you do suffer from one of these conditions, it is important that you visit your doctor for further diagnosis and treatment planning.  One cause of a lack of sleep is insomnia, which refers to a person’s inability to initiate or maintain sleep. Insomnia symptoms will typically manifest as excessive daytime sleepiness and impact your ability to function properly the next day. You may even experience early morning awakening where you wake up hours earlier than anticipated and are unable to get back to sleep. Next, there is restless leg syndrome, which is a sleep disorder that refers to an […]

As we learn more about connections with sleep apnea and other health conditions, it helps us better understand how to help. Recently, we learned that sleep apnea is common in people with cognitive impairment. That means it affects people with memory and thinking problems. These memory problems impact concentration, decision making and learning new things. While it is a common part of growing older, it is important to pay attention to this. Sleep apnea and cognitive impairment In a recent study, obstructive sleep apnea was commonly found in people with cognitive impairment. This follows previous research that people with sleep apnea have an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.  When you can get better sleep each and every night, it is beneficial to your brain and it can actually improve your cognitive skills. The key thing here is that more than half of the people in the study who had cognitive impairment also had sleep apnea. This means they are missing out on that restorative sleep that improves memory and other cognitive skills.  Seek diagnosis and treatment If you or a loved one suffers from cognitive impairment, it is important to get tested for sleep apnea. By […]

Since the pandemic began, many people have shifted toward healthier lives. We have learned new ways to exercise and we seem to have found interest in how to cook healthy meals at home. However, while what you eat can help you lose weight and feel healthy, it can also help with your migraines, jaw pain and other orofacial pain conditions. Here’s what to keep an eye out for. Cocoa for heart health It is interesting, but seems to work. People who consumed a lot of dark chocolate, or cocoa, has lower rates of cardiovascular disease, according to research from the Missouri State University. There are ingredients in cocoa that help to reduce inflammation. For example, one compound is abundant in aloe vera, which shows that people can incorporate food into their diet to help block inflammation and pain signaling that is often involved in the pathology of a migraine.  Prevent migraines with chicken broth I know, this sounds interesting to you. It was for me too. Research out of the Missouri State University also found that using chicken broth can help with blocking pain signals. This is because it changes the bacteria in our gut to favor bacteria that produce […]

There is a lot going on in the world around us. While we are in the middle of a pandemic, that doesn’t mean you should ignore your headache or migraine. It is important to understand why you are waking up with a headache so that you can either prevent it or find a solution. To help, we have compiled five reasons why you may be waking up with a headache or migraine.  You may suffer from insomnia If you have a sleep disorder like insomnia or sleep apnea, you are actually two to eight times more likely to develop a morning headache. One way to overcome insomnia is to follow proper sleep hygiene practices. Those can include maintaining a consistent sleep-wake routine, sleeping in a cool and dark room, and limiting time on your phone or watching TV.  Depression or anxiety are the culprit A risk factor for insomnia is depression. To add to that, if you have anxiety, you may have trouble putting your mind at ease at nighttime. Instead, thoughts constantly twirl around in your head, causing you to stay awake for hours at a time. Both depression and anxiety can cause poor sleep, leading to morning headaches. […]

We have learned that the prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD) is between about 5% and 12%. In fact, TMD is higher among younger people and twice as prevalent in women as men. When this jaw pain occurs, it often is chronic and can last for more than five years. Since you need your jaw to eat, chew and talk, this ongoing pain can be frustrating and interfere with your daily life.  But there is a bright note to keep in mind–there is something that can help reduce the pain. If you suffer from jaw or facial pain–even headaches or migraines–Boto can be an effective way to manage TMD and reduce tension in the facial muscles.  How does Botox help with jaw pain? Well, Botox can be injected into muscular structures around the TMJ to decrease spasms and improve overall muscle flexibility that can help to restore function. The Botox injection temporarily eliminates the signals between your nerves and muscles, which means it can decrease the forces exerted on the jaw joint and relieve your pain.  In fact, studies have shown that Botox injections not only help to relieve muscle tension, but they also help to block pain signals […]

Have you heard of phantom tooth pain? Are you experiencing unknown tooth pain? Well, there might be an answer for that unknown nagging pain you have been experiencing with no relief. It’s called atypical odontalgia. While it sounds like a mouthful, it is important to identify in order to receive appropriate treatment so you can live without pain.  What is atypical odontalgia? Atypical odontalgia is characterized by chronic pain in a tooth or teeth. It also occurs in a site where teeth have been extracted or it happens after endodontic treatment. But the thing is, there is no identifiable cause to your pain. And, over time, that pain may spread to other areas of your face causing more complications.  The pain you might be experiencing is referred to as atypical because it is different from a typical toothache. Instead of the pain coming and going like with a toothache, the pain is described as constant throbbing or aching. It is persistent and unremitting. The pain can also vary from mild to very severe. What are the causes of atypical odontalgia? While the cause is unknown, there are a variety of factors that may contribute to atypical odontalgia. For instance, genetic […]

Have you ever been told, “stop clenching your jaw”? Sometimes we find that we are clenching our jaw and other times people tell you to stop. We have experienced non-stop talk about politics and COVID-19, which leads to extensive stress. This added stress and pressure on our daily lives can lead to further complications with your health. In fact, this year, bruxism–teeth grinding and jaw clenching–is on the rise as a result of this added stress.  Increased symptoms of clenching and grinding Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are on the rise. Dentists across the country continue to confirm that they are seeing a lot of patients experiencing teeth grinding and jaw clenching. As a result, bruxism is an increasing problem throughout the pandemic. This remains far more prevalent than before the pandemic. Everyone seems to be experiencing aching muscles, pain in the ear, tinnitus, cracked fillings and increased sensitivity to temperature and pressure.  The cause of increased jaw clenching So what is the cause of this increase in teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Stress. We have said it before, it bears repeating. This year has been hard on all of us trying to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.  In addition to […]

Masks have become a part of our daily attire. I’m sure you’ve seen the memes, but when we leave the house we often check for our phones, keys, wallet, mask and hand sanitizer now. As we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and this “new normal,” we want to make sure you are taking care of yourself. That includes preventing jaw pain from wearing a mask. Here are some tips to help. Ensure your mask fits properly It might sound simple, but ensuring a good fit on a mask is key to protecting your jaw. A mask that is snug across the nose and does not slip up toward the eyes can help you avoid clenching or protruding your jaw to keep it in place. Ear savers can also help reduce the downward pull on your ears, which is often caused by the mask loops. Assess posture It is also important that you perform an assessment of your posture throughout the day. This involves making sure you do not stick your head too far forward. A simple chin tuck exercise can help. To do this chin tuck exercise, pull your head straight back and attempt to make the back […]

There is an ongoing battle to get people to quit smoking. To add to day, we are also continuing to fight against electronic cigarettes, or vaping. It doesn’t matter if you smoke or vape, what is important is that you quit. The verdict is still out on what harm vaping can do to a person’s health, but we do know that it can negatively impact your sleep. Let’s take a closer look. Vaping is gaining popularity Right now, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, are all the rage for teenagers and adults. That is not something we need, though. We have even found that some of the senior population can be found vaping. Any way you look at it, vaping needs to be re-examined.  The use of e-cigarettes might seem like the cool thing to do because many people believe that they are inhaling lower levels of nicotine. As a result, they think it will help them to quit smoking. However, any way you look at it, vaping is not good for you. Even if you are consuming lower levels of nicotine, it is still in your system and that is not good. Vaping impacts sleep To this day, public health experts […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely interrupted our day-to-day lives, which can place a lot of strain on our mental well-being. Watching the news can be anxiety-inducing because it is all doom and gloom with COVID-19 dominating the headlines. It isn’t something we can escape and as a result, we lose out on sleep. The pandemic has heightened stress and damaged our sleep, leading to what experts are now calling “coronasomnia.”  Just as we would approach insomnia and other sleeping conditions, it is important that you take proactive measures to eliminate coronasomnia. Stick to a daily routine Just because you may be working from home, it doesn’t mean routine and schedule should go to the wayside. It means we have to try harder to stick to a routine and maintain a normal life even though we are in the middle of a pandemic.  Make sure you wake up at the same time every morning. This will help stabilize your circadian rhythm. Additionally, when you get up at the same time every day, it can help you become more tired at night when you need it, getting you back on track that evening with sleep. Find time to wind down About an […]

We are experiencing a lot of uncertainty in the world as we try to understand the COVID-19 pandemic. From the stay-at-home orders to wearing masks, it is sometimes confusing and stressful to really figure out what you can and cannot do. As we remain on high alert due to COVID-19, it is important to pay attention to your health and current conditions, such as sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, it is important to understand how to continue to protect yourself and manage your condition.  Pay attention to anxiety If you are treating sleep apnea with CPAP or an oral appliance, it is important to continue to do so. Skipping treatment will only make matters worse. However, anxiety about the pandemic might be creeping in, which can add to your sleep troubles.  You might find yourself worrying about using your CPAP or oral appliance, but it is important to know that it is OK to continue. If you have any concerns, please reach out to Dr. Patel to discuss what we can do to continue to protect you and your family during these trying times. Sleep apnea and risk for COVID-19 Does sleep apnea place you at a greater […]

Children who are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder might also experience bruxism. This can also be intertwined with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Knowing there is a connecting, dentists and dental hygienists need to help patients learn how to change their habits for the long term through behavioral therapy. What parents are saying When visiting the dentist with their children, parents often state that their young child is making a loud noise at night. This noise is often described as “something that sounds like he or she is grinding their teeth.” They might even describe it as a loud noise that will wake them up when their child is sleeping.  Severe damage to the child’s teeth can often result from this sleep bruxism if treatment is not sought. However, parents are often more concerned with if there child is experiencing a psychological component to their bruxism or unsure of what to do.  Understanding sleep bruxism If a child is experiencing sleep bruxism, mouth breathing may increase and cause upper airway resistance during sleep. This can occur after a tonsil and adenoid removal, which can often make the situation worse for children.  The upper airway is a collapsible tube that increases during sleep. […]

It can be difficult to diagnose temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD) for many reasons. With a less than clear understanding of the causes and exact symptoms affecting TMD and the surrounding muscles, health care professionals are often hesitant to diagnose TMD. At Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia, Dr. Mayoor Patel is the complete opposite. His advanced training and expertise in TMJ pain and TMD has placed him in a unique position to provide care for your jaw pain.  To help you understand TMJ pain and TMD, we have created the infographic below. Take a look and reach out if you have any questions about TMD or if you want to schedule an appointment for further diagnosis and treatment options.  We look forward to being your partner in reducing pain and discomfort. There is no reason why you should have to put up with pain, especially during these stressful times across the world. Reach out to Dr. Patel at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for more information on TMD and available treatment options.

It is important that you make the best decisions in regards to your overall health and well-being. But what does that mean? It means paying attention to your sleeping patterns and the quality of your sleep. These factors actually play a role in your health and well-being. In particular, women need to understand how their sleep impacts their health. What we know is, women who sleep poorly, tend to overeat and consumer a lower-quality diet. This leads to an increased risk of heart disease and obesity, which point to the possibility of sleep apnea. We have seen that people who get less sleep are more likely to develop obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease—this might be partially due to diet. However, studies have narrowed the focus on specific foods and nutrients and sleep duration, rather than quality. Sleep duration and nutrition As study of nearly 500 women in the Journal of the American Heart Association analyzed sleep and eating habits. The study looked at sleep quality, the time it took to fall asleep and insomnia. Women in this study also shared the types and amounts of foods they typically eat throughout the year. This allowed researchers to be able […]

When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep? If you don’t feel refreshed in the morning and you can barely keep your eyes open at work, you might have a sleep disorder. As many as 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, which are two of the most common types. Overall, there are more than 50 conditions that are classified as sleep disorders—that’s a lot! If you suffer from a sleep disorder, it is important to seek further help from your doctor because it can increase your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Here are seven groups of sleep disorders and what it might mean for you if you suffer from one of these conditions. Insomnia This is the most common sleep disorder. Insomnia falls into two major categories: trouble falling asleep and difficulty maintaining sleep throughout the night. Depression and anxiety can contribute to insomnia. It occurs in women more often than in men. Insomnia can also be caused by different medications, such as antidepressants or steroids. Sleep-related breathing disorders One major example of this group is obstructive sleep apnea. An apnea is a period when someone […]

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 […]

Do you suffer from migraines or headaches? Do you also suffer from sleep apnea? If you suffer from sleep apnea and experience migraines, there is a treatment in sight. Many times, people with headaches will have a hard time sleeping, or attempt to go to a quiet space to sleep in order to relieve their throbbing pain.  One common indicator of sleep apnea is waking up with headaches. In fact, at least 50% of people who wake up with headaches might have sleep apnea. Another common problem that can cause headaches upon waking is bruxism, or teeth grinding. So, when you experience headaches, what do you do? Seek treatment for sleep apnea now  Sleep-related headaches are a throbbing pain, which can include nausea and vomiting. As a dentist, you can help provide relief through the availability of an oral appliance. Many times, bite guards or oral appliances can help relieve aching jaw muscles caused by bruxism or misaligned jaws that might be leading to sleep apnea.  Through treatment of sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy, your patients can experience improved sleep while also resolving any pain they might be experiencing from headaches. In addition to oral appliance therapy, it is […]