Sleep Apnea
If you frequently wake up sleepier and more irritable than when you went to sleep, and if your partner has complained about your loud, chronic snoring, you may be unknowingly suffering from the condition known as sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues in your mouth collapse during sleep, partially or completely blocking the proper flow of air through the windpipe.
Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud, chronic, disruptive snoring
- Frequent waking throughout the night
- Daytime fatigue and exhaustion
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea ask your dentist about available treatment options. In addition to the commonly used CPAP therapy, we offer an oral device as a less cumbersome option.
TMJ & TMD
Your TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, is the small network of bones, nerves, and ligaments that helps your jaw open, close, and move around properly. If you suffer from a clicking, popping jaw, you could be dealing TMJ/TMD, or temporomandibular dysfunction. It’s a condition that causes chronic pain and can affect your ability to eat and speak properly.
TMJ/TMD can be caused by a number of factors, including facial trauma, a misaligned bite, stress, anxiety, or even certain medications. The condition is closely linked to nighttime teeth grinding, so patients who have jaw issues are likely to experience the negative side effects of bruxism, too -- most seriously, worn, fractured, or broken teeth.
Common signs of TMJ/TMD include:
- Clicking, popping, or grinding jaw
- Jaw pain
- Sensation of lock jaw
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Frequent head, neck, or ear pain
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Tingling extremities
Women are slightly more likely to experience TMJ/TMD than men, and frequent stress can contribute to the condition. If you are dealing with a painful jaw, get in touch with your dentist to discuss treatment. The team at Point Place Dental will evaluate your situation, taking note of the alignment of your jaw and where your bite should fall. Then, we will put together a plan suited just for you. Treatment for TMJ/TMD may include repositioning the jaw while also protecting the teeth from the harm caused by nighttime teeth grinding.