TMJ Disorder
Management

Temporomandibular disorders are a common subgroup of orofacial pain disorders, often referred to as "TMJ". TMD symptoms include pain or discomfort in or around the ear, jaw joint, and/or muscles of the jaw, face, temples, and neck on one or both sides. The pain may arise suddenly and progress with fluctuating frequency and intensity over months to years. Clicking, popping, grating (crepitus), locking, limited opening or deviating jaw movement, chewing difficulties, and headache are also associated with TMD.

Causes for TMD are unclear as TMD usually involves more than a single symptom and rarely has a single cause. TMD is believed to result from several factors acting together, including jaw injuries (trauma), and joint disease (arthritis). Tooth clenching and grinding (bruxism) and head and neck muscle tension, while not scientifically proven to be a cause of TMD may perpetuate TMD symptoms and often need to be controlled to reduce and manage TMD. The TMD patient needs to understand that the disorder can be chronic and highly dependent on several factors including emotional stability. Because there is no quick fix or immediate cure for TMD, the most successful and scientifically supported treatments focus on self-management and control of the aggravating factors.

 

Sleep Apnea

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea may occur in as much as 20 to 40 percent of the adult population who are snorers. Snoring is known to be a sign of strained breathing, which can affect one's ability to have a restful night's sleep. Sleep apnea is when your airway is completely closed off (apnea) or partially blocked (hypopnea) for 10 seconds or longer, at least 5 times/ hour, and one's oxygen level is reduced at least 3 %, and there is an arousal from sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with Heart Disease, Hyper Tension, Strokes, Heart attacks, Type II Diabetes, Cancer, Gastric reflux, Cognitive Dysfunction, Fatigue, plus greatly increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents, personal and work-related accidents, poor performance, depression, and many other issues.