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sleep Solutions & Tmj Pain Therapy Blog

Can a TMJ Disorder Affect Your Speech?

February 13, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 1:27 am

Gloved hand pointing to temporomandibular jointYour temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on either side of your face, connecting your jaw to your skull. The hinge-like joints allow you to open and close your mouth and make other necessary movements. However, inflammation in the joints can make it painful and difficult to make even the simplest motions. In some cases, your jaw can even lock in an opened or closed position. Known as a TMJ disorder, chewing, laughing, and yawning can be painful, but those aren’t the only concerns. It can even affect your speech. TMJ doesn’t have to control your quality of life or take away your ability to speak clearly. Your dentist has the solutions you need for TMJ therapy

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How Long Does It Take to Treat a TMJ Disorder?

February 10, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 2:29 pm
Man with TMJ disorder rubbing jaw in pain

TMJ disorders often cause severe pain, and in many cases, the best way to deal with them is to seek treatment from a professional. Naturally, when you commit to TMJ therapy, you’ll want to know how long it will take before you can enjoy lasting relief. Your dentist will only be able to give you an estimate once they have a grasp on your unique situation, but in the meantime, here is what you can generally expect.

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Can Sleep Apnea Make You Drool?

January 19, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 9:23 pm

Person’s feet sleeping in bedHow often do you wake up with a wet spot on your pillow? Everyone drools occasionally, like when battling a stuffy nose. If the issue is ongoing, it could be a symptom of an underlying condition, like sleep apnea. Although the two may not seem related, hypersalivation can be a sign of breathing disruptions while you’re sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea and drooling go hand in hand, and here’s why. 

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Live Longer With Sleep Apnea Therapy

January 10, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 12:24 am

Oral appliance used for sleep apneaSleep apnea is a condition that’s associated with snoring, but that’s not the only concern. The most common form of the disorder is caused by an obstruction in the upper airway. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can result in frequent breathing disruptions. Each pause in breathing depletes your body of oxygen, placing you at risk of many health conditions that can shorten your lifespan with no treatment. Here’s how sleep apnea therapy can add more years to your life expectancy.

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Can Sleep Apnea Cause ADHD?

December 23, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 2:39 am

Young girl sleeping in bedSleep apnea is a common disorder that causes many pauses in breathing frequently throughout the night. People often believe the condition only affects adults, but children can suffer from sleep apnea, too. Not only is it less common, but it can also be more difficult to diagnose because symptoms can manifest differently than in adults. In fact, sleep apnea can often be misdiagnosed as ADHD in young children. Acting out, restlessness, and throwing tantrums can all be signs of untreated sleep apnea.

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Regular Exercise Improves Sleep Quality

December 13, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 3:18 am

Woman running through parkIf you have sleep apnea, a good night’s rest can be difficult to come by. A CPAP or an oral appliance will help keep your airways open to stop breathing disturbances, but insomnia can be a little more challenging to treat. If you toss and turn at night, the solution may be as simple as taking a walk or going for a bike ride. Research has found that people who are physically active sleep longer and more deeply than those who don’t. Not only can you drift off to sleep peacefully, but you may also improve your sleep apnea symptoms. 

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TMJ Awareness Month: Symptoms to Watch Out For

November 28, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 3:54 pm
Woman in bed with pain from TMJ disorder

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) on either side of your head are what make eating, speaking, and other daily oral tasks possible. So if your TMJs become strained or injured, you’ll want to have it treated quickly. But how will you know that you’re suffering from a TMJ disorder? As November is TMJ Awareness Month, now is an excellent time to familiarize yourself with the potential warning signs as well as some of the treatment options that your dentist might recommend.

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How a TMD Can Stop You From Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

November 24, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 2:54 pm
Man with TMJ disorder experiencing jaw pain in bed

When you’re suffering from a TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), the chronic pain in your jaw is the symptom that you’re most likely to notice. But a problem with your jaw joints could also contribute to a number of other issues – including, surprisingly enough, sleep apnea. What is the relationship between TMD and sleep? And what can you do to relieve your pain and get a good night’s rest again? The following post has the answers.

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Is Untreated TMD Causing Sleep Apnea?

October 10, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 1:19 am

Woman with jaw painIf you live with frequent jaw pain, simple tasks can be difficult, like chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth to take a big bite of a juicy hamburger. A temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can significantly affect your quality of life. However, you might be surprised to learn that it can also affect your sleep. With 44 million Americans having a variant of a TMJ disorder, here’s what you need to know about its effects on getting a good night’s rest.

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What Does a Stiff Jaw Mean?

October 8, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drwest @ 3:27 am

Woman with facial discomfort at dentistIs it difficult to open your mouth from stiffness or pain? Maybe your jaw clicks or pops when you move it? You might have a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on either side of your face, connecting your jaw to your skull. If the joints function incorrectly, your jaw can be stiff or tender. Simple tasks, like chewing or yawning, can be difficult or painful. Don’t worry, here are the solutions you need to treat a TMJ disorder.

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