Sleep apnea is a condition that causes frequent breathing disturbances while sleeping. Every time you stop breathing, your body is depleted of oxygen, increasing your risk of various health issues, like heart attacks and strokes. Not to mention, it can affect your quality of life drastically, leading to sleep deprivation, depression, and more. Anyone can develop sleep apnea, but there are several risk factors, like obesity or a large neck circumference. However, researchers have found another link. Genetics can play a role in your risk of sleep apnea, and here’s how.
sleep Solutions & Tmj Pain Therapy Blog
Can Sleep Apnea Cause Gum Disease?
September 7, 2022
If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you know firsthand the effects it can have on your physical and mental health. Unfortunately, those aren’t the only concerns. Untreated sleep apnea can also wreak havoc on your smile. Researchers have found a direct link between sleep apnea and gum disease. As a leading cause of tooth loss, don’t risk your beautiful smile from the infection. Here’s how you can safeguard your smile, so the threat of gum disease doesn’t keep you awake at night.
Link Between Sleep Apnea and Weight
August 18, 2022
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that results in frequent disruptions in breathing when sleeping. Although there are 3 types, most people have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The breathing interruptions are caused by a blockage in the upper airway from the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or tongue collapsing. Although anyone can have the disorder, there are known risk factors, like obesity. Not only can excess body fat increase your odds of having the disorder, but sleep apnea can also lead to weight gain. You don’t need to toss and turn at night worrying about your health. Here’s how a healthy weight and sleep apnea treatment can help you sleep soundly.
Can Chewing Gum Make TMJ Disorders Worse?
August 11, 2022
Few people spend much time thinking about their temporomandibular joints (TMJ), but if you deal with persistent jaw pain, yawning, speaking, or chewing might make you pause. The joints connecting your lower jaw to your skull on either side of your face allow you to open and close your mouth and move it from side to side. Unfortunately, these simple movements can be painful and limited if you have a TMJ disorder. Various factors can worsen your symptoms, but is chewing gum on the list? Here’s what you need to know before reaching for another piece.
5 Habits to Stop If You Have TMD
August 7, 2022
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located on either side of your face. It connects your jaw to your skull, allowing you to speak, eat, and even yawn. Most people don’t spend much time thinking about their TMJ; however, if you have a disorder that affects the joint, it can influence your quality of life. Whether you have daily facial pain, difficulty opening your mouth, or headaches, here are 5 habits to break to reduce your TMJ disorder symptoms.
Does Sleep Apnea Ever Go Away?
July 28, 2022
If you have sleep apnea, you’re not alone. About 30 million Americans have the disorder; however, only 6 million people have been diagnosed. It’s a common misconception that chronic snoring is the only concern, but sleep apnea can have potentially life-threatening complications. Disruptions in breathing can occur hundreds of times each night, depleting your body of oxygen. Unfortunately, sleep apnea won’t go away on its own, but you can take 3 steps at home to improve your symptoms when combined with the right treatment.
How Secondhand Smoke Increases Sleep Apnea in Children
June 25, 2022
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that primarily affects adults; however, children can suffer from the breathing disorder, too. Although only 4% of children have OSA, new research has found a connection between secondhand smoke and sleep apnea. If you smoke, you may be placing your child at risk of the condition, which causes frequent pauses in breathing throughout the night. Here’s why you may want to kick the habit to keep your child healthy.
6 Things to Avoid to Stop Jaw Pain
June 22, 2022
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located on either side of your face, connecting your jaw to your skull. It allows you to perform necessary functions that are crucial to your health and everyday life, like speaking, biting, and chewing. Unfortunately, the joint can function incorrectly, resulting in facial pain, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and various other symptoms. Don’t let the complications of a TMJ disorder affect your quality of life any longer. Here are 6 things you should stop doing right away to alleviate your pain.
Sleep Apnea and Cancer Risk in Women
May 12, 2022
22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea; however, 80% of cases aren’t diagnosed. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, which is caused by an obstruction in the upper airway from the soft tissues in the back of the mouth. Men are 2 to 3 times more likely to have it than women, but it can affect anyone, no matter their age or gender. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with several potentially life-threatening conditions, like heart disease, but now there’s another danger, especially for women. Researchers have found a connection between OSA and cancer in women.
Recalled CPAP? Give an Oral Appliance a Try
May 3, 2022
Philips Respironics is a trusted manufacturer of CPAP machines; however, certain models have been recalled for safety concerns. Over 2 million people in the U.S. are affected by the recall, which stems from the potential risks of chemicals in the device. If you are impacted by the recall, your physician may have recommended continuing to use the machine because the benefits outweigh the risks, but you have another option. Oral appliance therapy can be just what you need until receiving your replacement CPAP.