Exceptional Dentistry Blog

Can TMJ Dysfunction Cause Eye Pain?

October 17, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — bettersleepdent @ 12:25 am
Woman with eye pain

Eye pain can impact more areas than just your eyes. It can lead to headaches, dizziness, and other unpleasant symptoms. However, the source of your pain may not be your eyes at all. When the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is your jaw joint that allows you to open and close your mouth, isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to discomfort in a variety of surrounding areas, including the eyes. Continue reading to learn more about the TMJ, its connection to your eyes, and the treatment options available.

(more…)

When Jaw Pain Gives You a Rude Awakening

September 1, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — bettersleepdent @ 7:54 pm
Woman lying in pain and massaging her aching jaw

You had a rough time sleeping one night, and when you woke up, you immediately understood why. Your jaw ached! Sleepy soreness can happen from time to time, so maybe you wrote it off as the result of an unfortunate neck position. But if you’ve experienced this rude awakening for days on end now, you’re probably starting to doubt that theory.

Although the neck, upper back, and shoulder areas are tightly connected and can cause pain in your face, odds are in this situation, the real problem is your TMJ. What’s a TMJ, and what can you do about it? Keep reading to find out.

(more…)

Weight Gain and Sleep Apnea: How Are They Related?

August 28, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — bettersleepdent @ 1:37 pm
Two feet standing on bathroom scale

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that around 41% of adults in the U.S. are obese. It is also estimated that around 22 million people in this country have sleep apnea. At first, these two conditions might seem unrelated, but there is actually a strong connection between them! This blog post explores how they are linked. It also provides tips that might help you enjoy improved health.

(more…)

Say Goodbye to Sleepless Summer Nights with These Tips

July 11, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — bettersleepdent @ 3:35 pm
young woman sleeping and smiling

Warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and changes in daily routines can all contribute to restless nights. If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep during the summer, you’re certainly not alone. Having sleep apnea can make these challenges even more pronounced, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. To help you rest easier this season, here are some effective tips for improving your sleep quality.

(more…)

Does Botox Really Help With TMD?

June 20, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — bettersleepdent @ 1:44 pm
A woman receiving a Botox injection in her jaw to treat TMD.

Since 2002, Botox has been changing the face of anti-aging. But what used to be a treatment reserved only for the rich and famous is now a household name thanks to its impressive results and affordable price tag.  But did you know that Botox was initially used for therapeutic purposes? Originally used to treat strabismus (a condition that causes crossed eyes), Botox is now used to address not just those but myriad other ailments, including temporomandibular jaw disorder (TMD). If you suffer from TMD, here’s why you should consider getting some relief with the help of Botox.

(more…)

Can Sleep Apnea Make It More Difficult to Manage Type 2 Diabetes?

May 10, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — bettersleepdent @ 3:34 pm
Person with diabetes using monitor to check blood glucose

Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic condition that, if not properly managed, can cause widespread damage to the body’s cells. If you have this condition, you may be trying to control it via diet and exercise, both of which are extremely important! But did you know that the quality of your sleep can also affect your diabetes? This blog post delves into the relationship between sleep apnea and blood glucose levels.

(more…)

Can Essential Oils Relieve TMJ Pain?

April 14, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — bettersleepdent @ 4:06 pm
Close-up of bottle of lavender essential oil

Natural medicine is seeing a boom in popularity. Indeed, many natural remedies can be effective, and they often have fewer side effects than pharmaceutical treatment options. For example, many people are choosing to use essential oils to support their health. Essential oils have many reported uses; they might even be able to relieve TMJ pain! Let’s talk more about how they could be incorporated into your plan for reducing jaw discomfort and related symptoms.

(more…)

National Sleep Awareness Week: Things to Know About Sleep Apnea

March 11, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — bettersleepdent @ 5:42 pm
a pillow and clock for National Sleep Awareness Week

National Sleep Awareness Week started back in 1998 in the hope of educating people on the significance of maintaining a good and healthy sleep cycle. However, while you might know the importance of getting enough rest to improve your overall well-being, it can be difficult to do this if you’re dealing with an issue like sleep apnea. Keep reading to learn how this disorder can start and what you can do to improve your situation for greater rest.

(more…)

Chewing Gum: A Harmless Habit or TMJ Troublemaker?

February 9, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — bettersleepdent @ 7:49 pm
Woman holding her jaw due to TMJ pain

Chewing gum is a common habit for many, whether it’s to freshen breath, curb hunger, or help them concentrate. However, for those with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, chewing gum may not be as harmless as it seems! This painful condition can affect your quality of life in many ways, but what is it, and why does gum make it so much worse?

Read on to learn more about TMJ disorder and the effects of chewing gum on its progression.

(more…)

Can Pregnancy Cause Sleep Apnea?

January 18, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — bettersleepdent @ 5:32 pm

Pregnant woman relaxing in bedDid you know that 39 million adults in the US have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? An obstruction created by the tongue or soft tissues in the back of the mouth can cause frequent breathing disruptions throughout the night. This can lead to potentially life-threatening complications with no treatment. Although anyone can develop OSA, various factors increase your risk, including pregnancy. If you’re not getting enough oxygen while you’re sleeping, your baby is also being deprived. Here’s what you need to know to keep you and your little one healthy.

(more…)

Older Posts »