Did you know that the alignment of your jaw can have devastating effect on your overall health, such as sleeping, eating and breathing?
These daily, and often taken for granted habits, are a luxury for those suffering with TMD.
At Larry Saylor’s Dental Practice in Brandon, Florida we take a special interest in the area of helping those with TMD to regain their quality of life.
What is TMD?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jaw to the sides of your skull, and is located in front of the ears. When this joint is not working properly or overworked as a result of teeth grinding and clenching, This can result in a bite unbalance, known as TMD (Temporomandibular disorders) with symptoms such as:
- Chronic Headaches
- Difficulty swallowing
- Earaches, ringing in the ears
- Clicking or grating of the jaw
- Pain in and around the jaw joints
- Locking of the jaw or difficulty moving jaw
- A tired feeling in the face
- Sleeping problems
The connection between TMD and sleep apnea
Although snoring is common, it can also indicate that your jaw may be unbalanced which causes what is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the soft tissue and muscles at the back of the throat relax too much while you sleep because of the position of your jaw. These muscles which are for holding the airway open tend to relax and cause a blockage of your airways. In severe cases, patients experience long pauses where no oxygen is able reach their lungs and causes them to wake up gasping for air. To remedy sleep apnea, reposition the jaw and alleviate the host of related symptoms, a night splint is worn.
Professional diagnoses is imperative
Here at Larry Saylor’s Dental Practice in Brandon, Florida, we can treat and alleviate the multitude of unpleasant health conditions related to the misalignment of your jaw. However, since TMD can be tricky to diagnose since symptoms are closely related to other health issues, it’s important to seek professional diagnoses. Dr Saylor understands TMJ Dysfunction and will be able to give you a thorough examination in order to properly pinpoint the source of the issue and prescribe the correct treatment.
Treating TMD and all its unpleasant symptoms with a night splint
In some cases, Dr Saylor may prescribe oral appliance therapy worn while you sleep.This oral appliance, known as a night splint, is custom made to fit comfortably in your mouth while you sleep to improve your quality of life and overall health. A night splint can help you get a better night’s sleep, protect your teeth from grinding, corrects your bite and relieves headaches as a result.
