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Do My Migraines Mean I Have TMJ Disorder? | Yorba Linda Dentist

Nothing is worse than a really bad headache. If you are one of the many patients that deal with migraines, you are on an entirely different level. As many as 1 in 4 homes has someone that suffers from these painful migraines, which is probably why migraines are rated among the most disabling medical illnesses in the world. The problem is lots of times, it isn’t a migraine to be dismissed. It could be something that may be caused by one of your temporomandibular joints, or TMJ.

If you are unaware, TMJ is the joint where your lower jaw is attached to your skull, so you have TMJs on both sides of your face. Problems related to said joints are classified as TMJ disorders. Common examples of TMJ disorders are frequent migraines, having trouble sleeping and difficulty closing and opening the mouth. TMJ may also result in a number of other problems, including:

Once identified, alleviating the pain caused by TMJ is simple. A mouth guard will be recommended while you sleep and any time you find yourself grinding or clenching your teeth. Massage or relaxation therapy will help alleviate your need to tighten your jaw, thereby relieving some pain. And your diet will change your diet to decrease the need for chewing and an increase in calcium and/or magnesium intake.

For more information about TMJ disorder, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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What You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea | Yorba Linda Dentist

We all love getting some sleep, especially after a long day. The fantastic feeling you have after a good night’s sleep is comparable to little else. But what if you don’t sleep well? Sadly, sleep disorders are a common occurrence. In fact, one in five people have obstructive sleep apnea, but they don’t know it as 85 percent of these sufferers have yet to be diagnosed.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, is a sleeping disorder that is caused by the constriction of throat muscles while you sleep, causing the inability to breathe. Once the brain realizes there is no breathing, it jolts the body awake to restart it. Breathing is restored, but sleep has been interrupted.

Because you’re asleep at the time, many don’t even realize they have an issue. But if you feel any of the following symptoms, it’s time to get checked out:

  • Loud snoring
  • Sleepiness or fatigue during the day
  • High blood pressure
  • Choking or gasping during sleep witnessed by others
  • Headaches, sore throat, dry mouth when you wake
  • Frequent urination at night
  • Poor concentration, reaction time, and/or memory
  • Poor decision-making
  • Loss of motivation, moodiness, loss of sex drive and work efficiency

So, if you find that you are having difficulty sleeping, or keeping your energy up during the day, you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Make an appointment to get a sleep study done. If they find that it is OSA, there are ways to help you get a good night’s sleep.

For more information about Obstructive Sleep Apnea, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.