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What TMJ Dentist to See for TMJ Jaw Pain in Rockville MD?

Posted on by Holistic Dentist

Who Should I See for TMJ Disorder in Rockville MD?

tmj pain

The Best Doctor or Dentist to see for Jaw Pain / TMJ Disorder ( TMJD ) is someone who is trained in identifying all the conditions that can cause TMJ Dysfunction. It is also important for this TMJ Doctor or TMJ Dentist to be able to rule out all the other diagnoses that may mimic TMJ and TMD. All the things that cause TMJ are in the mouth, head and neck and certainly relate to teeth, jaws and Airway. The Best Doctor to see for TMJ is a Dentist, but not just any Dentist. To receive proper and effective treatment for TMD, it is necessary to see a dentist with specialty training in the areas of the Bite, Sleep Dentistry and Orthodontics / Orthopedics. There is a strong link between Sleep Disorders, night time airway issues and TMJ Disorders.  Dentists who treat Sleep Apnea find that 75% of people with Sleep Apnea also suffer from TMJ symptoms. The Patient may also have a condition called upper airway restriction syndrome or UARS.

 What is TMJ Disorder and What Causes it?

TMJ disorder symptoms

Ultimately TMJ disorder symptoms are caused by night time clenching. In deep sleep the tongue relaxes and falls back into the throat and gets in the way of breathing. Night time clenching is a defense mechanism of the body to get the tongue out of the throat, so normal unobstructed breathing can be restored. People who have small mouths and small jaws are especially at risk because the tongue does not have room to fit in the mouth and it easily falls back into the throat when it relaxes. The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the body and in deep sleep, it loses tone and it falls back into the throat if there is not enough room for it to fit in between the teeth.

During a night of sleep, TMJ dysfunction patients will clench their teeth thousands of times. 80% of people who clench their teeth do not even know it. No surprise, how after hundreds and thousands of teeth clenching episodes, jaws, teeth, heads, TM joints, necks and backs can hurt.

TMJ is really just a symptom of a Sleep Disorder. Recent research shows that 75% of people with TMJ dysfunction have Sleep Apnea. The real question may be, “What causes Sleep Apnea…”

TMJ symptoms can also be caused by a bad bite. A bite or the fit of the teeth is poor when spaces in the mouth are small and teeth are crowded.

How is TMJ Diagnosed?

TMJ is diagnosed by recognizing the common symptoms and conditions of TMJ Dysfunction.

  • Mouth and Jaw issues – Popping a Clicking of the Jaw Joints,  Hyper salivation, uncomfortable tongue position and posture, difficulty opening the mouth, teeth sensitivity, uncoordinated jaw movements, jaw soreness and deviation on opening of the jaw.
  • Head Problems – migraine headaches, sinus problems, forehead pain, ear ringing or fullness, visual disturbances
  • Body Issues – neck tension, arthritis, tingling in the fingers and extremities, and overall head, back and neck stiffness.

What is the Treatment for TMJ?

dna appliance

The Best Treatment for TMJ is DNA Appliance Therapy. DNA Appliance is an orthopedic appliance that creates more room in the mouth for the tongue, teeth and other structures. The DNA causes bone growth and permanently assists the jaws in growing wider and deeper. The DNA Appliance also balances the relationship of the upper and lower jaws and the overall bite. The DNA Appliance can create room for the tongue to fit properly in the mouth and prevent collapse of the tongue into the throat at night time. If DNA treatment is effective it will correct the cause of night time clenching – That is it will create more room in the mouth to allow for proper tongue position and night time breathing.

What is TMJ by TMJ Dentist in Rockville MD

Posted on by Holistic Dentist

What Causes TMJ / What is TMJ?

  1. We are a group of local dentists in Rockville Maryland, with experience dealing with TMJ issues for over 20 years combined. When the jaws are too small there is inadequate tongue space among other Night-time breathing Restrictions. During deep sleep the tongue (a powerful muscle) relaxes and falls back into the throat and gets in the way of easy breathing. The bodies defense mechanism is to clench and wake-up the sleeper who is not getting enough oxygen. Most often the result of a night-time clench is to get the tongue out of the throat and bring the sleeper into a lighter sleep. Night time clenching, grinding causes jaw pain, neck and back tension, headaches among other symptoms. This condition is commonly called “TMJ.” TMJ Dentists call it TMD or temporal mandibular joint dysfunction. Often times people do not know they clench their teeth at night time because they are asleep be it deeper or lighter sleep. But the concept of an Upper Airway Restriction is a simple one. Basically if the mouth and airway is too small, it does not allow easy night time breathing.
  2. A Bad imbalanced bite. If the teeth do not fit together in a balanced way, a comfortable resting jaw posture position is impaired. The poor bite will lead to clenching and grinding.

TMJ Pain is mostly caused by Upper Airway Restrictions? What Causes Upper Airway Restriction?

  1. Small Mouth. That is a mouth where there is not much space between the teeth. A mouth where the tongue does not fit in the space between the teeth or in the palate. Here you will usually see crowed teeth, deep and narrow palates and a tied tongue.
what causes tmj
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Key for TMJ Doctor is to create more room in the Mouth

Open airway and to balance the relationship between the upper a lower jaws. Once there is more room in the mouth, the tongue will have space to fit into the front part of the mouth and the tendency will be less for the tongue to fall back into the throat and airway at night time during sleep. Sleep doctors know the tongue and other soft tissue obstructing the airway at nighttime is what can lead to sleep apnea. Clenching of the teeth is a defense mechanism to arouse an individual. When clenching occurs, the individual will normally arouse to a lighter sleep and the tongue will move forward and out of the throat.

Sleep disturbances is a common finding in people with TMJ

but we believe the ultimate cause of TMJ pain, Sleep disturbances (including Obstructive Apnea), Orthodontic Problems ( tooth crowding, open bites, deep bites, etc ) and many postural problems is a small airway and under developed jaws and mouths. We believe early diagnosis of Tied Tongues, Tied Lips and corrective treatments such as removal of tied lips and tongues and expansive orthopedic appliances are critical.

The DNA Appliance is the best TMJ Appliance to treat Adults with TMJ Pain

dna appliance for TMJ

The DNA Appliance will open the airway by causing Adult Upper and Lower Jaws to grow larger. The Appliance also has a biting area to allow a TMJ Dentist to balance the bite and create a better relationship (more restful one) between the upper and lower jaws. The ability of the DNA Appliance to open the airway and balance the bite makes the DNA the perfect Appliance for the treament of TMJ pain related to night time clenching and airway issues.

Dentures vs Dental Implants in Rockville Maryland

Posted on by Holistic Dentist

Should I go with a Denture or Upgrade to Implants

 

dentures vs implants                          implants vs dentures

 

Dentures Pros and Cons

Dentures are the lowest cost solution but not permanent and needs to be removed for cleaning. Dentures feel large bulky and un natural. Dentures may be unstable and you may need to wear gooey adhesive to hold them into your mouth. Dentures often come dislodged during eating and sometimes while talking even. Chewing food can be difficult because the dentures move around. Dentures deliver 30-40% of normal chewing function. Dentures cover large amounts of the mouth with plastic and can cause the patients food to taste differently. Dentures eventually need to be relined and made over again. Bone and facial structure loss continues without any teeth replacement. A face can begin to look sunken in smaller and aged.

Dental Implant Pros and Cons:

The most costly solution, but implants normally last a lifetime. Implants are permanent and stay in the mouth. Dental Implants feel and function like natural teeth. Patients will be able to chew with 90-100% of normal chewing function. Implants are not bulky and feel a lot more natural and similar to natural teeth. Implants preserve bone and prevent jaw bones and facial structures from collapsing and sinking inward. Implant will keep a patients smile and face looking young and vital. With dental implants there is no gooey denture adhesives to wear because implants are rooted in the jaws like natural teeth. Implants should perform as teeth and need minimal if any maintenance into the future.

hopefully this clarifies the debate:

Implants vs Dentures

The main obstacle for dental implants is the cost of dental implants. Conventional Dentures are a lot more affordable. Additionally, when natural teeth fail, even the costs of removing teeth and making dentures can be expensive. The cost of extractions and dentures can cost thousands of dollars and most dental insurances usually only pay $1000 – $1500 per year on the average. Most medical insurances do not cover oral surgeon services unless the patient is severely medically sick.

Implant Dentures are a more affordable option than a full mouth of Dental Implants

dental implant over denture

If dental implants are not affordable, there are options involving combinations of implants and dentures, called over dentures. Over dentures connect to a small number of implants for stability, but still adapt to the gums and are removable like dentures. implant retained over dentures are usually half the cost of full mouth dental implant cases. An implant denture may be a temporary solution while the patient saves money for more implants and a permanent bridge. often times the stability of implant dentures is so good, an implant patient may not care that they overdenture is removable.

What is the Link between Tongue Tie, TMJ Disorder and Sleep Apnea

Posted on by Holistic Dentist

How Does Tongue Tie Affect Jaw and Airway Development?

Conditions of Tongue Tie, Lip Tie and ALF treatment should be explored in kids with crowded teeth. If a tongue is “tied” down it has limited range of motion and it does not stimulate and push the teeth and jaws out properly during child development. The push of the tongue is what develops the jaws in face in a growing child. The Tongue can also not reach the Palate when it is Tied. The Tongue is responsible for developing the shape of the palate. If a Tongue is Tied, it may not even be able to reach the Palate. Palates in cases of a tied tongue will be high-vaulted and narrow. Tongue Tie can lead to under development of the jaws and airway. Small Mouths and Airways can lead to TMJ Pain and Sleep Apnea in Adulthood. Lip Ties will draw the lips back onto the teeth, resisting outward growth of the Jaws. When a Tongue is un-tied it can regain it’s range of motion and promote proper facial development.

 

 tongue tie

Tongue Tie and Lip Tie can easily be treated in 1 min. with minimal pain and no bleeding. Diode Laser Treatment removes the unwanted attachment  or “Tie”in seconds. The Procedure is called a “Frenectomy”

obstructive sleep apnea

Growth and development of mouth begins within the uterus and continues for approximately the first six months of an infant’s life. Oral health and development problems usually develop within the first year of life. Negative changes and abnormalities in the face, mouth structures and airway are largely responsible for developmental abnormalities within the oral cavity. Tongue plays an important role in the normal development growth and function of mouth structures. Tongue is present in the floor of mouth and is attached to different bones through muscles. Tongue makes connection with the lower jaw, hyoid bone, styloid process and pharynx.

Mastication, chewing, swallowing, taste perception and sound production are among the important functions in which tongue assists teeth and mouth structures. Tip and margin of tongue, its dorsum and inferior surfaces and its root all play their part. The tip or margin of tongue usually rests against the upper front teeth while body of tongue rests against the palate. When your tongue is placed in correct posture, it exerts an upward and forward force on upper jaws helping in proper growth and development. Abnormal tongue posture causes disturbed jaw development as well as crowded teeth. Majority of tongue forces become distal in case of para-function.

Approximately 1.4 grams force is usually sufficient for causing movement of teeth and alterations in the bone structure in your mouth. Tongue muscles are capable of exerting approximately 500 grams force. These forces must work properly in a coordinated fashion according to body’s requirements in order to achieve healthy functioning and attractive smiles. These forces can be balanced if swallowing patterns are under control and upper tongue rest posture is maintained. This helps in the normal eruption of teeth around the tongue in lower jaw and prevents mal-alignment and development of rotated and crooked teeth.

In conclusion, your tongue must rest against the palate having lips sealed and the teeth slightly apart or in light contact. A perfect teeth occlusion and a beautiful smile depend upon normal tongue posture and shape. In case of tongue abnormalities and disorders, consult your oral surgeon for an early management plan.

DNA Appliance Therapy is a good option for adults suffering for from TMJ, Sleep Apnea and Jaw Under Development.

Yoga Breathing Improves Sleep Apnea

Posted on by Holistic Dentist

Yoga Breathing Improves Sleep Apnea

sleep apnea dentist rockville

Breathing is a function that comes naturally, but sometimes the basic vital function can go wrong and be the source of disease. These Diseases Include:

Or Wait, Maybe we need to create a new name for a Disease, Because all these diseases/conditions are caused by Poor Breathing Function. We should all just take a moment to “Breathe” and think about this for a moment.

Treating poor Breathing Function is covered brilliantly in a “guide” titled, “Yoga Breathing For Sleep Apnea”, by Marc MacDonald, M.Sc. The Guide teaches you techniques of yoga breathing through a series of exercises. The purpose of the Exercises is to improve or cure Sleep Apnea by strengthening the breathing systems and airway through Yoga Breathing Techniques.

The Guide is organized into eight easy to follow stages to simplify the therapy for the reader. The first four stages of the guide are performed lying down while the second half of the exercises are performed sitting. The book is written so the stages can be followed by anyone and it should not be necessary to involve a Yoga instructor.

  • Stage 1: The goal of this first lying-down exercise is to help you become attentive, invigorate your nerves, loosen up your lung movement and prepare your lungs for deep breathing
  • Stage 2: This exercise basically teaches you the art of exhalation. Controlled exhalation is emphasized here with the aim of soothing your nerves and calming your brain.
  • Stage 3: This exercise focuses on the art of inhalation. In this stage, you will get to learn an inhalation technique that would invigorate your nervous system.
  • Stage 4: This last of a series of lying-down breathing exercise teaches you how to master your inhalation and exhalation skills, the effects of which are heightened energy and relaxed nerves.
  • Stage 5: This fifth breathing exercise is similar to stage 1, but requires you to sit down instead of lying down. This first sit-down breathing exercise emphasizes the art of observation that will lead to even breathing.
  • Stage 6: Like the stage 2, this exercise will enable you to learn how to lengthen the duration of your exhalation skill while sitting down.
  • Stage 7: This penultimate stage is the sit-down version of the lie-down breathing exercise of stage 3. Here you will learn the art of inhalation while in a sitting position.
  • Stage 8: This ultimate breathing exercise is also considered as the Ujjayi pranayama proper. Here, you will learn how to master your breathing skills the ultimate goal of which is the transmission of life-giving energy to all the vital parts of your body.

This guide also demonstrates the four major techniques of sleep meditation that you can do to treat your sleep apnea. These four sleep meditation techniques include: Left Nostril Breathing, Clearing Your Mind, The Power Nap and Progressive Muscle Relaxation.

  • Left Nostril Breathing: As the name suggests, the reader will breathe the proper way through the left nostril by blocking the right nostril with fingers until the reader drifts to sleep. The reader will also learn through this sleep meditation technique the concepts of breaths as he/she goes through the exercise.
  • Clearing Your Mind: This exercise emphasizes deep meditation through visualization of things or events that you have done and what you are going to do. You need to equip yourself any writing implement, but preferably a pen or pencil and a clean sheets of papers. Unused notebook or diary can be a good choice to scribble on your notes as you perform this exercise.
  • The Power Nap: Power nap is thought to be another excellent sleep meditation technique wherein you can adopt to treat your sleep apnea. This exercise doesn’t need more than a simple sleeping position and an equally simple visualization of a clock as your virtual timer while you take your power nap.
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This meditation technique is designed to allow the release of tensions from all parts of your body through progressive concentrations on each group of body parts until you drift to sleep.

To Buy the Guide Click

The DNA Appliance is an appliance that increases the size of the bony structures of the Jaws and Airway. The DNA Appliance along with Breathing exercises is a great way to improve breathing function and curb diseases caused by Breathing Dysfunction.