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6 Warning Signs of TMJ Issues in Carmel, IN

By Really Smile on May 17, 2023

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It can cause significant discomfort and impact a person’s quality of life. Being aware of the warning signs of TMJ issues is crucial for early detection and prompt treatment.

Today, we will explore the common warning signs of TMJ problems (specifically in Carmel, IN), empowering residents to seek appropriate care and find relief.

1. Jaw Pain and Tenderness

One of the primary symptoms of TMJ disorder is jaw pain and tenderness. If you experience discomfort or pain while chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth wide, it could be an indication of a TMJ issue. Pay attention to any pain that radiates to the face, neck, or shoulders as well.

2. Clicking or Popping Sounds

Another common warning sign of TMJ problems is clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth. These noises may arise due to misalignment or damage to the temporomandibular joint. If these sounds persist or are accompanied by pain, it is advisable to consult a dentist or a TMJ specialist in Carmel, IN.

3. Difficulty in Jaw Movement

Limited jaw movement or a sensation of your jaw getting stuck can be an indication of TMJ disorder. If you find it challenging to fully open or close your mouth or experience a sudden locking sensation, it’s crucial to seek professional evaluation. Restricted jaw movement can affect your ability to eat, speak, and perform daily activities comfortably.

4. Facial Pain and Headaches

TMJ issues can cause facial pain, including discomfort in the temples, cheeks, or around the ears. Frequent headaches, migraines, and even earaches are commonly associated with TMJ disorders. If you notice these symptoms persistently occurring, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

5. Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching

Bruxism, or teeth grinding and jaw clenching, often goes hand in hand with TMJ problems. Excessive clenching and grinding can strain the jaw muscles, leading to pain and inflammation. If you wake up with jaw pain, sore facial muscles, or notice flattened or worn-down teeth, it may be a sign of TMJ-related bruxism.

6. Ear-Related Symptoms

TMJ issues can manifest as various ear-related symptoms, such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), ear congestion, or a feeling of fullness in the ears. These symptoms may occur due to the close proximity of the temporomandibular joint to the ear structures. If you experience persistent ear-related discomfort along with other TMJ warning signs, consult a healthcare professional.

Recognizing the warning signs of TMJ issues is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. If you reside in Carmel, IN, and experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional dental or medical attention. Dr. Smith at Really Smile can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options to alleviate your TMJ-related concerns, helping you regain comfort and improve your overall well-being.

Sleep Apnea: Drawbacks and Solutions

By Really Smile on April 24, 2023

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can lead to a variety of negative health consequences.

Unfortunately, many people in Carmel, Indiana (and the surrounding areas) aren’t aware of the drawbacks of sleep apnea, which is why they don’t get diagnosed properly, nor seek solutions.

Let’s go over some drawbacks to sleep apnea and solutions (including some treatments you can get at Really Smile Dentistry), so you can better determine whether this needs to be addressed in your life.

Sleep Apnea Drawbacks

Some of the disadvantages of sleep apnea for people in Indiana include:

Daytime fatigue: The frequent interruptions in sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, making it difficult to concentrate and perform daily activities.
Cognitive impairment: Sleep apnea has been linked to cognitive impairment, including memory loss, decreased attention span, and poor decision-making skills.
Cardiovascular problems: Sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Type 2 diabetes: People with sleep apnea are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, possibly due to the disruption of glucose metabolism caused by the condition.
Mood disorders: Sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and irritability.
Reduced quality of life: The negative effects of sleep apnea can impact a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to enjoy activities, maintain relationships, and participate in social events.
Increased risk of accidents: Daytime fatigue caused by sleep apnea can increase the risk of accidents at work, while driving, or during other daily activities.

Sleep Apnea Solutions

There are several solutions for sleep apnea in Carmel, IN, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s specific needs. Here are some options:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP is a machine that delivers a continuous stream of air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. This is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Oral appliances: These devices are designed to help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw or tongue. They can be custom-made by a dentist, so be sure to ask us about this option, as we may be able to help.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue or to correct structural problems that are causing the airway to collapse during sleep.
Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and sleeping on one’s side instead of the back can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.
Positional therapy: Some people with positional sleep apnea may benefit from using special pillows or devices to keep them in a certain position during sleep.
Behavioral therapy: This can include cognitive-behavioral therapy to address underlying anxiety or stress that may be contributing to sleep apnea, as well as breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.

It is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate solution for an individual’s specific needs. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith and our Carmel-based dental practice, contact us today!

How Dental Work Can Help with Headaches

By Really Smile on March 23, 2023

Headaches are one of the most common problems for most of us in the Carmel area. In fact, 36 million Americans suffer from migraines, so it’s a prevalent issue for people across the country. Almost 25 percent of homes include someone with migraines and it ranks in the top 20 of the world’s most disabling medical illnesses.

So, what causes them? Surprisingly, as many as 75 percent of them might be due to dental problems.

Specifically, they could be caused a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ disorders involve problems with the jaw and severe headaches are just one of the symptoms. It could also be because of a missing tooth, a misaligned bite or crooked teeth. That’s why it’s important to consider visiting a dentist before you consider costly alternatives.

Dental-Related Headache Symptoms

The big question is, how do you know if you’re suffering dental-related headaches or simply migraines? Both involve chronic or severe headaches, but there are other signs that it may be caused by your teeth, such as:

You get little or no success with treatments for migraines.
Your headaches are located in your temples, the back of your head or shoulders.
You frequently clench or grind your teeth.
You experience stiffness or tension in your jaw.

There’s no guaranteed method for determining if you have a TMJ disorder or other dental-related issue, but the best way to identify it is by visiting Dr. Smith at Really Smile to receive an initial diagnosis.

Dental-Related Headache Treatments

Fortunately, headache relief can be much easier than identifying it. Once Dr. Smith provides a diagnosis that you may have a TMJ disorder or other dental-related problem that’s causing headaches, they may prescribe one of the following options:

A massage – Stress and tension can affect more than your muscles; they can cause clenching and grinding teeth. A relaxing technique like a massage can help.
A diet change – Changing what you eat and drink may be helpful, as certain diets decrease sugar intake or increase calcium/magnesium intake.
A nightguard – Used to prevent grinding and clenching, these customized plastic mouthguards (often called nightguards) are usually worn when sleeping and separate your teeth slightly.
A corrective dental treatment – The cause of your headaches may be a simple dental problem. If that’s the case, your dentist will prescribe a treatment that corrects your bite via a crown, bridge or braces. They could also recommend a dental implant for missing teeth.

If you’d like to know more about headaches and dental work—and the solutions we provide for people with TMJ problems in Carmel, IN—schedule a consultation with us today!

5 Sleep Apnea Health Risks You Should Know About

By Really Smile on December 15, 2022

Sleep apnea is a common problem for residents of Carmel, IN, and beyond.

Experts estimate that it affects 936 million people aged 30-69 worldwide. The only problem is, many of us just don’t we have it.

While sleep apnea is usually associated with snoring, there are several other side affects of sleep apnea that are dangerous for your physical and mental health. Here are five of them:

1. Heart Disease

Since obstructive sleep apnea involves blockage of your airways during sleep, it deprives the body from oxygen. This can increase the risk of a heart attack or other cardiovascular issues, especially if it goes untreated.

2. Drowsy Driving

Sleep apnea reduces your ability to fall into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Since your body is constantly being interrupted, it never gets the sleep it truly needs. This can cause fatigue throughout the day, which is especially dangerous for drivers.

3. Depression

Studies have shown that sleep problems may be directly related with mental illnesses like depression. This is likely due to the fact that anything interrupting your body’s “clock” can affect your mood.

4. Headaches

People with sleep apnea also tend to suffer from headaches, especially in the morning. Since sleep apnea stresses your body, it increases tension and headaches are a natural result of that.

5. High Blood Pressure

Also related to body stress, high blood pressure can occur if sleep apnea goes untreated for an extended period of time. Increased stress leads to rising blood pressure, which can damage your arteries and cause plaque to build up.

The good news is that all of these sleep apnea health risks can be avoided with sleep apnea dentistry. From nightguards to snoring appliances, Dr. Smith at Really Smile can design a solution to fit your needs. If you’re interested in one, schedule a consult today!

Is Snoring Bad for Your Health?

By Really Smile on November 17, 2022

Do you live in Carmel, IN, and struggle with snoring? If you do, you’re not alone. Approximately two out of every five people in Indiana struggle with this form of sleep apnea, as does the rest of the nation.

While it may seem like a nuisance (especially for anyone sharing your bed), it may actually cause harm to your brain and overall health, potentially resulting in scary diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia.

According to research, there appears to be a direct relationship between disrupted sleep breathing and cognitive ability. It makes sense, as any stoppage in breathing can disrupt the amount of oxygen that travels through your blood and reaches your brain.

The good news is that researchers found that people in Carmel, Indiana, and the surrounding areas who use devices to prevent snoring can lower the risk of developing brain disease.

Snoring Statistics

So why is snoring such a problem? For starters, it can affect almost anyone. It’s also a form of sleep apnea, which means people who suffer from snoring stop breathing for anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

Here are some other facts about snoring to consider from the American Association of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM):

An estimated 10 to 12 percent of children snore.
Obese or overweight people tend to snore more, as do alcohol and drug users.
An estimated 24 percent of adult women and 40 percent of adult men struggle with habitual snoring.
Both men and women are more likely to snore as they age and snoring appears to run in families.

The biggest problem with snoring is that it often goes undiagnosed. If you think you may snore, it’s important to get evaluated by a physician, then see our Carmel, Indiana, dental practice for a solution.

Snoring/Sleep Apnea Solutions

Dr. Smith at Really Smile Dental can give you an oral appliance that addresses snoring. There are two basic types of these appliances:

Tongue-retaining appliances
Jaw-repositioning appliances

Both open the airway and allow you to breathe easy at night. Dr. Smith can customize your device to ensure it fits properly and is comfortable enough to use during sleep.

If you’d like to know more about snoring and sleep apnea — and how you can address these issues — schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith today!

How To Prevent TMJ Problems

By Really Smile on October 13, 2022

Your jaw is more important than you might think. You use it every day for speaking, chewing, swallowing and yawning. So what happens if there’s a problem with the muscles, ligaments, joints or bones in your jaw? It could result in a painful problem known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH) estimates that more than 10 million Americans may be affected by TMJ disorders. That’s about one in every 33 people, meaning Indiana could potentially have an estimated 200,000-plus residents with TMJ issues (based on the state’s population of 6.7 million in 2020).

If you live in Carmel, IN, or the surrounding areas and this sounds like you, read on to discover common types of TMJ problems and how to prevent them.

Common Types of TMJ Issues

One of the problems usually associated with TMJ disorders is pain in your jaw, face, neck or shoulders. This can be temporary or last for many years, but often comes with other problematic side effects. There are also other types of TMJ problems, such as:

Difficulty chewing due to misaligned upper and lower teeth
An inability to open the mouth wide.
Dizziness, headaches, ringing in the ears
Tiredness/swelling on one ore more sides of the face.
Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth.

Fortunately, there are several ways to both treat and prevent TMJ disorders in Carmel, Indiana.

Preventing TMJ Problems

It’s important to get a diagnosis from Dr. Smith at Really Smile Dental or another professional TMJ dentist to see if you have a disorder, but there are still steps you can take to prevent or address it. The American Dental Association (ADA) is a great resource for this, as they suggest the following:

Eat softer foods
Use a night guard or bite plate to decrease clenching or grinding of teeth
Focus on exercises that strengthen your jaw muscles
Avoid chewing gum and biting your nails
Use heat packs to combat pain
Practice relaxation techniques to control jaw tension

If you’d like to know more about TMJ problems and how you can prevent them, schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith today!