What is bruxism? Bruxism is defined by repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterized by grinding or clenching of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible. It can occur during sleep or during wakefulness. Bruxism in healthy individuals may be a risk factor for negative oral health consequences such as: severe tooth enamel wear, fractured/damaged...
Snoring and Waking Up Unrefreshed? Here’s How to Get Tested for Sleep Apnea?
March 26, 2024by Worcester Sleep Dentistry
Testing for sleep apnea involves two primary methods: polysomnography, an overnight sleep study conducted in a laboratory or hospital setting, and home sleep tests, which are suitable for certain conditions in adults. Here’s an improved, detailed explanation with reasons for considering a sleep test, explained with bullet points: Polysomnography (In-Lab Sleep Study): This comprehensive test...
How Does Sleep Disordered Breathing and Sleep Apnea Affect My Child?
February 27, 2024by Worcester Sleep Dentistry
Researchers estimate that 1-5% of the children may have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea in children can sleepiness if left untreated. In children, sleepiness can manifest as inattention, learning difficulty, impulsive behavior, and other behavioral problems. In children large adenoids and tonsils can contribute to sleep disordered breathing, but also dentofacial morphology can further contribute...
Menopause has been described as risk for sleep disordered breathing or sleep apnea. During menopause, women experience hormonal and physical changes and these changes can affect sleep. Progesterone levels fluctuate during menopause transition, declining to very low levels in the postmenopausal period. In a study from women with sleep complaints, 53% had sleep apnea, periodic...
Sleep is essential for wellbeing and overall health. When we sleep, we allow our heart to rest and cells and tissues to repair. Loss of sleep, as can be found with those with sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing, is associated with decline in cognitive function, and in athletes this could affect decision making and...
Oral health is integral to general health and well-being. It means to be free of chronic oral facial conditions, oral cancers, oral soft tissue lesions, and dental caries.
A headache is a very common symptom in TMD patients. What causes it and how can it be treated?
Sometimes our children snore! Especially after a cold, nasal congestion or if they have allergies, but if we notice that snoring continues after the acute episode has subsided, we may want to seek professional help.