From Exhaustion to Energy: Overcoming Sleep Apnea's Daily Challenges

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to fragmented and poor-quality rest. While the physical and medical implications of sleep apnea are widely known, its impact on daily life and overall well-being is often overlooked. In this blog post, we will explore the daily challenges faced by individuals with sleep apnea and discuss effective strategies to overcome exhaustion and regain energy.

Understanding Sleep Apnea:

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop for brief periods. These interruptions can happen multiple times throughout the night, leading to a disrupted sleep cycle. As a result, individuals with sleep apnea often wake up feeling tired, groggy, and lacking energy, which can significantly impact their ability to function optimally during the day.

The Daily Challenges of Sleep Apnea:

• Persistent Fatigue: The most prevalent and noticeable challenge for individuals with sleep apnea is constant fatigue. Despite spending an adequate number of hours in bed, their sleep is not restorative, leaving them feeling exhausted and lethargic throughout the day.
  
  
• Daytime Sleepiness: Sleep apnea affects the quality of sleep, resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness. Individuals may struggle to stay awake or find themselves nodding off in inappropriate situations, such as during work meetings or while driving, which can be dangerous.
  
  
• Cognitive Impairment: Lack of quality sleep due to sleep apnea can impair cognitive function. Individuals may experience difficulties with concentration, memory, decision-making, and overall mental clarity, impacting their productivity and performance in various tasks.
  
  
• Mood Swings and Irritability: Sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can lead to mood swings, irritability, and increased stress levels. Relationships, both personal and professional, may suffer due to a lack of energy and an inability to cope with daily stressors.
  
  
• Reduced Quality of Life: Sleep apnea can take a toll on an individual's overall quality of life. Chronic fatigue and daytime sleepiness can limit participation in social activities, hobbies, and physical exercise, leading to feelings of isolation and reduced enjoyment of life.
  
  

Overcoming Sleep Apnea's Daily Challenges:

• Seek Medical Evaluation: If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They may recommend a sleep study to evaluate your sleep patterns and determine the most suitable treatment options.
  
  
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: CPAP therapy is the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask that delivers a continuous stream of air, keeping the airway open during sleep. Regular use of CPAP can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve sleep quality.
  
  
• Lifestyle Modifications: Certain lifestyle changes can help manage sleep apnea and its associated challenges. These include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, establishing a regular sleep schedule, and sleeping on your side instead of your back.
  
  
• Sleep Hygiene Practices: Adopting good sleep hygiene habits can enhance sleep quality for individuals with sleep apnea. This includes creating a comfortable sleep environment, avoiding electronic devices before bed, and practicing relaxation techniques to promote better sleep.
  
  
• Emotional Support: Dealing with sleep apnea can be emotionally challenging. Seek support from family, friends, or support groups who understand and empathize with your situation. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can make the journey easier.

Living with sleep apnea presents daily challenges that can significantly impact one's physical and mental well-being. However, with the right diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle adjustments, individuals can overcome these challenges and regain their energy. By seeking professional help, incorporating effective treatment methods, and making positive changes to their daily routine, individuals with sleep apnea can experience a significant improvement in their quality of life, ultimately transforming exhaustion into energy and vitality.

Laughing Gas Unveiled: The Wonders of Nitrous Oxide in Dentistry

Dentistry has come a long way in making dental procedures more comfortable and anxiety-free for patients. One such remarkable advancement is the use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. In this blog post, we will delve into the wonders of nitrous oxide in dentistry and explore how it has revolutionized the patient experience.

Understanding Nitrous Oxide:

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that has been used in dentistry for over a century. It is a safe and effective sedative agent, commonly employed to alleviate anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is administered through a small mask that fits over the patient's nose, allowing them to breathe in a carefully controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen.

The Benefits of Laughing Gas:

Reduced Anxiety:

• Laughing gas is renowned for its anxiety-reducing properties. It induces a calming and euphoric effect, helping patients feel more at ease before and during dental procedures. This is especially beneficial for individuals with dental phobias or anxieties.

Quick Onset and Offset:

• One of the key advantages of nitrous oxide is its rapid onset and offset. Patients typically start feeling the effects within minutes, and once the mask is removed, the sedative effects wear off quickly. This allows patients to resume their normal activities without lingering drowsiness.

Adjustable Sedation Levels:

• Nitrous oxide administration is easily adjustable, providing dentists with the ability to tailor the sedation level to each patient's specific needs. This makes it a versatile option for a wide range of dental procedures, from routine cleanings to more complex treatments.

No Lingering Side Effects:

• Unlike some other sedation methods, nitrous oxide does not result in lingering side effects. Patients can drive themselves home after the procedure and go about their daily activities without any restrictions.

Enhanced Cooperation in Pediatric Dentistry:

• Laughing gas is particularly beneficial in pediatric dentistry. Its gentle sedative properties help children relax, making it easier for dentists to perform necessary treatments while minimizing stress for both the child and their parents.

Safety Considerations:

• Nitrous oxide is considered extremely safe when administered by trained professionals. It has a long track record of use in dentistry with minimal side effects. Dentists carefully monitor the dosage to ensure the patient's safety and well-being throughout the procedure.

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, has undoubtedly revolutionized the dental experience for countless patients. Its ability to reduce anxiety, provide quick and adjustable sedation, and ensure a swift recovery makes it a valuable tool in modern dentistry. If you have any concerns or questions about the use of nitrous oxide in your dental treatment, don't hesitate to discuss them with your dentist. Embracing innovations like laughing gas is a testament to dentistry's commitment to patient comfort and overall well-being.

Sleep Apnea: Understanding the Condition and Its Treatment Options

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, which can lead to fragmented sleep and a number of related health problems. If you think you might have sleep apnea, it's important to understand the condition and what you can do about it.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea. OSA is the more common type and is caused by a physical blockage in the airway, such as a collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Central sleep apnea is less common and is caused by a problem with the brain's ability to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

The symptoms of sleep apnea can vary from person to person, but common signs include:

• Loud snoring
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Awakening with a headache
• Feeling excessively sleepy during the day
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Restless tossing and turning during sleep

How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study, which can be performed in a sleep center or at home with a portable monitor. During a sleep study, the patient is hooked up to sensors that monitor brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and breathing patterns. The information gathered during the study is used to diagnose the type and severity of sleep apnea.

What are the Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea?

Treatment for sleep apnea varies depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Some of the most common treatments for sleep apnea include:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy: CPAP is a device that delivers a continuous flow of air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.
  
  
• Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and sleeping on your side can all help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea.
  
  
• Oral appliances: These are custom-fitted devices that reposition the jaw and tongue to help maintain an open airway during sleep.
  
  
• Surgery: In severe cases of sleep apnea, surgery may be necessary to remove excess tissue from the airway or to repair structural abnormalities.

In conclusion, sleep apnea is a serious condition that can have significant impacts on your health and quality of life. If you think you may have sleep apnea, it's important to speak with your doctor to discuss your options for treatment. With the right treatment, you can get the restful sleep you need to feel your best.

Sedation Dentistry: How It Can Help You Overcome Dental Anxiety

Going to the dentist is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, but for some people, the thought of sitting in a dental chair can trigger feelings of fear and anxiety. Fortunately, sedation dentistry offers a solution for those who struggle with dental anxiety, allowing them to receive the dental care they need without fear or discomfort.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. There are different levels of sedation available, ranging from mild relaxation to complete unconsciousness, depending on the patient's needs and the type of procedure being performed. The most common types of sedation used in dentistry include:

• Nitrous oxide: Also known as laughing gas, this is a mild sedative that is inhaled through a mask placed over the nose. It produces a feeling of relaxation and euphoria, and the effects wear off quickly once the gas is turned off.
  
  
• Oral sedation: This involves taking a pill or liquid medication prior to the dental procedure to induce a state of relaxation. The medication can make patients drowsy, but they will remain conscious throughout the procedure.
  
  
• IV sedation: This is a deeper form of sedation administered through an intravenous line. Patients are still conscious, but they may have little memory of the procedure and feel groggy for several hours afterward.
  
  
• General anesthesia: This is the deepest form of sedation, in which patients are completely unconscious and unable to respond to stimuli. It is usually reserved for more complex procedures and is administered by a licensed anesthesiologist.

How Can Sedation Dentistry Help?

Sedation dentistry can benefit anyone who experiences fear or anxiety related to dental procedures, including those with:

• Dental phobia: This is an extreme fear of the dentist that can cause physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, and nausea.
  
  
• Previous traumatic dental experiences: Negative experiences with dentistry can cause patients to avoid future dental appointments.
  
  
• Sensitive teeth or gag reflex: These issues can make dental procedures uncomfortable or even painful.
  
  
• Complex dental needs: Some procedures, such as wisdom teeth extraction or root canal therapy, can be lengthy and uncomfortable.

Sedation dentistry can help patients overcome their fear and anxiety, allowing them to receive the dental care they need to maintain good oral health. It can also help patients with sensitive teeth or gag reflexes feel more comfortable during procedures and can make complex procedures more tolerable.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Sedation dentistry is generally considered safe when administered by a trained and licensed dental professional. However, like any medical procedure, it does carry some risks. Patients should inform their dentist of any medical conditions or medications they are taking before undergoing sedation. In addition, they should have a responsible adult accompany them to the appointment and should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours afterward.

In conclusion, sedation dentistry is an excellent option for those who struggle with dental anxiety or other issues that make dental procedures uncomfortable or painful. By working with a trained and licensed dental professional, patients can safely and comfortably receive the dental care they need to maintain good oral health.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is the tiny channel within the tooth that runs from the top of the tooth down to the tip of the root. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues that help keep the tooth healthy. When these tissues become infected or damaged, root canal therapy is necessary to remove the damaged tissue and protect the rest of the tooth from further damage.

What Causes the Need for a Root Canal?

There are several factors that can cause the need for a root canal, including:

Decay: Tooth decay can cause the nerve and blood vessels in the root canal to become infected.

Trauma: A traumatic injury to the tooth can cause the nerve and blood vessels in the root canal to become damaged.

Large Fillings: Large fillings can put pressure on the nerve and blood vessels in the root canal, causing them to become damaged or infected.

Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can cause the tissues in the root canal to become infected.

Different types of dentist and how they help your oral care

While many people see dentists as the single group of people who look after the health of your teeth and mouth, there are various specialist categories that help you in different ways.

The categorization of a dentist will depend on their education, training and experience.

Here are some of the main specialist areas of dentistry:

Endodontics: Concerned with the dental pulp – the part in the center of a tooth made up of living soft tissue and cells and root canal therapy

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: This deals with the identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Deals with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the tissues including extractions, facial surgery and implants

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics: Mainly deals with diagnosis, prevention and treatment of misaligned teeth and modification of midface and mandibular growth

Pediatric Dentistry: Provides preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence.

Periodontics: Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues. Most periodonitist place implants

Prosthodontics: Diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues. Includes dentures, bridges and the restoration of implants.

Plus, of course, general dentists provide everyday care and many specialist services to maintain your oral health.

Dry mouth is a common problem that can harm your teeth

If your saliva flow is reduced, this can cause dry mouth which often leads to increased tooth and gum problems.

Dry mouth – known as xerostomia – is a common problem especially among older adults. It’s caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics.

The common problems associated with dry mouth include:

– Constant sore throat
– Burning sensation
– Problems speaking
– Difficulty swallowing
– Hoarseness or dry nasal passages

When there is not enough saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, there is a risk of extensive tooth decay.

If you are at risk from this condition, your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture.

For example, sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses.

As dry mouth is a potential side effect of many prescribed and over-the-counter medications it is a very common problem.

These medications can include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease medications, antidepressants and many others.

Fortunately there are many simple solutions available to reduce the risk to your oral health caused by dry mouth so talk to your dentist if you are on any kind of medication or you feel you may be at risk from this issue.

Solving the problem of bad breath

Bad breath – which is also known as halitosis – is a worrying problem that can also be embarrassing.

But theres no need to put up with it. If you suffer from bad breath, your dentist will be able to suggest a range of solutions.

Your dentist will be able to spot problems such as gum disease, dry mouth or other disorders. Thats why its important to maintain good oral hygiene, schedule regular visits to the dentist and have professional cleaning.

Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth each day using floss or interdental cleaners. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too!

If your dental check up shows that your mouth is healthy, your dentist may refer you to your family physician as sometimes bad breath can be a sign of other health problems.

If the odor is due to periodontal (gum) disease, sometimes professional periodontal cleaning is needed to remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate. And your dentist may recommend a special antimicrobial mouth rinse.

Keeping your mouth healthy and stopping periodontal disease are essential to reducing bad breath.

So make sure you schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup.

How sugar in your diet affects your teeth

The sugar content in the food you eat has a big effect on your teeth and gums.

When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay.

Thats why drinking sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks can take a toll on teeth.

This is particularly true for children as their eating patterns and food choices affect how quickly they develop tooth decay.

Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. However, almost all foods, including milk or vegetables, have some type of sugar. Many of them also contain important nutrients that are an important part in our diet.

To help control the amount of sugar you consume, read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars. Soft drinks,candy, cookies and pastries often contain added sugars.

How dental implants can give you a better smile

If you have missing teeth, you dont just have to rely on crowns, conventional bridges and dentures.

Many people are now choosing dental implants as the best way to restore their smile and solve dental problems.

Implants are placed below the gums during a series of appointments. They fuse to the jawbone and provide a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture.

As they are fused to the bone, they offer greater stability. And, because they are integrated into your jaw, your replacement teeth will feel more natural.

This secure fit often also makes them more comfortable than other solutions.

In order to have implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant.

To find out whether you could be a candidate for dental implants, talk to your dentist about what they could do for you.

Diabetes and your dental health: How your diet can affect your teeth

When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva may create problems that lead to an increased risk of tooth decay.

Your teeth are covered with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. After you eat food that contains sugars or starches, the bacteria react with these sugars to release acids that attack tooth enamel. This can cause the enamel to break down and may eventually result in cavities.

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner helps remove decay-causing plaque.

Plaque that is not removed can eventually harden into calculus, or tartar. When tartar collects above the gumline, it becomes more difficult to clean thoroughly between teeth. This can lead to chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth.

Because diabetes reduces the bodys resistance to infection, the gums are among the tissues likely to be affected.
Periodontal diseases are infections of the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place. Patients with inadequate blood sugar control appear to develop periodontal disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than those who have good control of their diabetes.

Because of the lower resistance and longer healing process, periodontal diseases often appear to be more frequent and more severe among persons with diabetes.

You can help reduce these risks through good maintenance of blood sugar levels, a well-balanced diet, good oral care at home and regular dental checkups.

What dentists are doing to improve services for older adults

As people are living longer and enjoying good health for many years, dentists are increasingly offering improved services to recognize the special needs of older adults.

This growing segment of the population is wearing fewer dentures and they are keeping their natural teeth longer. They are also concerned to maintain good health and a great smile for many years.

However, patients in this group sometimes require special consideration because reduced mobility and dexterity may make daily oral hygiene difficult.

And certain medical conditions and impairment may make them more anxious when visiting the dentist.

For example, problems with vision or hearing loss may cause worry. Always let the dentist and staff know if you have any concerns so that they can adjust their treatment and their pace to meet your needs.

Older patients can sometimes put up with problems such as toothaches, bleeding gums and clicking dentures because they are not aware of the wide range of treatments and techniques now available.

Dentists are increasingly sensitive to the special needs of and the importance of dental health in the older patient.

As many older patients are more health conscious than ever before, regular visits to the dentist ensure their oral health is an important part of their overall health.

How a healthy diet can help you have healthy teeth

Eating the right food plays an important role in developing healthy teeth and gums.

If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to fight infection and this can contribute to gum disease.

Although poor nutrition does not cause gum disease directly, the disease may progress faster and could be more severe in people with diets which are low in nutrients.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes recommendations on the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed by your body – including your teeth and gums – to promote health and prevent disease.

We have different needs at various stages life and depending on our physical activity. The DOA website provides more information and your dentist will be able to discuss how your diet affects your teeth.

Here are some steps you can take to make sure what you eat doesn’t harm your teeth.
– Maintain a healthy diet
– Drink plenty water
– Limit the number of between-meal snacks. When you must snack, choose nutritious foods that are low in sugar
– Keep a food diary for a week recording every item you eat and drink

It will also help if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings and talk to your dentist about how your diet affects your teeth.

What is plaque and how does it affect your teeth?

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that covers our teeth and, when we eat something, these bacteria release acids that attack the tooth enamel.

When these attacks are repeated over time, the enamel will break down and this will eventually lead to cavities.

When plaque is not removed through daily brushing and cleaning it hardens into calculus or tartar. When tartar collects above the gum line, brushing and cleaning between the teeth becomes more difficult.

The gum tissue can become swollen or may bleed. This is called gingivitis and it is the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease.

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself against this happening:

– Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
– Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner
– Eat a balanced diet and limit the number of snacks between meals
– Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams
– Ask your dentist about sealants these are protective coatings that can be applied to the back teeth where decay often starts.

If you take steps to remove the plaque each day, you have a greater chance of avoiding tooth and gum problems.

Common mouth sores: causes and cures

Mouth sores can be very annoying and painful and can have many causes.

The causes can range from infections – bacterial, viral or fungal – to a loose orthodontic wire or a denture that doesn’t fit or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling.

But mouth sores may be symptoms of an underlying disease or problem.

So, if you’ve had any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer, its a good idea to get your dentist to check it out.

Here are some of the most common mouth sores:

Canker sores: These are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. They appear inside the mouth and are not contagious though they often return. Problems such as poor immune systems, viruses or fatigue and stress may be involved. They usually heal on their own after a week or two.

Cold sores: Cold sores are annoying and painful. They are also known as fever blisters or Herpes simplex and are groups of fluid-filled blisters. They often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 are very contagious and the virus stays in the body. Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves.

Candidiasis: This fungal infection (also called moniliasis or oral thrush) occurs when the yeast Candida albicans reproduce in large numbers. It is common among denture wearers and people who have dry mouth syndrome are very susceptible to it. The focus is on preventing it or controlling the conditions that caused the outbreak.

Any mouth sores that last more than a few days should be checked with your dentist.

How smoking affects your teeth

While the general effects of smoking on your health are well-known, it can also have significant effects on your oral health.

Here are some of the ways smoking can harm your oral health and hygiene:

– Oral Cancer
– Periodontal (gum) disease
– Delayed healing after a tooth extraction or other oral surgery
– Bad breath
– Stained teeth and tongue
– Diminished sense of taste and smell

Research suggests that smoking may be responsible for almost 75% of adult gum disease.

Tobacco products damage your gum tissue by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. One effect is receding gums which expose the tooth roots and increase your risk of tooth decay or to sensitivity to hot and cold in these unprotected areas.

Cigar smoking is equally a major risk and even smokeless tobacco products contain a variety of toxins associated with cancer. Smokeless tobacco can also irritate your gum tissue.

Giving up smoking will provide a significant boost to your oral health as well as giving you the chance to live longer.

Crowns and how they improve your teeth

To make sure you have the best smile possible, you may need a crown to cover a tooth and restore it to its normal shape and size.

A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size and strength, or to improve its appearance.

The reasons you may need a crown include:

– Protecting a weak tooth
– Holding together parts of a cracked tooth
– Restoring an already broken tooth
– Supporting a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
– Attaching a dental bridge
– Covering badly-shaped or severely discolored teeth
– Cover a dental implant

If your dentist recommends a crown, it’s probably to correct one of these conditions.

Your dentist’s primary concern, like yours, is helping you keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.

Treating facial pain and jaw problems

Chronic facial pain is a problem faced by millions of Americans.

Common symptoms can include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth or even head and neck aches.

If you are suffering from this type of pain, your dentist can help identify its source with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays.

Sometimes, the problem is a sinus or toothache or it could be an early stage of periodontal disease.

But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed.

There are two joints and several jaw muscles which make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow.

These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJs.

Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

There are several ways the TMJ disorders may be treated.

Diagnosis is an important step before treatment.

Part of your clinical examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving.

Your dentist may take x-rays and may make a cast of your teeth to see how your bite fits together.

To help you deal with this pain, your dentist will recommend what type of treatment you need and may refer you to a specialist.

Your options if you have many missing or damaged teeth

People who have not followed adequate dental care for some years may have already lost most of their teeth and feel a little hopeless.

Sometimes they ask a dentist to remove the remaining teeth as they are often broken and have deep cavities.

It’s true that, sometimes, removal of the remaining teeth and replacing them with full dentures is the only option.

But more often there are other options available.

Some or all of the remaining teeth could be repaired and used in conjunction with a partial denture. While a full denture replaces all of the teeth on the upper or lower jaw, a partial denture replaces some of the teeth.

If only a few weak teeth remain on the upper jaw, it might be preferable to have them extracted and a full upper denture made. Full upper dentures can be more secure than lower ones as the upper denture gets added stability from the palate and is not easily dislodged by the tongue.

If only a few teeth remain on the lower jaw, however, the dentist will usually aim to save them and use a partial denture if necessary.

Ideally, all teeth that can be saved should be saved but this is not always possible – often due to finances.

In such cases, having teeth removed and dentures may be the only option.

How your oral health links with your general health

Research has shown strong links between periodontitis (advanced form of gum disease) and other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia.

And pregnant women with periodontitis may be at increased risk of delivering pre-term and/or having babies with low birth weight.

However, just because two conditions occur at the same time, doesn’t necessarily mean that one condition causes the other. The relationship could work the other way.

For example, there is evidence that diabetics are more likely to develop periodontitis and have more severe periodontitis than non-diabetics.

Alternatively, two conditions that occur together may be caused by something else.

In addition, people who smoke or use alcohol have a higher than average risk of developing periodontitis and other conditions, including oral cancer.

Research is looking at what happens when periodontitis is treated in individuals with these problems.

The aim is to find out whether periodontitis does have an effect on other health problems.

If one caused the other, improvement in periodontal health would also improve other health problems.

While the research is not yet conclusive, the potential link between periodontitis and systemic health problems, means that preventing periodontitis may be an important step in maintaining overall health.

In most cases, good oral health can be maintained by brushing and flossing every day and receiving regular professional dental care.