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6 foods that can break your jaw donald tanenbaum
Categories
Jaw Problems TMJ Women & Pain

Estrogen, Pain, and TMJ

Why is TMJ Disorder So Prevalent Among Women?

Not only is there a clear dominance of TMJ in women, but also the severity of the problem is often at a level virtually never seen in men. This scenario is frequently seen in the case of teenage girls, suggesting that the problems we are confronted with could be hormonal. Some research has unveiled a link between TMJ and estrogen, which could shed light on the dominance of TMJ in women.

Take the example of Mary, a 17-year-old female who came to my practice. Mary’s problems started when she was 12 years old with the onset of non-painful TM joint noises that did not interfere with eating or jaw function. Over time, pain emerged and her bite began to change, altering her profile and appearance. Before long her pain was so debilitating and her bite so altered, that there was no choice but to seek surgical treatment. Both TM joints had “dissolved away” and her jaw profile and bite had to be reestablished.

How could this happen with no history of trauma and no apparent underlying medical disease? The role of hormones, estrogen in particular, has been identified. Research has shown that Estrogen:

  • Impacts the body’s natural pain fighters (endorphins)
  • Increases inflammation in the Temporomandibular Joints
  • Compromises the strength and adaptive ability of all ligaments

These factors, coupled with lower endurance capacity in female jaw muscles, are all that is likely needed for difficult problems to arise. Additionally, research suggests there may be specific genetic predispositions that lead to unprovoked TMJ in women.

Though the treatment that Mary had received has restored function, jaw stability, and reduced her pain, there is still much to learn about gender specific jaw problems.

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat bruxism, TMJ and TMD problems, Sleep Apnea, facial pain, muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more about Dr. Tanenbaum here.

Categories
TMJ

What is a TMJ Doctor?

Because many common symptoms of TMJ problems often can be the result of other medical conditions, those who represent themselves as “TMJ Doctors” (or “TMJ Specialists”) must be able to not only recognize common TMJ problems, but also must be adequately trained and have sufficient past experience to enable them to accurately diagnose the vast number of other problems that can produce these common TMJ symptoms:

  • Facial and jaw pain
  • Diminished jaw motion
  • Facial and temporal headaches
  • Jaw muscle spasm and tension

Whether the symptoms you are concerned about are due to a facial migraine, a nerve pain problem, disease in a salivary gland or sinus, a thyroid condition, brain tumor, or strained Temporomandibular joints and jaw muscles, the “TMJ Doctor” you see must be skilled in making what is called a “differential diagnosis.” From a patient’s perspective, that means you need to know with a degree of medical certainty that your ‘TMJ’ problem is truly due to a local muscle and joint problem, and not due, instead, to some underlying medical disease process.

In today’s world, particularly in communities with access to major medical centers, hospitals or universities, you should expect your “TMJ Doctor” to have an academic appointment or faculty position at one of those institutions. He or she should also be involved with teaching, lecturing, and/or publishing, as these positions and efforts are a clear indication that there is a commitment to learning and advancement of knowledge.

Most important, don’t be fooled by the ‘TMJ Doctor” who has high-tech computerized  equipment that (allegedly) determines whether your bite is bad or if your jaw is in the wrong position. Though imaging technology (CT scans and MRI’s) is often important in making an accurate diagnosis, the vast majority of all TMJ problems can be diagnosed accurately with a careful history and examination. The adage, “The diagnosis is in the history if the doctor chooses to listen” holds true in just about all these situations.

Lastly, because most TMJ problems respond to treatment over time and with supportive measures to heal the injured TM joints and muscles, treatment most commonly should not require changes to your teeth or bite. If your “TMJ Doctor” recommends ongoing bite adjustments (grinding the tooth surfaces with a drill), crowns to fix your bite, or extensive orthodontics as the primary focus of care, these should be looked at suspiciously, and you should definitely seek a second opinion.

The Most Important Equipment in a TMJ Doctor’s Office
Categories
TMJ

The Most Important Equipment in a TMJ Doctor’s Office

Modern technology, such as imaging, has led to wonderful advances in diagnosing medical problems, but for certain patients with TMJ/TMD* complaints, TMJ doctors can better understand individual patients by simply listening and looking. That’s why the most important equipment in the office is the doctor’s ears.

How is that? Simply put, most jaw disorders are rooted in a muscle problem, and the key to resolving the issue is for the TMJ doctor to understand what has compromised the muscle in the first place. With all symptoms of TMD—pain, tightness, restricted motion, sense of bite change, odd sensations in the face—there must be an explanation for why the muscles are fatigued, irritated, or contracted to the point where these symptoms emerge. Electronic diagnostic and treatment equipment is useful for TMJ doctors, but it doesn’t always reveal the ‘why’ of the problem the way simply speaking to the patient can.

Unless there has been an identifiable trauma (accident), recent dental changes, or an underlying medical problem that leads to muscle pain or spasm, the majority of all TMD muscle problems that we see stem from life challenges, conflicts, emotions, and learned behaviors. Some of these emotional or behavior triggers can include:

  • Gum chewing
  • Nail biting
  • Biting on pen caps, straws, or plastic items
  • Phone cradling
  • Leaning forward for long periods of time

Information about these common habits can only be gathered by engaging the patient in a conversation. In the words of famous physician Sir William Osler: “The diagnosis is in the history if we choose to listen, but most of us are deaf.”

TMJ doctors’ goal is to listen first, look second, and then integrate the information gathered to treat our patients. I suspect this formula will outlive many of the high tech diagnostic tools that continue to entice the dental practitioner looking to treat the patient with TMD.

*To understand the usage of TMJ and TMD in this article, please click here.

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat bruxism, TMJ and TMD problems, Sleep Apnea, facial pain, muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more about Dr. Tanenbaum here.

Categories
Headaches TMJ

Causes of Migraine Headaches: TMJ?

Could TMJ be the Cause of a Migraine Headache?

The answer is: No!

People who suffer from chronic debilitating headaches are often misdiagnosed because doctors sometimes mistake tension headaches (which can be cause by TMJ disorders), for migraine headaches. The reason is that it’s not unusual for people who have TMJ to experience headaches that are as intensely painful as migraines. But TMJ does cause of migraines.

How Does TMJ Cause Tension Headaches?

Tension headaches are the most common form of headaches and can be caused by the constant tension held in the muscles in your face, head, and neck when they remain contracted over a long period of time. The tension that can build in your jaw muscles from a TMJ problem can lead to such powerful headaches that they’re often mistaken for a migraine. In addition, when the muscles in your jaw, face, or neck constrict, they reduce blood flow.  As a result, less oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the muscles, which predispose them to fatigue and pain.  Also, as the nerves running through the muscles become irritated, lactic acid and other irritating chemicals accumulate. The end result is more intense headache pain symptoms, that can be as intense as a migraine.

A dentist with experience in TMJ and neuromuscular disorders of the jaw can properly diagnose the difference between TMJ and migraines. Some symptoms of TMJ headaches include:

  • Tightness around the head
  • Band-like pressure around the temples
  • Persistent aching in the jaw muscles
  • Discomfort in the facial muscles
  • Increased pain with jaw use

Once diagnosed, there are a number of relief options for TMJ-related tension headaches. Treatments include:

  • Jaw and Neck Exercises
  • Muscular Injections
  • Physiotherapy
  • Medications
  • Oral Appliances
  • Simple Relaxation and Sleep Strategies

Before you dismiss the possibility of a disorder in the TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint), be aware of the symptomatic similarities between TMJ and migraines. The difference could mean a lifetime of relief from the pain of tension headaches.

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat bruxism, TMJ and TMD problems, Sleep Apnea, facial pain,  muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more about Dr. Tanenbaum here.

TMJ and Computer Use Donald Tanenbaum
Categories
TMJ

TMJ and Computer Use

Can Extended Computer Use be a Cause of TMJ?

Researchers are now finding a link between TMJ and computer use. The link is most closely associated with the way we posture our bodies while sitting at the computer. Most often we have a tendency to sit slouched forward, collapsed within ourselves, or in an unbalanced position for extended periods of time: all contributing factors to the connection between TMJ and computer use.

The TM joints are located on each side of a person’s lower jaw, a complex of tendons and muscles that allow us to open and close our mouths. When one or both of those joints sustain injury, or are compromised in any way, the result is TMJ.

Can TMJ Be Prevented if You Work at a Computer All Day?

Since many of us work at a computer for more than 40 hours per week, there are some things we can do to prevent TMJ caused or exacerbated by computer use:

▪ Be aware of how you are sitting at the computer. If you’re slouched, tilted, or off-balance, reposition yourself, or take a short break from the computer to realign your body.

▪ Avoid a leaning head posture whereby your ears are past your shoulders. This posture puts undue strain on the neck, jaw, and facial muscles. Be sure to position your ears above your shoulders when sitting at the computer.

▪ Adjust your work station to suit your body’s needs. This includes your chair height, lumbar position, and the angle of your computer monitor.

The link between TMJ and computer use can be remedied by following these and other posture guidelines to keep your body aligned and your weight evenly distributed through your spine.

Not sure if you have TMJ? Most common TMJ symptoms can include:

▪ Pain, usually associated with chewing and jaw movement

▪ Headaches

▪ Sore jaw muscles

▪ Neck tension

▪ Incidents of suddenly limited jaw opening and locking

▪ Ear symptoms, such as ringing, humming, or buzzing

Of course, there are other contributing factors to what causes TMJ, including trauma to the area in a collision, stress, or a number of other psychological factors. But the importance of posture awareness can aid in reducing the discomfort of TMJ caused by computer use.

Live or work in New York City or on Long Island? You can schedule a consultation with me here or call 212-265-0110

Note: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is often erroneously interchanged with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) a condition which leads to pain and, in some cases, limited jaw function. In this article, we’ll refer to TMD as TMJ, which is the term that most people associate with this condition.

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat bruxism, TMJ and TMD problems, Sleep Apnea, facial pain,  muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more about Dr. Tanenbaum here.

TMJ and Computer Use Donald Tanenbaum
Categories
Bruxism TMJ

Can Bruxism Be Caused by Poor Dental Work?

Several weeks ago a 38-year-old gentleman came to my office complaining that shortly after having three crowns (caps) put in his mouth, he began to grind his teeth at night for the first time in his life. On arising in the morning he was experiencing jaw muscle soreness and on some occasions more sharp pain which limited his breakfast selections, which are common symptoms of Bruxism (the clinical terms for teeth grinding).

The first comment out of his mouth was, “I want to rip these teeth out of my mouth!” Was poor dental work the cause of this patient’s Bruxism? More questioning revealed that my patient’s new teeth were in great shape; not sensitive to hot, cold, or chewing, and his bite did not feel off balance.

Is it possible that these three new crowns were responsible for the reported night grind and if so how is this possible?

Point number 1:
Night tooth grinding (Bruxism) has been shown to have little, if anything, to do with the type of bite a person has. People with good and bad bites grind and clench their teeth at night.

Point number 2:
Night tooth grinding (Bruxism) seems to be related to arousals that occur in the brain during sleep. These brain arousals can be due to a number of factors such as drinking alcohol or caffeine close to bedtime, poor sleep environments, crying babies, chronic pain problems (back and neck), asthma, sleep apnea and or chronic tension and stress to name just a few possibilities.

Point number 3:
In clinical studies that have been conducted in patients with known histories of night grinding, the placement of dental restorations made intentionally high and out of balance with the rest of the teeth, have actually led to a diminished amount of night grinding for several weeks. This suggests that throwing the bite out of balance can actually reduce the amount of teeth grinding at night!

Conclusion

Based upon what we know, it is unlikely that Bruxism can be caused by poor dental work (unless pain developed as a result of the work and disrupted a patient’s sleep). When similar scenarios occur, other factors are likely playing a role and it is very important to see your dentist for a full evaluation.

Mouthguards & Nightguards: How Long Do They Need to Be Worn? donald tanenbaum
Categories
Bruxism Nightguards & Oral Appliances TMJ

Mouthguards & Nightguards: How Long Do They Need to Be Worn?

This is a common question asked by patients in my practice. The answer to this question is based mainly on the reason it was recommended in the first place! So, if you are wondering if you will have to wear your nightguard forever, here are some common scenarios. There’s a good chance that one of them fits your situation exactly:

Scenario 1: You have no teeth grinding symptoms, but your dentist notices that your teeth are worn or chipped or that fillings and caps previously placed look worn.

The dentist then informs you that you have been grinding your teeth at night. You’re shocked! You have no pain in your teeth, no jaw muscle soreness in the morning, and you haven’t noticed any other signs to indicate that you are grinding your teeth. Your dentist recommends that you wear a nightguard while you’re sleeping, warning of the problems that will develop if you don’t wear it.

Now here’s the important thing: If you move ahead and get the nightguard, bring it with you and show it to the dentist when you go in for your twice-a-year dental cleaning. If the nightguard exhibits grooves and notches cut into the acrylic, then you have been grinding and you should continue to use it. If, however, there is no evidence of wear and tear, it’s probably in your best interest to bring this to the attention of the dentist and discontinue using it.

Scenario 2: You make an appointment with your dentist because “out of nowhere” your jaw muscles and teeth are aching in the morning.

You mention to your dentist that stress levels have been high in your life and will likely stay that way for an undetermined period of time. A TMJ nightguard is advised and you wear it for a while and notice that the achiness in the morning has decreased.

What next? This all depends on what is going on in your life: stress, fragile emotions, disrupted sleep, etc. As these factors may drive the night grinding it is probably advisable to stay with the nightguard until things calm down. Once life is calm and if your morning symptoms have gone away, you can begin to reduce the number of days the nightguard is worn during the week.

Over time you will likely find that you no longer need the nightguard. Keep in mind, if life issues arise again, the grinding will likely return and you may need the nightguard again, so don’t throw it away!

Scenario 3: You not only have morning jaw muscle soreness, but your teeth ache and you have persistent facial pain during the day. In addition, you feel that you can’t open your mouth wide and chewing has become a chore because your jaw joints click and/or lock.

This scenario suggests that you may have a more significant jaw problem often called ‘TMJ’. Unlike the first two scenarios, the level of muscle and joint compromise is more significant with TMJ. And beyond the night grind there are likely other factors that have led to and are perpetuating the symptoms. In this situation the use of a nightguard at night will likely be for an extended period of time (maybe forever).

I have many patients who return to my office 3-6 years after they were last seen looking to get their nightguard repaired or replaced. Many of these patients tried to stop wearing it when they felt better, but the symptoms began again. In this situation I ask my patient to visit me at least once a year to help maintain the integrity of the device and make sure it is doing the right thing and not causing harm.

Note: There are many different names for dental nightguards:

  • Nightguard
  • Mouthguard
  • Oral Appliance
  • Splint

There are many different types as well. The decision to pick one type over another is usually made by your dentist based on your diagnosis.

If you have more questions about TMJ, and you live or work in New York City or on Long Island, schedule a consultation with me here or call 212-265-0110

Thank You!

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat bruxism, TMJ and TMD problems, Sleep Apnea, facial pain,  muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more about Dr. Tanenbaum here.

Teeth Grinding: Signs and Symptoms Donald Tanenbaum
Categories
Bruxism TMJ

Teeth Grinding: Signs and Symptoms

Sleep Bruxism, the gnashing and grinding of the teeth that occurs at night, has most recently been defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a sleep related movement disorder. Though the exact cause of sleep bruxism remains unclear, research suggests that anything that can arouse the brain during sleep may be a trigger. Factors such as daily stress, longstanding anxiety and worries, obstructive sleep apnea, reactions to certain medications, a crying baby, and/or a pain producing medical conditions seem to be just some of the factors that may be playing a role. For years, a bad bite and crooked teeth were thought to be risk factors but research suggests that this is unlikely.

Grinding of the teeth on a regular basis can lead to worn teeth, fractured teeth or dental restorations, mobile teeth, sore teeth on awakening, and a number of problems associated with the jaw muscle and jaw joints. Some people however, can grind their teeth for years without any symptoms. These people commonly deny that they grind their teeth despite physical evidence of wear patterns on their teeth and reports by their bed partners of being disturbed by the clashing noise of their teeth.

Do I Have Bruxism?

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms particularly on arising, bruxism may be the cause. Teeth grinding symptoms may include:

  • Sore teeth when chewing
  • Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold fluids
  • Jaw pain or tightness
  • Tired jaw muscles
  • Vague earaches which relate to jaw function
  • Dull headaches in the temples which may linger throughout the day
  • Persistent facial pain
  • Limited jaw opening
  • Jaw joint noises

What to Look For:

The common physical signs of bruxism include:

  • Teeth that are worn down, flattened, fractured or chipped
  • The tops of the teeth appear yellow: when tooth enamel is lost the dentin is exposed, and dentin has a yellowish color
  • Indentations on the side of your tongue
  • Damage on the inside of your cheeks from chewing
  • Excessive bulging of your jaw and temple muscles when the teeth are brought together

If you suspect bruxism, or if your partner has complained of the sound of your teeth grinding at night, a dental consultation is advised. There are many options at your dentist’s disposal for treating bruxism.

For more information on bruxism and teeth grinding, the causes and treatment options, I invite you to visit my website. Thank You.

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat bruxism, TMJ and TMD problems, Sleep Apnea, facial pain,  muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more about Dr. Tanenbaum here.

Categories
Bruxism TMJ

Is Your Child Suffering from Bruxism?

For years, nighttime tooth grinders were thought to be adults who were overwhelmed by life’s stresses and worries. Though stress can certainly be one cause of nighttime tooth grinding, recent research suggests that anything that arouses the brain during sleep can cause excessive jaw movements.

This research explains why some children also suffer from nighttime teeth grinding, or bruxism. Nightly grinding results in sore TM joints and facial pain during the day, and can cause damage to your teeth. If your child is complaining of facial or jaw pain in the mornings, look for the following signs and symptoms of bruxism:

▪ Worn, chipped or sensitive teeth that look like they are getting shorter (the front incisors) or are getting flatter and yellow in color (the back molars)

▪ Morning headaches and/or facial and jaw pain

▪ Morning jaw noises such as clicking or popping

▪ Sensitive teeth when eating or exposed to hot or cold fluids

What Causes Bruxism in Children?

Though bruxism is often a cause of stress, it does not mean that it is what is causing your child’s nightly teeth grinding. However, persistent life stressors associated with school, unstable home environments, and social relationships may cause your child to sleep restlessly. Some of the risk factors that should be considered if you hear your child grinding his or her teeth excessively each night include:

▪ Problematic asthma conditions

▪ Enlarged tonsils and adenoids

▪ Childhood obesity that may compromise the airway at night

▪ Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

▪ Acid Reflux

▪ Insomnia

▪ Use of medication to treat ADHD

Can Childhood Bruxism Be Treated?

Identifying signs of bruxism early is the best way to end your child’s nightly teeth grinding habit. The good news is that once the cause is identified, there are several treatment option available. I look for enlarged tonsils and adenoids during an exam, especially with patients with histories of recurrent sore throats. If enlarged tonsils or adenoids are the cause of your child’s tooth grinding, they will likely be referred to an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist to be removed—ending the nightly bruxism.

If a child comes to my office with signs of worn teeth and loss of enamel on the biting surface of the molars, this usually indicates that a chemical erosion, like acid reflux, is occurring. This is due to stomach acid pooling on the teeth at night and is a direct result of the acid reflux. I send these kids to a Gastrointestinal doctor to be treated for reflux. If your child is taking medicine for ADHD, the solution may simple: administer the medication in the morning, not during the late afternoon or evening.

Bite appliances are used in kids even as young as 6 -12 years in an effort to buy time and protect teeth and jaws until the origin of the bruxism is determined and managed. Bruxism in children should be taken seriously as it can result in early destruction of the baby teeth, wear on the permanent teeth, jaw related problems, or tension headaches. Evaluation by a dentist with a broad understanding of teeth grinding is strongly advised.

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat bruxism, TMJ and TMD problems, Sleep Apnea, facial pain,  muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more about Dr. Tanenbaum here.

Categories
Sleep Apnea Snoring

Snoring and Weight – Yes, There Is a Connection

My patients often ask me about the relationship between snoring and weight gain. Snoring undoubtedly can be a result of obesity, and obesity can also be a result of snoring. Confused?

Fact: Obesity Causes Snoring

More than 30% of Americans are considered obese, which is having a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or more. Excess weight, regardless of its amount or origin, has many effects on your breathing, and in many cases causes snoring.

Though it may feel like all the weight you’ve gained is stored in one or two areas, extra layers of fat actually distribute themselves all over your body! When excess is deposited around the throat and neck area, it can narrow the airway, causing airflow turbulence leading to that annoying snoring sound. Also, as you gain weight, fat displaces muscle tissue and you lose muscle tone. As a result the soft palate and other soft tissue in the throat become floppy and snoring levels rise.

Causes of Snoring

  • Body fat around the throat and neck
  • Loss of muscle tone in the throat and soft palate region
  • Obstructed nasal passages
  • Large tongue

Sleep Apnea and Obesity

Along with snoring, individuals who are overweight are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition characterized by periods during sleep when your breathing stops completely. As a result your brain is aroused and you wake up. Sometimes breathing can stop for up to 10 seconds! These stoppages in breathing can happen as many as 100 times a night leaving you exhausted in the morning and at risk for heart problems.

Fact: Snoring Causes Obesity

Believe it or not, snoring could actually be the cause of your weight gain or your inability to lose weight.

Nightly snoring prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep, leaving you feeling tired and run-down during the day. This lack of energy can keep you from going on that pre-work run or makes you choose the elevator over the stairs. The bottom line is that the weight you’ve gained is a result of sleep deprivation.

In addition in a University of Chicago study, young and healthy students were deprived of sleep for six nights in a row. The sleep deprivation resulted in measurable metabolic changes, one of which was increased hunger and appetite! As your body relies on the energy it gets from a good night’s sleep, if you aren’t getting enough sleep, your body will crave the energy from somewhere else: usually your refrigerator!

Clearly there is a direct relationship between snoring , a poor nights sleep and overeating!

Is There a Snoring Remedy?

If you’re an overweight snorer, the first step is to try to lose weight. But, if you are so sleep deprived that weight loss is impossible, other options are available. Thousands of suffering snorers (and their partners) have seen extraordinary results from using an oral appliance at night.

Using a custom-made oral appliance (mouth guard) overnight keeps your jaw forward, making air flow into your throat easier. Oral appliances can be used alone, with a CPAP mask, or as an alternate sleep device when using the CPAP becomes monotonous. Most people find that using an oral appliance greatly reduces and even eliminates their snoring.

Please share this article with anyone you care about (or his/her partner) who is dragging around during the day because of a snoring problem at night.

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat Sleep Apnea, facial pain, TMJ and TMD problems, muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more here

Teeth Grinding: Signs and Symptoms Donald Tanenbaum
Categories
Ear Pain Tinnitus

What Causes Ringing in the Ears?

Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus,is a symptom often described as a ringing noise heard in one or both ears, that can be present continually at the same level or vary in intensity. The presence of ringing in the ears during the course of a day is based on jaw movements, head positions and tongue activity. In addition to ringing, some people describe sounds such as hissing, buzzing, humming, clicking, whistling or roaring. Along with these perceived sounds individuals often report hearing loss.

Tinnitus can have its origin from a wide number of possible causes. For some tinnitus is short-lived while for others it is ongoing and disruptive to everyday life.

Subjective tinnitus, that which is described by a patient but not heard or detected by an examining physician, is often prompted by factors like exposure to abnormally loud sounds (one bad exposure or of long duration), chronic ear infections, ear pain, trauma to the inner ear, hearing loss, Menieire’s disease, Acoustic neuromas, chronic use of medications like aspirin, antibiotics or antiviral drugs, and neurologic diseases amongst others.

At times it has been suggested that temporomandibular disorders can be responsible for the onset of tinnitus. Though symptoms such as ear pain are commonly associated with TMJ disorders it is my opinion that no greater than 10-15% of all those patients that we see with TMJ problems report the symptom of tinnitus.

Since the histories and examinations of these patients are no different than those without tinnitus, the reason why they are suffering with ringing in the ears remains unclear. It has been proposed that overuse of the TM joints during gum chewing, tooth grinding, or nail biting for instance can sometimes cause tinnitus but this remains more opinion than fact. If, however, the ringing in your ears increases or changes with opening or closing of your mouth, or forward and side-to-side shifts of your jaw, there is a chance that a relationship exists between the tinnitus and your jaw. In addition, if you are a heavy nighttime tooth grinder or clencher and wake up with tinnitus it would be wise to investigate whether there are treatment options available to address this distressing and often disabling symptom.

The final word is that the symptom of tinnitus often cannot be attributed to any one or specific medical disorder or physical cause. As a result patients are often left to wonder whether relief will ever be found! If your tinnitus symptoms seemingly have any relationship to jaw function an investigation with a properly trained dentist would certainly be advised.

Categories
Sleep Apnea Snoring

Oral Appliance Saves Marriage

Recently, a 52 year old female patient told me about her experience with CPAP. She has a history of loud and disruptive snoring, which ultimately caused her husband to sleep in a separate bedroom.

After being evaluated at a sleep lab, she was diagnosed with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and was prescribed a CPAP device. Thanks to the CPAP, her snoring was gone, but her husband still slept in the next room–he refused to get into bed with Darth Vadar. Now it was the cumbersome CPAP mask was causing her love life to suffer.

We made her an oral appliance to use nightly as an alternative to the CPAP. Presently, husband and wife are happy again.

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat Sleep Apnea, facial pain, TMJ and TMD problems, muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more here

Categories
Sleep Apnea Snoring

What is CPAP?

CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is the primary therapy used to manage a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). As the airway narrows during sleep in individuals with OSA, the CPAP device is designed to provide a constant flow of compressed air under pressure to keep the airway open.

Often called the most effective nonsurgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, wearing a CPAP mask at night can improve the quality of sleep. Nightly use of the CPAP machine can also reduce high blood pressure, daytime sleepiness and snoring.

Though the CPAP machine can provide great results, it is NOT the right solution for everyone. As a matter of fact, many people find CPAP to be uncomfortable, preventing them from falling or staying asleep. As a result, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 60% of CPAP users discontinue use within one year because of discomfort or side effects.

Drawbacks of CPAP include:

• Can cause excessive dreaming and nightmares
• The mask often causes skin irritation
• The mask or nasal attachments often slip out of position while sleeping, diminishing the effectiveness of the device
• The airway hoses can wrap themselves around the wearers head
• The mask creates a sense of claustrophobia
• The machine is loud and can disrupt you or your sleep partner

Alternative to CPAP

An alternative to a CPAP machine is a custom fitted oral appliance which can be used to prevent snoring and to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. Scientific studies have shown that properly constructed and adjusted oral appliances have the capacity to consistently facilitate nighttime air flow into the lungs thereby reducing the risk of stroke and high blood pressure developing in individuals with this medical condition.

An oral appliance works one of two ways. The first and most commonly utilized type of oral appliance repositions the jaw forward, carrying the tongue out of the airway . This type of appliance attaches directly to the teeth of the upper and lower dental arches. With the tongue forward the patency of the airway increases. The second type which is infrequently used is called a tongue retaining device. This appliance attaches only to the tongue and via a suction mechanism, the tongue is pulled forward out of the mouth. The end result is typically a sore tongue and a restless nights sleep.

The Perfect Marriage

As any one treatment over the course of many years can become monotonous we continue to advocate the use of both oral appliances and CPAP in patients that seek our advice. Whether a fixed schedule of alternating between the oral appliance and the CPAP is established or whether the oral appliance is just worn when traveling for work or on vacation, many of our patients have benefitted from this scenario. As over the long term oral appliances have been shown to have a better than 70% compliance they have therefore become an important component of managing OSA and socially disruptive snoring.

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Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat Sleep Apnea, facial pain, TMJ and TMD problems, muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more here

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Jaw Problems

Jaw Problems Can Be Caused By Overuse

Recently, while walking through a residential neighborhood in NYC I wandered into a food market to pick up some essentials for the week. As I approached the checkout counter I happened to notice a display for something called JawliPop.

I stopped dead in my tracks.

JawliPops are the biggest jawbreaker candies that I have ever seen–the size of a small softball but as hard as a chunk of concrete! I couldn’t imagine who would find this hunk of sugar appealing, but according to the gal behind the register they are big sellers.

Intrigued as to how someone would negotiate this rock solid mass, I bought one (figuring if it was inedible it could be used to have a catch with my youngest daughter!).

Once unwrapped, it was clear that no human could either put the entire thing in their mouth or bite through the hard outer shell. The only option would be to lick the surface like a lollipop until one day, likely months later, it would be reduced to a manageable size jawbreaker. Made of pure, unadulterated sugar, this new candy was destined to be a dentist’s dream (amongst other favorites like Sugar Daddy’s and Tootsie Rolls).

Beyond the destruction to the teeth, the JawliPop is likely to be a major menace to the health and comfort of the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints. Considering that the overuse of gum often leads to painful and fatigued jaw muscles, you can be sure the effort required to conquer this sugary orb is not worth it.

If you never thought overusing your tongue muscle would create jaw pain, try sticking your tongue out for a few minutes while moving it to the right and left in a circular motion. Imagine doing that daily for as long as it takes to get through the JawliPop. Still up for this giant sugary challenge?

Many jaw related problems are caused by overuse activities. Whether the overuse is chewing gum, biting pens, pencils, nails, or cuticles, singing, clenching or grinding of the teeth or playing musical instruments, these repetitive motions can injure the muscles, ligaments and tendons of your jaw. Once injured, the potential for pain and/or functional problems arises and can become persistent—something I doubt the makers of JawliPop had in mind.

For those of you who may have purchased the JawliPop, I suggest an alternate use for this grandest of all jawbreakers! Anyone up for a game of catch??

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider subscribing. Thank You!

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat Sleep Apnea, facial pain, TMJ and TMD problems, muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more here

Categories
Sleep Apnea Snoring

Beware! The Snore Patrol Has Arrived at Your Hotel

Recently, I read in the news that a large hotel chain is making a focused effort to identify which of their nightly guests’ snoring is disrupting the sleep of others. Corridor monitors are instructed to identify the sources of snores and to knock on the doors, waking the inhabitants from their sound, but disruptive, sleep. Once identified, these sound offenders will be asked to relocate to a different part of the hotel if they are planning to stay several days. The hotel is also installing soundproof walls and purchasing soundproof headboards to silence the symphony of snores.

To those of us involved in the world of sleep, snoring has been of long concern. Not only has snoring been cited as a top reason why partners sleep apart, but the disruptive character of snoring actually diminishes the quality and quantity of your partner’s sleep. Imagine sleeping next to someone who continued to talk all night long as you attempted to fall or stay asleep. Impossible? In fact, many snorers snore at a decibel level of normal conversation, while the snoring of some has been rated to be as loud as a jackhammer!

A Simple Oral Appliance May be the Solution to Your Snoring Problem

Fortunately, there is a great solution to snoring both at home and when traveling. Though being available for years, oral appliances have only just begun to get the attention they deserve. These devices, when made by a dentist, have been shown to stop or reduce snoring on a predictable basis and are extremely comfortable to wear. As approximately 30-50% of snorers have a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea, oral devices are often used to treat this serious medical problem. In many cases, oral appliances can be used instead of a facemask at night and offer a portable alternative to the facemask apparatus at home while traveling.

Oral appliances that stop snoring will allow you to once again sleep with your partner…and to help you avoid the embarrassment of being awakened by hotel Snore Police.

You can read the article I referred to above here.

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat Sleep Apnea, facial pain, TMJ and TMD problems, muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more here

snoring and sleep apnea treatment donald tanenbaum
Categories
Sleep Apnea Snoring

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment

While enjoying the July 4th fireworks last week, I overheard a young girl observe:

“That sounds like Grandpa’s snoring when he lies on the couch after our Thanksgiving meal!”

This comment certainly raised a lot of laughter, but snoring is actually no laughing matter.

As the average weight of Americans continues to rise, and childhood obesity reaches crisis levels, snoring which is often a sign of a more serious condition, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, will have to be taken very seriously. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can be responsible for problems like high blood pressure, stroke, atherosclerosis, diabetes, ADHD, and personality changes associated with anxiety and depression. OSA affects the quality of sleep and causes sufferers to feel tired and unproductive throughout the day.

Snoring is often the first sign of obstructions in the airway during sleep. The obstructions can be in the nose, oral cavity and/or in the pharynx (throat). As airflow is restricted, turbulence occurs and causes snoring. With time, snoring actually damages the airway’s soft tissues and the nerve endings that maintain muscle tone. As muscles become weak and/or damaged it leads to more snoring and more obstruction, resulting in a restless night’s sleep and daytime exhaustion.

Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available for Sleep Apnea today. Here is a list of the most effective treatments that I use for my patients, depending on the severity of their symptoms.

Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

  1. Weight Loss: Maybe not the easiest solution, but certainly worth the effort
  2. Oral appliances such as bite plates (see examples here)
  3. A face mask worn during sleep that provides oxygen flow (called CPAP)
  4. Surgery: Depending on the location of the airway obstruction surgery may be considered to address the nasal passages, the size or shape of the soft palate, uvula and pharynx walls and or the position of the lower jaw

Snoring should not be taken lightly as it may be the first sign of a more serious problem—especially if the snoring reaches fireworks volume! If you are feeling unfocused and tired during the day, OSA may be the cause.

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider subscribing. Thank You!

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum has been practicing in New York City and Long Island for over 20 years. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat Sleep Apnea, facial pain, TMJ and TMD problems, muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, and snoring. Learn more here

when a painful toothache won't go away donald tanenbaum
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Referred Pain

When a Painful Toothache Won’t Go Away

I recently treated a 35 year old woman who was referred to my practice because she had a persistent toothache that continued though she already had a new filling placed, had her bite adjusted, and was constantly taking Advil and Tylenol. Based on how she described her tooth pain symptoms (variable in terms of the severity, frequency, and not related to eating or hot or cold fluids), I suspected that her pain was coming from somewhere, but not from her tooth!

You may ask how this that possible? To have a toothache that is not caused by a tooth? To begin to understand how you can experience pain in one area that is being caused by a problem somewhere else, it is important to become familiar with the concept of referred pain.

Referred pain is best understood when you consider the most common symptom reported by patients that are about to have or are in the midst of having a heart attack: pain in the left arm, the left side of the jaw, and under the chin. All caused by signals being sent by the heart muscle. You can only imagine that 100 years ago, before this connection was understood, doctors and community healers probably went to great lengths to sooth these left sided symptoms only to often fail with dire consequences.

The knowledge we have gained about referred pain through medical research not only has helped us recognize the signs of a heart attack, but have enabled us to also understand puzzling toothaches, face pains, ear symptoms, and other problems that often elude quick solutions. Getting back to the young woman with toothache: my evaluation uncovered that her symptoms were due to referred pain from the muscles of her upper neck! My patient was dumbfounded. How could the source of her painful toothache be her neck? But soon after her care began, her symptoms diminished and she is now happily toothache-free.

The care I applied was a combination of:

• Changing learned behaviors (posture, especially)

• Home exercises

• Physiotherapy

• Injections

It is routine to be asked by one of our patients, “Why does my ear, tooth, face, and eye hurt when I have been told by my physician and dentist that there is nothing wrong and they don’t see anything?” If this describes you, I assure you, you’re not “crazy.” Referred pain is real.

Muscle referred pain is just one of many topics I will be sharing on this blog. It is my hopes that these discussions will provide the insight and knowledge that you need to get proper care and guidance as you seek information to address your pain or that of other people in your life.