First of all, congratulations! Pregnancy is a transformative time, filled with excitement, anticipation, and a whole lot of questions—especially when it comes to your health. Amidst all the prenatal appointments and baby preparations, one aspect that is sometimes overlooked is oral health. However, dental care during pregnancy is not just safe—it’s essential.
In recent years, sleep apnea has become a highly discussed topic in the medical community. With the growing body of evidence showing its potential long-term effects and life-threatening risks, sleep apnea is a condition that more people need to be aware of.
The Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ) is a vital part of your jaw that allows movement of the lower jaw. It is a hinge that connects your lower jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, located in front of your ears. This joint is essential for functions like chewing food, speaking, and other everyday activities. However, when something goes wrong with this joint or the surrounded muscles or ligaments, it can lead to a condition known as Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD), which can significantly affect your daily life. It is estimated to affect 5-12% of the general adult population, with women having 2x prevalence to men.