Health and Fitness | Dental Care

This blog has moved

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:02:00 +0000

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Interesting trend in sports

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:09:00 +0000

In my blog, I frequently talk about TMJ pain and the Tempromandibular Joint Disorder. Normally, the discussion of TMJ or jaw alignment centers around the wide range of pains and discomforts caused when the jaw is not aligned. But, recently, anyone who has been paying attention to sports has seen the positive effects of aligning the jaw.

Many key players from the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints football team used a special mouthpiece designed with neuromuscular principles that aligns the jaw. Users of this appliance note a improvement in strength, speed, balance and agility. In the Olympics, US skier Bode Miller also used this sort of mouthpiece in his Gold medal winning performance in the Vancouver Olympics. Recent events have made this newsworthy but for the past several years, athletes seeking improved performance in their training and competition have utilized this simple yet effective technology.

Neuromuscular sceince and the recent sports success enjoyed by some of its users is a real lesson about neuromuscular dentistry. The alignment of the jaw clearly is critical to peak performance. If your jaw is out of alignment to the point where it is causing pain and symptoms of discomfort, you can imagine how much your potential is decreased just doing day to day tasks. If you or someone you know is suffering head pain, migraines, neck or jaw pain, please contact me today. This is a condition that can be treated with non-invasive techniques and you can see what you might consider a championship-level improvement.

Living with TMJ?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:04:00 +0000

Do you know someone who is making excuses about living with TMJ pain? It happens all the time. Whether it is the popping and clicking jaw, the soreness caused by grinding teeth during sleep, headaches or other pain in the head and neck area, for some reason people tend to avoid TMJ pain. So they take pain relievers or prescription medicines to mask the pain. However, it is not a cure and things tend to get worse if not treated.

One of the main reasons why people tend to put off treatment is that they think major surgery is needed to repair the problem. They may have read this in their research or have been told that by a doctor. If they are thorough in their research, they will also discover the non-invasive neuromuscular treatment. This is the treatment that neuromuscular dentists administer for TMJ that does not include surgery.

My neuromuscular training comes from the world’s leading post-graduate institute on the subject: The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Every day, TMJ suffers are treated successfully by LVI graduates without one jawbone being broken and reset. Our specialized treatment resets the jaw without surgery and places the jaw and all the interconnected tissues back to a normal, functioning position, eliminating the pain and discomfort.

And, I am proud to say that I have been recognized in this field. I am an instructor at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and I have been asked to speak at the Myotronics Annual Seminar this summer which features presentations from the top dentists in the field.

Many of us know someone who suffers with this condition. They think surgery is the only option and therefore decide to live with their pain. Sometimes simply mentioning the non-invasive neuromuscular option is all that is needed to make a difference.

New Year’s Dental Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:25:00 +0000

Here's a great idea for the New Year; put a little extra emphasis on  your health care in 2010. Isn't it time to do some of the little  things that can lead to better health? Ok... Good idea. So how about  starting with a New Year’s dental resolution?  

It is so easy to affect a more positive dental health. Most of the  steps can be routine. We all know brushing after every meal and  flossing daily are everyday tasks you should be doing. However,  rushing through brushing and skipping flossing can undo your efforts.  Done properly and regularly, brushing and flossing keep your mouth  clean but also stimulate the gums. Unhealthy gums are medically  connected to heart disease, which is something most people do not  realize. So, being more diligent with brushing and flossing can have  a huge impact on your health. So, maybe add that to your New Years  dental resolution.  Regular visits to see me for cleanings will also help nip emerging  problems in the bud. In deep cleanings, we make sure that the plaque  that causes tooth decay and gum disease is completely removed. I  strongly suggest making your cleaning appointments a priority in the  coming year.

  And, for anyone suffering from symptoms of TMJ, maybe this will be the  year when you have had it living with the pain and the headaches. If  you are ready to start the year headed toward a pain-free 2010, why  not schedule an appointment for a neuromuscular exam? I am trained to  treat TMJ pain with non-invasive techniques that change lives.  Treating TMJ can do much for your mental health as well if the burden  of the pain is affecting your functioning or your moods.  And, one last idea for your New Years dental resolution: If you or  someone you know snores, why not treat the sleep apnea that causes the  snoring? Sleep apnea can be life threatening and it clearly affects  how you function. Again, non-invasive neuromuscular treatments I  offer can treat sleep apnea and improve your overall health.  So, what sounds good for your New Years dental resolution? Email me  and let me know.

Looking your best for the holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:18:00 +0000

As the holidays approach, holiday pictures, parties and social events come up on most of our schedules. It’s a time for your holiday dress, your new haircut or hairstyle and for a beautiful smile.

Keep in mind that you can give your smile an immediate boost with teeth whitening, which is the easiest way to quickly improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile. If you want that little extra boost for your smile and your family photo or holiday party is right around the corner, we can brighten your smile in just one day. In fact, we can do it on your lunch hour.

If you are interested in a more dramatic and permanent improvement, why not take a little time during this holiday season to learn about cosmetic reconstruction. With my LVI (Las Vegas Institute) training, I have the finest education and experience with cosmetic reconstruction. Maybe you want to consider this as a gift for a loved one or maybe this is something you have always dreamed of for yourself. Either way, why not start asking some questions now. A new, beautiful, confident smile may be an important part of 2010 for you.

If you have been thinking about improving your smile, please contact me today.

Little things you can do

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:53:00 +0000

Something as basic as regular dental cleaning can impact your health dramatically. It is so important that I am doubling my efforts to encourage everyone to schedule maintenance visits for their teeth and gums.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, has links to heart disease, strokes, diabetes and more serious health issues. If you do not clean your teeth properly, you are inviting all the immediate symptoms of gum disease and increasing the risk of other health issues. Warning signs include bleeding gums, red gums and bad breath. Here are some additional facts about your risk of gum disease.

- Receding gums are a symptom of gum disease. If you have noticed your gums receding making your teeth appear longer, this is a warning sign.
- Tobacco use is a risk factor for gum disease.
- The older you are, the greater your risk.

The best thing you can do is to schedule your cleanings with me at the times they are recommended. Come in and have this nearly painless treatment completed so we can stay on top of your health.
We are also accepting new patients, so please encourage your friends to join us in our efforts to help all of our patients in their battle against periodontal disease.

Do you snore?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:02:00 +0000

Do you snore? If you do, this is an important blog for you.

We all know snoring is a major irritant because of complaints we receive from others. Your spouse, family members, house guests, and maybe even your neighbors have complained from time to time if you are a habitual snorer. And, while it might be offensive to them, it might be dangerous for you.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects breathing while you sleep. Habitual snoring is a classic symptom of sleep apnea. Snoring is not sleep apnea and it seems many people have that fact confused. However, it is a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disruption of your breathing when you are asleep. This is both dangerous to your health and it can affect your waking hours because your sleep is not restful.

The stoppage in breathing during sleep can cause oxygen deprivation. This can affect your overall health in the forms of heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, memory problems and more conditions related to oxygen deprivation. This is not to mention the irritability and radical behavior changes caused by restless sleep.

We are trained to recognize and treat sleep and breathing disorders. A good place to start with self-assessment is snoring. If you are a regular snorer, you have a primary symptom of sleep apnea. If this is the case, why not contact me for a consultation and we can screen you for sleep apnea? It is a good idea for your overall health and welfare.

Migraines and TMJ

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:19:00 +0000

If you suffer from migraines headaches, you know it is an intense head pain that can last for hours or days. For some, it can be totally debilitating. If you have frequent headaches and the best your doctor can do is prescribe pain medication for your migraines, you should look into what neuromuscular dentistry can do for your headaches. The alternative might be migraines for the rest of your life and the need for dulling medications to live with them.

Migraine headaches are a common symptom of TMJ. This is a misalignment of the jaw that can cause numerous pains and discomforts in the head and neck. Most people think of TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) as only a cause of jaw pain. However, migraine headaches are a very common symptom and, because of their severity, they are a major cause for people to seek out more advanced treatments. Informed family doctors will also recognize persistent migraines as a symptom of TMJ and make a referral to a neuromuscular dentist.

My training at The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies qualifies me as one of this area’s top professionals treating TMJ. The neuromuscular approach to treating TMJ is non-invasive. Through the use of measuring technologies, I am able to determine the proper alignment of your jaw to relieve the stress on the jaw joint. In turn, this eliminates all the issues that misalignment is causing on all the connected tissues. The neuromuscular approach is an effective and non-invasive way to treat TMJ and restore normal function to the jaw joint.

Along with normal function comes relief from TMJ symptoms including migraines. If you suffer from migraine headaches, why not ask me about how TMJ treatment works?

What is Bruxism?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:43:00 +0000

Many people are not aware that they have a condition called Bruxism. But, if you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw or a headache, you may be grinding your teeth at night and that is bruxism.

This can be caused by short-term stress but it can also be part of a chronic, bigger picture issue such as TMJ. In high stress situation, we tend to bear down and grind our teeth. Most people do not realize when they do this during the day and they certainly don’t realize it when they are sleeping. The tension in the muscles from the grinding is what causes inflammation and pain.

If your bruxism is due to stress, stress relief techniques ranging from exercise to counseling to muscle relaxants are occasionally used but are often a short term fix. In the case of chronic bruxism, treatment for TMJ may be the relief you need. Treatments can range from custom fit nightguards to full treatment for TMJ is the bruxism is a symptom of the TMJ. It is important to treat bruxism to avoid putting undue stress on the teeth, which can lead to receding gums or damage to the tooth.

If you are grinding your teeth at night, causing stiffness in your neck and jaw or headaches, please contact me today about treatment for your bruxism.

Thinking of whitening your teeth?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:26:00 +0000

There are lots of reasons why teeth whitening is a topic this time of year. Summer is a time for weddings, family reunions, travel and outdoor fun. Generally it is a time when a lot of photos are taken and people want to look their best. That often means teeth whitening.

Whitening is a very common treatment that can be done a number of different ways. It is often the first step someone takes when it comes to cosmetic dentistry and it is also one of the easiest and quickest treatments you can have to improve your smile. That is why teeth whitening is so popular.

When it comes to teeth whitening, you can get over the counter products at your local grocery store or drug store. These over the counter products can be effective but lack the strength of the treatments you can get from a dentist. And, in this case, strength of the chemicals equates to the amount of product and time you need to achieve a result. And, in the end, it makes a difference in what kind of result you will see. Most people who are serious about whitening their teeth wind up at the dentist asking for options even after they have tried the over the counter products.

Most dentists have a take-home whitening kit that you can purchase. Generally, it is more effective than the over the counter products. However, when someone comes to me for whitening, it is usually all about in-office whitening. This is the two-hour whitening process we offer where we apply a special chemical to your teeth. That chemical reacts to a light source we place in your mouth and the results are whiter teeth.

If you would like more information on whitening your teeth for an upcoming occasion, please contact me.

Join our social network.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:20:00 +0000

We’ve started a Facebook page for our practice. If you haven’t tried social networking online, you should give it a try. It a great way to stay connected with people and share information with each other. If you are unfamiliar with it, it is a free service with a lot of important privacy options. Users will tell you that it is a good way to keep up with what is going on with friends.

You can expect to get a little nugget from us every now and then on Facebook if you become a friend. Such as, last week, when we posted this funny story that happened that day.

FUNNY STORY!! We just had a wonderful couple come in today as new patients and they shared with us that their house was recently broken into (TRUE STORY). Now for the punch line.... The only thing that was stolen was their ULTREO toothbrushes!!!!!! :0) Now that is truly understanding the value of healthy teeth and gums!! Hope they grabbed new toothbrushes heads too because that would be just GROSS!

This is why we are making a Facebook page for my practice. As you, know, my practice is not your average dental practice. We make all kinds of efforts to ensure your comfort and to keep you posted on the important advancements in dentistry that can be of benefit to you and your family. Our Facebook page will allow us to do that even better, so we want to encourage anyone who is not on it to join up. We’ll be out there looking for you to become a Facebook friend really soon.

Headaches - The Dental Connection

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Headache is one of the leading causes of physician visits by patients and accounts for an enormous annual expenditure for pain relief medications. Yet few people think of going to a dentist for headache treatment. You probably know that what we dentists call occlusion is what most people refer to as their “bite” – the way their teeth come together. What many people do not know is how far-reaching the impact of a poor bite can be.

For example, did you know that a poor bite can be the cause of pain almost anywhere in the head and neck area? Headache is a prime example. Yet, headaches in the temple region are very commonly related to the bite and, correcting the bite often does away with the headaches.

To be sure, there are other causes of headache and head or neck pain. Most patients with this type of pain have already seen a physician to rule out other possible causes such as tumors, eye-strain, etc. With the post-graduate training our staff has completed, and state-of-the art equipment that we have acquired, we are able to scientifically rule in (or rule out) your bite as a possible source of pain.

I hope that you have found this information of interest. If you have questions our office would be more than happy to provide you with further information. If you have friends or loved ones that you suspect may be suffering from these conditions, you would be doing us, and them, a favor to pass this information along.

With Smiles,
Amy Norman

Headaches - The Dental Connection

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:54:00 +0000

Time for some Spring cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:21:00 +0000

It’s spring and people are getting organized for the warm weather ahead. One of the things you want to complete on your To Do list is to schedule your annual exam and cleanings. Making appointments now will help you prioritize this important task and get it on the schedule!

Annual exams are so important to avoid costly long-term dental issues. One of the things we do in an annual exam is an oral cancer screening. This is a short, painless, almost unnoticeable procedure but it is vital in early detection of oral cancer. It is one of the primary reasons you should be regular with your annual exams.

Thorough cleanings will give you the best chance to avoid long-term problems like gum disease. This is important to do a few times each year in addition to regular brushing and flossing. Gum disease can also lead to other system-wide physical problems including heart disease and strokes. So, if you are eating a healthy diet and living a healthy lifestyle to avoid health problems, you should realize that dental health is part of that picture.

So, why not get a leg up on your scheduling plans for the spring? Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Avoiding Tooth Erosion

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:43:00 +0000

Yes, you should be maintaining a regular cleaning and check-up schedule for your dental health and the dental health of your family. We are always happy to see you when it is time for a cleaning or check up. However, sometimes it is important to review the things you can be doing at home to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Everything you eat has some affect on your teeth and it is important to make sure you maintain healthy teeth by avoiding what is commonly known as tooth erosion. This can lead to cracked teeth, discoloration, sensitivity and more. Basically tooth erosion is just like it sounds, where the teeth are work away by the acids in what you eat.

Keeping this in mind makes it easy to avoid contributing to the problem. When you eat acidic foods or drinks, simply rinse out your mouth with water to neutralize the remaining acid in your mouth. This simple step is probably the most effective easy thing you can do to avoid tooth erosion. Of course cutting back on carbonated drinks and acidic foods helps, too. When you do eat or drink something that is high in acid, swallow it quickly to avoid it remaining in your mouth a long time.

Brushing is important in avoiding tooth erosion, too. Using a soft toothbrush reduces the friction on teeth that can contribute to erosion and waiting at least an hour to brush following acidic foods helps as well. This gives teeth the chance to remineralize after being exposed to the acids you just ate or drank.

Remembering these simple tips will contribute to your dental health by helping you avoid tooth erosion. If you have any other questions regarding your dental care, please contact me any time. I look forward to seeing you on your next appointment.

Congratulations, Judy!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:40:00 +0000

Dr. Amy Norman’s dental practice celebrated a rare event this month. February 8, 2009 marked the 30th anniversary of Judy Jenny’s employment with the practice. And, in that time, she has never taken a sick day.

“Judy is an amazing employee because she doesn’t have one year of experience 30 years in a row; she has 30 years of improvement and growth.” Said Dr. Amy Norman. She is not here because of habit, she is here because she essential to the success of the business.”

Judy credits a healthy and positive work environment to her reliability and longevity. Ironically, she was initially hired for only a six-month term of employment. Part of her secret she says, is that she looks forward to spending time each day with her co-workers and their patients. Now that Dr. Norman built the new office all on one level, she laughed and said “I may never retire!

Dr. Norman also credits Judy with demonstrating and inspiring work ethic among the entire team. Following her example, none of Dr. Norman’s full-time employees have ever taken a sick day. Said Tiffany Norton, Dental Assistant, “No one wants to let down the team or the patients.”

Big Smiles for the New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:15:00 +0000

It is a new year and a good time to talk about new advantages for a new year. And, the biggest advantage is a bright, beautiful, healthy smile.

As a cosmetic dentist, I see the changes all the time when people get a beautiful, new smile. Both men and women choose to improve their smiles for many reasons. Some reasons are personal and some reasons are for business. More and more it is because of health and the awareness of the connection between the health of the mouth to the health of the whole body. The bottom line in all cases is that the patient wants to make an improvement. They want long-lasting improvements, not just a short-term fix.

With newer materials and technology, long-lasting improvements mean long-lasting investments. This is because investing in the health of your teeth, gums and smile, saves time and money in the long run.

So whether you want a beautiful smile, healthy gums or to just have your teeth last your whole life, you are in well-qualified hands. My team and I are committed to helping you achieve your goals. And if you want a beautiful smile, know that our additional training and use of state of the art materials will ensure that it will be long lasting. Pretty teeth, no gum disease, long-lasting…your goals are our goals.

With Smiles,
Amy Norman, DDS

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:06:00 +0000

I wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a happy new year. Going into 2009, you are assured to get the same high-quality attention and dental care from me and my team. Each year, we all do our best to improve our skills and our practice to offer you the best dental service in the area.

And, as we head into the new year, I’d like to remind you to make sure and prioritize dental health for you and your family. The little things you do for home care and with your regular cleaning and prevention visits are very important.

Best wishes for the new year. I hope that you will continue to tell your family and friends about our practice and let people know about the excellent dental care your receive from us.

Back to basics

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:11:00 +0000

It is definitely one of the themes you are hearing a lot about lately. People are refocusing on the basics on a lot of topics. And, one that should be top of your list is dental care.

Dental care could be one of the easiest parts of your day. Simple brushing and flossing can keep your teeth in good condition and help you avoid long-term problems. But it is also important to visit your dentist for routine cleanings, screenings and care.

One of the basics you should be considering right now is ensuring good dental health for yourself and your family. If you have not had your regular appointment in more than six months, you need to put that on your calendar. If it has been more than a year since you have visited me for oral cancer screenings and a check for gum disease, this should be placed as a priority, too.

Remember the basic warning signs, too. Sore or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth and bad breath are all signs that you should be addressing some of your basics when it comes to your dental health.

Holiday Gift Idea

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:27:00 +0000

With the holiday season just around the corner, I am sure that you have had some thoughts already about how this might affect your holiday gift-giving.

When you are considering gifts that are long-lasting and meaningful, you should think about teeth whitening for teenagers and adults. We offer a number of options for teeth whitening and it can be a gift that affects lives for years. Improving a smile with whiter teeth can make a professional difference for a person, as well as personal differences. Plus, it can make people happier.

Judy has also pre-wrapped some Ultreos, Sonicares, and Hydrofloss packages for Christmas giving. If you’ve tried one of these state-of-the-art products then you know how they have revolutionized home care of your teeth.

Begin your holiday planning now. If you want a gift that keeps on giving, consider teeth whitening or a fun new product.

Congratulations, Tiffany!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:52:00 +0000

One of our dental assistants, Tiffany Norton, was among the first dental assistants in the state of Washington to earn the state’s new licensing distinction. Tiffany is also trained in Invisalign Invisible Braces and is an operator of the Myotronics K7 diagnostic equipment used to treat TMJ and related disorders such as Temporo-Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD) and Headaches related to the bite. We are all really happyer for her on her continued successes.

The State of Washington recently established the new licensing distinction for dental assistants. The RDA or Registered Dental Assistant credential. Applicants had to pass additional training and complete the application process.

We are very proud of Tiffany. We take a lot of pride in our team and the work they do to offer Everett the best dental experience possible.

What does biocompatible dentistry mean?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:01:00 +0000

Biocompatible dentistry is an approach to dentistry that focuses on keeping toxic substances out of your mouth and, therefore, your body. And, with modern dentistry, there is no reason why any toxic substances should be used.

Many people come in wanting to have their old, grey or black fillings removed for aesthetic purposes. The new white composite fillings that blend with the teeth simply look better. That may be true but the better reason to replace black/grey/silver fillings is because the amalgam that is used contains Mercury, a highly toxic metal.

Mercury can leech out of these fillings in very small does into your system. And, this sort of filling expands and contracts, endangering the stability of the tooth. In general, we can do better. The composite materials we use in white fillings are stronger, do not expand and contract and are fully biocompatible.

For biocompatible reasons, I would like you to be motivated to have your black/grey/silver fillings replaced. If you need the extra motivation, it looks much better but I would be more concerned with getting the Mercury out of your teeth.

If you have any questions about your fillings or biocompatible dentistry in general, please email me today.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:06:00 +0000

I love to hear when my work as a cosmetic dentist has so much positive impact on a patient’s life. Here is a thank you I got from a patient and a look at her before and after photos.

Dear Dr. Norman, Thank you so much for my new smile! It’s hard for me to find the words to tell you what you have done for me and how my life has changed since coming to you for help with my teeth. Not only are you a true artist and a compassionate doctor you are someone who believes in her patients even before they sometimes do. You have done more for my confidence and sense of well being than you will ever know… not only did you give me a beautiful smile but you helped me believe I deserved one; and for that I am truly indebted. My new smile is like having a new beginning in so many ways… when I think about how many years I spent feeling self conscious about the way my teeth looked I just can’t believe how good it feels to no longer have that burden. I am now able to smile without trying to hide my mouth or my first thought going to what the other person is thinking about how bad my tooth looks… it’s such a sense of freedom that touches every moment of my day. Since seeing you and having my teeth done I can’t count how many times people have complimented me on my smile. On a weekly basis I get comments like “you have such a nice smile” or “your teeth are so white”. I literally had one person (whom I had never met) walk across a crowded room to me and say “Wow, you have the most gorgeous smile, your teeth are so beautiful”…. I nearly fell of my chair in delight! You and your staff are amazing, your work is exceptional, and I am so thankful to you for everything. Warmest regards, Whitney Hausske

Proud to be featured in Catalyst Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:30:00 +0000

This is a pretty proud moment. Here I am on the cover of Catalyst, a national industry magazine for the dental field. It is a pretty big honor to be featured. You can see the cover and the article beginning on Page 22.

http://www.burkhartdental.com/images/stories/Burkhart/Resources/Catalyst/catalyst_q308_web.swf

Ringing in the ears… might be TMJ

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Amy Norman) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:45:00 +0000

Every once in a while, I am reminded how random the symptoms of TMJ can be. As you know, I am a neuromuscular dentist and I treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorders TMJ/TMD). Is this always characterized by straight up jaw joint pain? Absolutely not.

It takes a neuromuscular dentist to recognize that Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be another symptom of TMJ that is commonly misdiagnosed and often goes untreated or is treated ineffectively. In many cases ringing in the ears is one of the results of having a strained bite in which the jaw is not aligned. The jaw area of the face is a complex network of muscles and nerves, and when the bite is misaligned muscles and nerves throughout the head, including the ears, can be affected.

Tinnitus can also be one of the most alarming and hard to live with conditions a person can have. If you are experiencing a ringing in your ears, please make an appointment with me for a TMJ screening.

Of all the symptoms of TMJ/TMD that we can treat, Tinnitus is the most dramatic. When we relieve a patient of this chronic, irritating, sometimes maddening condition it can be life-changing.