Cleft lip and palate affects one in every 700 UK babies.[i] A cleft is defined as a gap or split in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth. This is present from birth. For cleft lip and palate patients, a greater awareness of its impact on oral health leads to better dental care and…
The bones in our body form a skeleton, and that skeleton supports our posture. Whether standing or sitting, correct alignment is important. Good posture preserves long-term bone health and reduces stress on the spine. Equal weight distribution is then achieved so we aren’t walking or sitting at an angle. Poor posture continues to grow as…
How often do you get a perfect night of sleep? According to a survey, only 6% of Brits awake feeling refreshed.[i] Humans need rest like a phone needs charge – without it we cannot fully function. We all know how minimal sleep impacts the following day: the yawns are long, the stretches big and all…
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affects children as well as adults. Limited jaw function in these early years can cause many problems for children, impacting their quality of life. Whilst children may understand the simplicity of broken bones and cuts, TMD is a more complex issue. Child prevalence of TMD is broad, ranging from 6-68%.[i] Paediatric…
Self-care is how individuals and families maintain their own health, prevent disease and cope with illness – without the support of someone else. [i] For patients with chronic conditions, self-care is vital for recovery. It gets patients to adjust to a condition and also try to overcome it where possible. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is…
We are always listening to something. It could be music, podcasts, a TV show or an audiobook. Our hearing is so important to our daily lives that we take it for granted. Hearing loss is a growing problem in the UK. 18 million adults are either deaf, losing their hearing or have tinnitus – that is…
Headaches need little introduction. From people aged five to people aged 80, headache disorders are one of the three most common neurological conditions. There are many common, well-known causes, such as stress, disrupted sleep patterns, certain foods and, famously, alcohol. However, many may overlook the importance of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as a risk factor…
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is essential for speech and eating. When it’s damaged or diseased, enjoying food and speaking with confidence becomes limited. Changes in the facial aesthetics can also increase self-consciousness. As such, quality of life is affected. Condylar joints are found across the body and support flexible movements.i For the jaw, the two…
What is the link between connective tissue disease and oral health? The human body is a mix of organs and bones bound together by tissue. There are four types of tissue: epithelial, muscle, nervous, and connective.i Damaged connective tissue reduces how well the body functions. Connective tissue disease (CTD) encompasses a range of autoimmune diseases….
Arthritis of the TMJ Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints. It is widespread, with 10 million people in the UK diagnosed with osteoarthritis, 450,000 adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 190,000 adults estimated to have psoriatic arthritis (PsA).i This high prevalence shows the need for a greater understanding…