Member Dr. Kabaria
When I think about my journey, it's a mix of big dreams, unexpected turns, and a lot of late nights figuring things out as a working immigrant woman and a mom of two.
I was born and raised in India, where my passion for healthcare started early. I've always believed in helping people feel truly better, caring for them like they're family. That belief led me through dental training in the U.S., an advanced education program, and eventually to becoming a diplomat, board-certified orofacial pain specialist. A path that wasn't exactly a straight line, but one that feels exactly right.
Today, I'm the founder of Bergen TMJ and Dental Sleep Care. I see so many women and young adults pushing through chronic jaw tension, headaches, and clenching like it's just part of life. We're told, "It's just stress" or "That's normal." I'm here to say: it might be common, but it's not something you have to live with. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing patients wake up without that familiar jaw tension, or finally get through the day without pain medication. And sleep? Whether it's your own snoring or your partner's (yes, I treat those too!). Better sleep genuinely changes your quality of life. It only takes a few steps with a specialized oral appliance to reduce snoring, improve rest, and help couples actually like each other again in the morning. My own formerly-snoring husband is now a success story.
At home, life is its own adventure. Between running a practice and raising two kids, I've learned that work-life balance isn't something you perfect, it's something you keep working on. Some days I feel like I have it all together; other days I'm reheating the same cup of chai three times and calling that a win.
These days, my kids lead the way. We're always into painting, crafts, and hands-on projects that remind me why I loved working with my hands in the first place. You might also catch me on Thursday evenings with this fun group of Ridgewood moms, or on weekends treating the family to Pierre & Michel or Ben & Jerry's. Glad to be part of this community!
A Few Words of Wisdom I Live By:
Snoring is a signal, not just a sound. It's your body asking for better sleep and more care.
We normalize so much as moms. Jaw pain and headache doesn't have to be one of them.
Small habits matter more than you think. Staying hydrated, taking mindful breaks, and remembering to unclench your jaw during the day can go a long way.
Take care of yourself first. You show up so much better for everyone else when you do.
Stay close to the people who cheer for you and gently remind you to slow down. You need both kinds in your corner.
Dr. Anita Kabaria
Bergen TMJ & Dental Sleep care
www.bergentmj.com
