Sleep – we can’t live without it, yet many of us can’t get enough of it. Around 50-70 million Americans have a chronic sleep disorder. They can rob us of enjoyment in life and productivity at work and even cause serious health conditions.
TMJ and sleep apnea are two common conditions that impact the quality of many people’s sleep. However, both can be treated through dental sleep medicine. If you’re currently struggling with one of these conditions, help could be at hand.
This article will take a deep dive into how TMJ and sleep apnea treatment works and how it can revolutionize your life.
The Link Between TMJ Disorders and Sleep
If you’ve got TMD, you know it can make it very difficult to get a good night’s sleep. TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints, the two hinges of our jaw. When things go wrong, it can result in TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
The Impact of TMD
TMD can make it painful to:
- Yawn
- Chew
- Swallow
- Talk
The pain may radiate to other parts of the face and body, making it difficult to get a good night’s rest. TMJ pain relief, such as NSAIDs that reduce inflammation, can provide temporary relief. However, they are not a long-term solution.
Many people with TMD also clench or grind their teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth wear, fractures, infections, and even tooth loss. It is important to get early treatment to protect your long-term dental health.
The Challenge of Getting Comfortable
It can be difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position when you suffer from TMJ. If you like to sleep on your side, you may wake up with headaches from pressure on the joint. Some people even find that they wake up due to the pain.
The best sleeping position is on the back, as it:
- Reduces pressure on the jaw
- Gives good support to your neck and head
- Reduces teeth grinding and clenching.
However, these options do not address the underlying problem. Therefore, it is important to find drug-free TMJ pain relief that can help you get a good night’s sleep.
TMJ Therapy Options
Every TMJ disorder sufferer is different. Exact symptoms vary, as does the way they impact people’s sleep. Therefore, rather than buying an over-the-counter device to treat your TMD, schedule an appointment with a dentist specializing in dental sleep medicine.
How Dentists Treat TMJ Disorders
We may mainly associate dentists with traditional areas like tooth restorations. However, their expertise in the mechanics of the jaw can help you treat your TMJ disorder and related issues.
During your appointment, a dentist will:
- Examine your jaw for signs of inflammation
- Inspect your teeth for signs of clenching, grinding, and alignment issues
- Use X-rays and other scans to get a detailed view of your mouth and jaw
- Check the muscles in your neck and jaw for tension
- Conduct a bite analysis
The dentist will also listen carefully as you explain how TMJ disorder is affecting your life. They will consider how they can reduce your pain and improve your sleep.
TMD Splints
Your dentist may recommend a TMD splint as one of the best TMJ therapy options for you. These splints look a little like a mouthguard or an invisible brace. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth and then adjust them during a fitting session.
TMD splints can help reduce pain and protect teeth from the wear associated with teeth clenching and grinding. Some studies have shown that these appliances reduce pain by relaxing the jaw muscles.
Your dentist can talk you through whether splints are a long-term solution or will be part of a bigger treatment plan.
How Dentists Can Help Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes breathing to stop and start during sleep. The most common form is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is caused by the throat muscles relaxing and stopping air from flowing into the lungs.
It’s a potentially serious condition and is often treated with a CPAP machine. This involves wearing a mask that is hooked up to a machine. It delivers a flow of air to your airway that helps keep it open while you sleep. However, it takes time to adjust to sleeping in a mask, and some people prefer a less intrusive alternative.
Dentists can help by creating bespoke sleep appliances. Again, they apply their expert knowledge of the jaw and surrounding muscles to help sleep apnea sufferers breathe continuously through the night.
Sleep Apnea Solutions
Sleep apnea oral appliances work by changing the position of the jaw. Rather than directing air into your airway, they move the jaw or tongue forward, helping to keep the airway open. There are a couple of options:
- Mandibular advancement devices
- Tongue stabilizing devices
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
MADs are the most common sleep apnea solutions. They work by pulling the mandible (lower jaw) forward. This pulls the tongue forward and creates more room for air to flow into the lungs.
They usually have two parts and fit over your teeth. The dentist can adjust them so they fit your situation ideally. They come in a range of materials and sizes, so you can find one that works for you. Some people find them more comfortable and as effective at helping them sleep as a CPAP machine.
Don’t be tempted by off-the-shelf “boil-and-bite” options. Get a bespoke oral appliance that is designed to meet your individual needs.
Tongue Stabilizing Devices
If you cannot use an MAD, a tongue stabilization device may work. It uses suction to pull your tongue forward, keeping your airway open.
Choose Albee Family Dental for TMJ and Sleep Apnea Treatment
TMJ disorders and sleep apnea can have a huge impact on your enjoyment of life. Don’t suffer in silence any longer. Get down to Albee Family Dental and learn how dental sleep medicine can help you get a good night’s sleep.
Our dentists are trained to provide several effective treatments. They include occlusal appliances for TMJ disorder and sleep appliances that help open your airways. We pride ourselves on providing a truly personalized approach that gets to the bottom of your particular issues.
Learn more about TMJ and sleep apnea treatment and schedule a consultation today!
