Treating Jaw Pain and Restless Sleep
If you grind or clench your teeth (a condition dentists call “bruxism”) in your sleep or you snore loudly, it may not have occurred to you, but there could be a link between your teeth and your breathing issues. Misaligned jaw joints can cause temporomandibular joint (or TMJ) disorder, which can result in chronic jaw pain and headaches, with bruxism as a common symptom. Obstructive sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a condition involving frequent breathing interruptions while sleeping. Snoring is a common symptom.
While an individual can certainly experience one condition or the other, in many cases, we find that our patients suffer from both TMJ disorder and sleep apnea. Those who suffer from sleep apnea may grind and clench their teeth at night, increasing the chances of TMJ disorder-related issues. Our dentists have the expertise to treat both conditions and, by using custom therapy with oral appliances, can effectively resolve symptoms of both TMJ disorder and sleep apnea. Whether you’re suffering from one or both of these conditions, it is possible to ease your symptoms and live a healthier, more energized life with custom sleep apnea and TMJ disorder treatment!
Signs You May Have TMJ Disorder
- Chronic jaw pain
- Jaw popping, locking or stiffness
- Headaches or migraines
- Worn-down teeth
- Neck or back pain or stiffness
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Malocclusion (misaligned bite)
- Earaches
TMJ Disorder Solutions
Our team at understands that many TMJ disorder symptoms can be painful and sometimes debilitating. We offer customized TMJ treatment in Springdale, OH to help you restore balance to your day, your smile and your overall health. Some common TMJ treatment solutions include the following:
Mouthguard/Splint Therapy
In order to avoid teeth grinding and clenching, we may recommend a custom-made mouthguard or splint. These are often worn at night, but can also be made for the daytime to protect your teeth. Similar to sports mouth guards, these oral appliances protect your teeth while helping your jaw move into a more relaxed position.
Orthodontics
If your teeth are misaligned and affecting your bite, you have a malocclusion. This can cause stress on your TMJs, as your teeth try to come together properly. Orthodontics can not only help reduce or eliminate bruxism and the jaw pain associated with it, they can be used to straighten your teeth and bite, as well!
Occlusal Adjustment
Finding occlusal equilibrium can sometimes be as easy as altering the surfaces of a few teeth. We’ll help your teeth come together harmoniously in their rested state with an occlusal adjustment. By strategically removing a small amount of tooth enamel in one or more areas of your mouth, we can reduce jaw pain, as well as the grinding and clenching that’s causing it.
Safeguard Your Health with a Mouthguard
Once you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we offer customized mouthguards in Springdale, OH to protect you from its dangers. These are similar to mouthguards you might use during sports activities to stop you from clenching your jaws. With this type of sleep apnea treatment, our team creates impressions of your teeth that ensure your mouthguard will fit firmly and correctly. When your mouthguard is ready, you’ll take it home and slip it over your teeth at bedtime. This oral appliance will hold your lower jaw slightly forward, preventing soft tissues from blocking your airway and causing you to snore. You may begin to notice the benefits of sleep apnea treatment virtually immediately, with more energy during the day and quieter, more restful sleep at night!
