In a hectic and fast-paced world, sleep is more precious than ever. Unfortunately, millions of people suffer from poor sleep quality. While there are a number of possible culprits behind sleep problems, one commonly overlooked factor is the presence of TMJ disorder (TMD). What explains this connection, and is there anything you can do to start enjoying higher-quality rest? This blog post offers valuable information.
How Are They Connected?
TMD is a condition that affects the jaw joints. When they become strained or suffer damage, many symptoms can result, including jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and more. Some of its symptoms are even connected to poor sleep.
For example, TMD may cause (or be caused by) teeth grinding and clenching. The grinding frequently occurs during sleep, and it can cause micro-arousals in your brain that disrupt your sleep cycle.
Plus, TMD and teeth grinding are often associated with problems in the upper airway; a poorly aligned jaw can cause pain in the jaw joints, lead to teeth grinding, and contribute to airway blockages during sleep. Each time your airway gets blocked, your body goes into panic mode and wakes you up just enough so you can start breathing again. As you might imagine, this condition (known as obstructive sleep apnea) can have a major impact on the quality of your sleep.
There are even indirect ways in which TMD can play a role in poor sleep. For example, painful headaches or sore muscles may keep you awake at night. TMD is even associated with heightened stress, which can lead to bouts of insomnia, bad dreams, and other sleep-related issues.
What Can You Do?
If you have symptoms of TMD, one of the best things you can do is visit a dentist who is qualified to diagnose the issue and offer treatment. In some cases, something as simple as a minor bite adjustment can relieve stress on the jaw joints and lead to higher-quality sleep.
In other cases, a special oral appliance might be the best solution. Some devices are designed to prevent teeth grinding and slightly reposition the lower jaw in order to reduce muscle and joint strain. Others move the jaw in a way that helps to keep the airway open in order to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
BOTOX injections, orthodontic treatment, and rarely, surgery, can also be used to treat TMD. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but a qualified professional can recommend the approach that is likely to work best in your unique situation. Hopefully, you will soon be sleeping soundly!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Russell Teasdale has more than 40 years of experience in dentistry. He focuses on the treatment of TMJ disorder, sleep apnea, and related issues. If you are suffering from poor sleep quality, sore facial muscles, or other concerning symptoms that may be related to the health of your jaw joints or upper airway, he and our team would be happy to welcome you into our Portland office for a consultation. Contact us at 503-974-3829.