Did you know that over 50% of adults walking into a dental office today likely suffers from a Sleep Disordered Breathing condition and one in three adults suffers from a jaw/facial pain disorder? At Cleveland TMJ & Sleep Therapy Center, we are committed to addressing these often-overlooked health issues by “Keeping it Simple.”
The Connection Between Sleep and Pain
Dentistry is evolving. We now understand that chronic facial pain, headaches, TMD, and bruxism (teeth grinding) are frequently linked to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Your body’s highest priority is survival, and nothing is more critical to survival than breathing. While we can survive for long periods without food or water, our bodies can only last minutes without oxygen. When your airway is compromised during sleep, you are more likely to grind your teeth to keep your airway open. Over time, your nervous system undergoes plastic changes that can lead to chronic pain.Why “Simple” Matters
Treating these complex disorders doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Success in treatment generally comes down to three primary goals:- Controlling Inflammation: Reducing the chemical process that causes pain in the joints and muscles.
- Controlling Mandibular Para-function: Managing and finding the root cause for habits like clenching and grinding that cause micro-trauma to the jaw.
- Maintaining an Airway and promoting Functional Breathing: Ensuring you can breathe properly throughout the night and day. Keeping the airway open at nighttime and breathing through the nose day and night.