Temporomandibular joint syndrome, commonly referred to as TMJ, is a pain in the jaw joint that can be caused by joint abnormalities, arthritis or other medical conditions. Common treatments include dietary changes, stress reduction, muscle stretching, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Changing sleep positions can also reduce symptoms in some cases.
Strain on the head, neck, face or jaw can worsen TMJ symptoms. Waking up with increased levels of jaw pain can be a sign that sleep position is making symptoms worse. How a person positions the body during sleep can affect multiple factors that contribute to jaw pain:
Sleeping on the stomach or side can push the jaw back towards the skull or to the side, depending on the head position of the sleeper. This increased pressure on the jaw can intensify symptoms. Additionally, turning the head to the side while sleeping may create tension that makes TMJ worse.
Sleeping on the back is considered an ideal position for reducing pain because it avoids pressure on the jaw, keeps the head and neck in better alignment, provides increased support for the head, neck and shoulders and makes it less likely that teeth clenching or grinding will occur. However, it is important to avoid creating tension in the neck by elevating the head too much. Back sleepers should avoid using pillows that are too firm or too thick and refrain from propping their heads up with their hands because this can create neck strain.
Pressure on the jaw can be further reduced by training the tongue to rest on top of the teeth. Relaxing the tongue on top of the teeth helps to keep the jaw slightly open, which can reduce the chance that teeth clenching or grinding will occur.
Sleeping flat on the back can make some health conditions such as sleep apnea and acid reflux worse. People who have health issues that may be impacted by their sleep habits should consult with a doctor to determine whether changing sleep position is an appropriate TMJ treatment option.
According to sleep surveys, only about 10-15% of people sleep on their backs, and many individuals have difficulty adjusting to back sleeping. This transition can be made easier by placing a small pillow under the arch of the spine and sleeping on an adjustable mattress or a mattress that conforms to the body. A supportive orthopedic pillow may also help hold up the neck. Experimenting with different arm and leg positions may also increase comfort. However, placing the arms over the head should be avoided.
Patients with persistent jaw pain should consult a medical professional for an evaluation of the problem and determination of appropriate treatment options. Changing sleep positions can be helpful for many people, but they may not work for everyone.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on studying, diagnosing, and treating problems affecting teeth pulp. The most commonly performed endodontic treatment used in dentistry is the root canal, and it allows dentists to save teeth that have severe damage or decay.Root canal treatments are often the last defense when saving a tooth. A…
Many families with adolescents in need of straighter smiles are opting for Invisalign® for teens over traditional braces. Braces use wires and frequent adjustments to straighten each tooth individually. Invisalign clear aligners straighten all the teeth at once and are swapped out for new ones about every two weeks during the process. These aligners are…
If you and your child are interested in an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign® may be just what you are looking for. It is just as effective at straightening teeth as traditional braces but has certain qualities that make it more tolerable for teenagers.It is usually preferable to wait to delay teeth straightening treatment until…
A general dentist is often the first to inform parents that a teenage patient needs braces. As an orthodontic option, Invisalign® for teens can produce results in just a few months with minimal discomfort. This process can work to straighten teeth that are out of line, crooked, or twisted, and there may be no need…
Are you dealing with a severely damaged tooth? You most likely require an endodontic procedure…
Many families with adolescents in need of straighter smiles are opting for Invisalign® for teens…
If you and your child are interested in an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign® may…
A general dentist is often the first to inform parents that a teenage patient needs…
Like many young people, your teenager may have crooked teeth or bite problems that need…
If your son or daughter is concerned about crooked teeth or a bad bite, you…