Bruxism is an activity involving clenching and or grinding of the teeth during sleep. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are not uncommon and can have various symptoms including ear pain, headaches, clicking, popping, and grating sounds of the joint. Bruxism, over time can cause TMD and can be treated with an oral appliance. Nasal obstruction is a common complaint and causes a patient to breathe through their mouth. This article suggests that nasal obstruction can indirectly have a positive effect on sleep bruxism as it causes patients to mouth breathe, thus relaxing the jaw. Nasal obstruction could help with bruxism although a proper diagnosis from an orofacial pain management physician and an oral appliance for treatment is highly recommended. Dr. Stan Farrell is a Diplomate with the American Board of Orofacial Pain and a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Stan Farrell has extensive training in sleep medicine, making him one of the best choices for your sleep bruxism and temporomandibular joint disorder treatment. Dr. Stan Farrell also uses the most effective methods of treatment and works diligently to erase the pain caused by TMD in the lives of his patients. If you or someone you know is clinching and or grinding your teeth, and are starting to experience jaw pain or headaches, please schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Stan Farrell at 480-945-3629 or visit us online at www.headpaininstitute.com for more information.
Bektas D1, Cankaya M, Livaoglu M. 1Department of Otolaryngology, Karadeniz Technical University, School of Medicine, Trabzon 61080, Turkey.
Abstract:
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a collective term used to identify a group of musculoskeletal conditions of the temporomandibular region. Bruxism is a non-functional activity characterized by repeated tooth clenching or grinding in an unconscious manner. Over the time bruxism may lead to TMD by the uploading it causes. Nasal obstruction is a common complaint that necessitates mouth breathing when severe. The treatment of bruxism is frequently performed by oral appliances, which induce occlusal disengagement and relax jaw musculature and therefore reduce the force on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We believe that nasal obstruction may indirectly have a preemptive and therapeutic effect on sleep bruxism related TMD by causing mouth breathing.
