Teeth clenching or grinding - known as bruxism - is a common problem that may lead to headaches, facial pain and TMJ disorder.
Bruxism has puzzled dentists and physicians for years, limiting the successful treatment of these disorders.
Research conducted by neurologist and sleep disorder specialist Jerald H. Simmons, M.D. has demonstrated that a main cause of bruxism relates to breathing problems during sleep, such as
snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Years of observation and experience in treating patients with OSA and bruxism led him to recognized the relationship of these conditions; with the assistance of Ron Prehn, DDS, they began studies on more than 700 patients with OSA.
This is the first research in the world to conclusively demonstrate that bruxism during sleep is actually an attempt to bring the jaw and tongue forward. Nocturnal bruxism stops the back of the tongue from blocking the airway and, is the brain's way of preventing this blockage from occurring.
Dr. Simmons treats patients with a variety of methods including CPAP masks that fit over the nose to deliver positive pressure; special dental appliances that bring the jaw forward to open the back of the airway,
and
in some cases surgical procedures which remove crowded tissue in the back of the throat. In some patients a combination of all these treatments are needed. Dr. Prehn has assisted in designing customized CPAP masks for some patients which are held on the face using a special dental appliance, eliminating the need for straps on the head and chin.
One of Dr. Simmons' patients, Diane F. states that "... I saw multiple doctors, and none of them were able to take care of my symptoms. As soon as Dr. Simmons' treatment opened up my airway, my clenching stopped... I think Dr. Simmons' research has found that missing link."
Other conditions treated at Dr. Simmons Sleep Center,
Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates (CSMA) include:
•
ADHD, which is now recognized to frequently result from poor, non-restorative sleep;
•
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue, both of which are also recognized as a result of sleep problems; and
• Morning headaches, a condition usually resulting from disturbances in sleep that is not properly diagnosed in many patients.
Doctors Simmons and Prehn have presented their results to dentists and physicians at national medical and dental conferences. This new concept has created a wave of interest within the dental field, as most dentists are challenged by patients with bruxism. They have a new prospective and alternative approach in treating these patients.
"It is amazing how much improvement we can provide in patients by properly treating disturbances in their sleep," Dr. Simmons said.
CSMA's sleep centers, founded and directed by Dr. Simmons, are found throughout the greater Houston area. For more information about his work
and the sleep center, visit
www.HoustonSleep.net
