Sleep disturbances can be one of the causes of temporomandibular pathology and orofacial pain, including limitation of jaw movements, muscle fatigue and tension headaches, as explained by the director of the Master’s Degree in Craniomandibular Dysfunction and Orofacial Pain, Dr Jordi Tomàs. “There is no direct relationship between sleep disorders and oral problems, but it has been detected that patients who suffer from insomnia often suffer from stress, anxiety or depression, and this psychological condition usually manifests itself at the oral level”, Tomàs emphasised, posing the example of teeth grinding.

Almost half of the adult population suffers from some sign of orofacial pain or temporomandibular disorder, a condition that affects more women than men in adulthood. According to the Master's degree coordinator, Dr Natalia Felipe, this condition can be caused by both physiological causes (anatomical predisposition, certain dental malocclusions or parafunctional habits) and psychological causes (stress, anxiety, depression or difficulties in falling asleep).
 
Dr Felipe explained that the main symptoms of orofacial pain include the presence of pain during chewing, swallowing or phonation, muscle fatigue, joint noises, tension headaches and limitation of jaw movements. The two experts highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of this condition through a conservative, multidisciplinary approach. To this end, the role of dentists in the detection and treatment of these cases is fundamental, as is the need for these professionals to receive continuous and up-to-date training on this pathology. 

Photo: Freepik / karlyukav