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Contact Information

Jean E. Barthman, DDS
801 Brewster Ave Ste 255
Redwood City, CA 94063
Ph: (650) 367-4967

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Meet Dr. Barthman

Dr. BarthmanBeauty, Health and Comfort. These words best describe the office of Dr. Barthman. Because of her years of experience and education, she possesses the latest knowledge and techniques in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve optimal results.

Dr. Barthman is a Member of

  • American Dental Association
  • Las Vegas Institute for
  • Advanced Dental Studies
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Did You Know?

Above all else, Dr. Barthman wants for you to have a beautiful, new smile. Prevention is the key to staying healthy and so we recommend the following tips to get you on your way:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Chew sugarless gum instead of sugary varieties.
  • Floss daily and if possible, after every meal.
  • Prevent plaque and cavities by reducing your daily intake of sweet snacks.
  • Schedule a cleaning and oral examination with Dr. Barthman once a year.

 

TMJ and Sleep Apnea Treatment

August 29, 2022 @ 12:00 PM -- by Dr. Jean Barthman
Tagged with: Tmj Sleep Apnea

Individual with TMJ painAt Dr. Jean E. Barthman’s dental practice, patients can find a comprehensive range of dental treatments to improve the health and appearance of the smile, as well as overall health. Two conditions that are commonly treated at her dental office include TMJ disorder and sleep apnea. Although these are not often thought of as dental conditions, they can be greatly improved with the right dental treatment.

Dr. Barthman is happy to help individuals from the Redwood City, CA, area consider their options regarding sleep apnea and TMJ treatment. She can customize a TMJ treatment plan that best addresses each patient’s unique needs so that they breathe, sleep, and perform oral functions more comfortably and effectively.

Are TMJ and Sleep Apnea Linked?

Sleep apnea and TMJ disorder are two different conditions. Sleep apnea interferes with a person’s breathing during the night so that they are woken up repeatedly when oxygen levels drop. The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. People who suffer from this condition have a blockage in the airway that reduces the amount of oxygen taken in at night and leads to poor quality of sleep.

TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joint, or the joint that connects the upper jaw to the skull. This condition is characterized by an improperly aligned jaw. When the joint is not lined up properly, it becomes difficult to bite, chew, or open and close the mouth. People with TMJ disorder are likely to suffer from symptoms such as facial pain, lock jaw, earaches, and headaches.

Although sleep apnea and TMJ disorder have very different symptoms, they are often linked. Obstructive sleep apnea is frequently the result of poor jaw alignment. If the teeth and jaw do not fit together properly, the lower jaw can slip back while a person sleeps, which can block airways and lead to sleep apnea. Because TMJ disorder and sleep apnea may be caused by some of the same factors, they often respond well to the same types of treatment.

Treating TMJ and Sleep Apnea With Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular dentistry is often effective in treating sleep apnea and TMJ disorder for our Redwood City patients. Neuromuscular dentistry addresses the muscle tension that often causes TMJ disorder. During treatment, ultra low level electrical pulses cause the facial muscles to contract and relax. This trains the muscles to relax, which should encourage the jaw to sit in its proper position. With the jaw properly aligned, patients should notice an improvement in both TMJ disorder and sleep apnea symptoms.

Treating TMJ and Sleep Apnea With Orthotic Splints

Another effective treatment for sleep apnea and TMJ disorder is orthotic splints. Orthotic splints, or mouth guards, are worn over the teeth while a patient sleeps. These devices are customized to fit comfortably and securely. The splints hold the jaw in its proper position while our Redwood City patients sleep, to relieve the tension of TMJ disorder and prevent obstructions that can cause sleep apnea.

Contact Us

If you suffer from TMJ disorder, sleep apnea, or both, Dr. Jean E. Barthman offers treatments that can restore oral comfort and functions, and help you get a good night’s rest. To learn more about our sleep apnea and TMJ treatments, send us a message online or call (650) 367-4967 at your earliest convenience.