Best TMJ Pillow 2019 Pillows for Teeth Grinding Clenching Bruxism
My wife has often complained of my clenching at night. And, then I developed temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome which makes his jaw joint and muscles ache. To help ease the pain caused by his TMJ disorder, we went on a hunt for the best pillow for teeth grinders. All the information we gathered can help you as well if you suffer from bruxism and are in dire need of some relief from your teeth grinding.
I was surprised when our dentist told us that my problem could be solved if he changed his pillow rather than go through extensive and painful medical procedures. Teeth grinding and TMJ can be relieved if you use the correct smart technology pillows which will allow you to minimize the pressure on your jaw. They will also make sure your head and neck are in the right position, thus preventing the involuntary movements we now know as bruxism.
So, I dove deep into this subject matter as it was such a big part of my family’s life for so long and decided to create a complete guide for your use as well. Here you will find all the information you need in one place. The top pillow for teeth grinders and TMJ relief in 2019, a series of FAQs that answer what is bruxism and TMJ in the first place, and what you need to consider when you go shopping for a new pillow.
Top 5 Best TMJ Pillows
If you’re curious to know what the best pillows for teeth grinders are in 2019, let’s get right down to business.
EnVy TMJ Relief Pillow for TMJD & Jaw Pain
Winner: I’ve chosen the EnVy TMJ Relief Pillow for TMJD & Jaw Pain as the best one you can find on the market for the purpose of TMJ and grinding your teeth. Its stellar reviews from users as well as magnificent qualities will convince you as well. The patented gull-wing design encourages back sleeping, which is ideal, but allows for side sleeping without the unwanted pressure on the sleeper’s jaw. The specialized memory foam ‘off loads’ the weight of the head and subtly positions the sleeper’s jaw away from the pillow.
Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow
Runner-Up: The Therapeutica is great for sleeping on your back, as you should if you suffer from bruxism or TMJ. This pillow will make sure your head remains in the correct position all through the night.
EcoGreen Storage’s Chiropractic Pillow
Top Budget Option: If you’re on a budget, this is the pillow for you. It only costs a fraction of what the others do, but users report it’s like going to the chiropractor for 15 minutes every day in the privacy of your own bedroom.
The LumaLife Luxe Low Profile Orthopedic Cervical Pillow
Best for Combination Sleepers: This is another fantastic pillow for people with TMJ and bruxism. Not only does it work well for all types of sleeping position, it can be easily customized to fit your needs. Plus, its ergonomic design can provide maximum support and comfort.
Pure Comfort Side Sleeping Pillow
Best for Side Sleepers: If you are a side sleeper check out the Pure Comfort Side Sleeping Pillow. It will relieve the pressure you feel when you sleep on your side and help you feel less pain. This pillow will also reduce your inflammation.
TMJ and Bruxism Explained
When my family and I were introduced to these unfamiliar ideas, we were planted on the threshold a whole new world of ailments and had no idea how harmful they were, what they meant, what caused them, and if they could lead to anything more serious.
So let’s go ahead answer all those questions right now. Keep in mind that the more you know about what ails you, the easier it will be to find the appropriate solution when the time comes to go out and buy one.
What Is Bruxism?
The name ‘bruxism’ was introduced to the world more than one hundred years ago to represent a simple thing. The idea of using one of your body parts in a way it was not intended to be used. In this case, we are talking about your jaw muscles, which move involuntarily or spasmodically.
They can also move rhythmically if the person has more control over them. Bruxism can happen both when you are awake and when you are sleeping. Most people who have sleep bruxism don’t realize they have it until told about it.
What Causes Bruxism?
The causes of bruxism are not known. However, most doctors tend to believe it is either a genetic condition or that it’s caused by external factors such as stress, anxiety, or sleep apnea.
Some studies have even shown that both bruxism and TMJ tend to appear more in people with hyperactive personalities.
On the other hand, psychologists say that bruxism can be a coping mechanism, much like biting you nails, your lips or your cheeks.
Is Bruxism the Same as Teeth Grinding and TMJ?
Yes, bruxism is the same as teeth grinding but it is not the same as TMJ. Simply put, bruxism is merely the act of involuntarily grinding your teeth during the night.
It is true that the force of the bite during this process is up to six times stronger than during the day, mainly because the jaw clenches a lot harder when you are not concentrating or you are not aware of what you’re doing.
Jaw clenches a lot harder when you're not aware of what you're doing
The human jaw and teeth are powerful enough to bite through bones and even wood. That doesn’t happen merely because our brains stop us from doing it. However, during the night, when you suffer from bruxism, you grind your teeth with a greater force than when you are awake.
TMJ, otherwise known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a very serious medical condition that manifests itself through inflammations of the joints.
In other words, if a patient suffers from bruxism, as mentioned above, he or she is not even aware of this because they don’t feel any consequences of grinding their teeth through the night.
However, a patient suffering from TMJ will wake up with headaches and dizziness. They will also feel different degrees of pain in their jaw, depending on how severe the inflammation is.
Apart from that, they complain of hearing popping sounds when trying to yawn or open their mouth wider than usual. They also report that the pain makes it difficult for them to chew their food. Some patients have even lost their hearing.
How Can You Tell If You Have TMJ?
There are a few symptoms of TMJ that you can look out for in case you suspect you might be suffering from it.
Pain in either one or in both your jaw joints.
Tenderness or actual pain radiating throughout your entire jaw.
Pain inside or around your ear.
You feel pain while you chew, speak or yawn.
Your jaw locks so it’s difficult to move your mouth in a normal way.
So, in case you were wondering how does TMJ affect the body, these are a few of the symptoms you will be feeling, including headaches and throbbing ears.
What Is the Difference Between TMD and TMJ?
It is true that the more you delve into this subject the more terms crop up. Plus, they start to be used in an interchangeable way.
It happened to me too. That’s why I decided to write this for you. So what’s the deal with TMD? As it turns out, there is a difference between TMD and TMJ. We’ve already seen above what TMJ is and how it manifests itself.
TMD is a terms dentists have to refer to a condition in which your jaw is actually misaligned.
This can happen if you had crooked teeth as a child and never wore braces to correct that or if you suffered some trauma. As a result from TMD, normal tasks such as eating and speaking can turn out to be painful and even affect other areas of your body.
It is reported that 15 percent of all Americans have TMD.
Pillows as a Solution for Teeth Grinding: Why and How It Works
It may seem odd at first that a pillow should be the solution to your teeth grinding problem and even TMJ, but new studies are coming up with conclusive evidence that this is true.
It all has to do with the way you sleep, your body’s position and, of course, the type of pillow you use. Here are some interesting details that will help you achieve that perfect sleep rhythm you’ve always dreamed about.
How Do TMJ and Bruxism Pillows Work?
The first thing you need to understand is that both bruxism and TMJ have a lot to do with the way you position your head and body while you sleep.
They are not caused by this. However, correcting the way you sleep can help alleviate the two syndromes and even correct them until they are gone.
The best thing to do is try to sleep on your back. If you sleep on your side or, even worse, on your face, all the tension accumulated in your neck, shoulders, as well as the weight of your head will lay heavy on your jaw.
This will place a lot of stress on it. If you grind your teeth you can produce serious damage to them if they are also under a lot of pressure and weight.
However, evidently, one cannot control the position they sleep in or while they are unconscious. This is where the best pillow for teeth grinders come in.
They are typically contoured pillows that won’t allow you to turn your head while you sleep. They also help you relax your neck muscles, relieving all the strain.
If you do sleep on your side and cannot correct this, use the same type of contoured and specialized pillow but keep your normal pillow hugged between your arms. This will help your whole body relax, eliminating the psychological need to grind your teeth.
Read also: TMJ (Complete Guide)
Things to Consider when Buying a Pillow for TMJ Relief
Symptoms of bruxism, or teeth grinding, can include chipped or lose teeth, worn tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, tired jaw muscles and dull headaches. Moreover, severe cases of bruxism can develop into jaw disorders, headaches and damaged teeth.
As such, you’ll want to find the right pillow that decreases your teeth grinding.
Sleeping Position
One of the things you’ll have to consider is your sleeping position. Sleeping on your back can reduce the stress on your jawline and there are pillows that can help keep you in this position. But, if you sleep on your side, this increases your chance of teeth grinding so you’ll want to look for a pillow that can reduce the strain.
Support
You’ll want to look for a pillow that can ease the strain to your jaw. There are also some pillows that will help you sleep on your back since this is the best position to prevent teeth grinding. But if you have sleep apnea you should sleep on your side.
Best Pillows for TMJ and Bruxism in 2019
The EnVy TMJ Relief Pillow for TMJD & Jaw Pain
Best Full Spectrum Pillow
This is the pillow that has been classified by users all around as the top pillow of 2019 if you happen to be suffering from bruxism or TMJ. The EnVy TMJ Relief Pillow is fantastic in helping you reduce the perception of pain. Apart from that, it promotes the healing of your inflamed area when you have TMJ if you include it in your treatment plan.
It has a unique contoured surface shaped like a V that will help take all the pressure off your face and jawline. The amazing way in which the pillow is designed will decrease the pressure and make sure you sleep well without feeling pain or the usual type of uncomfortable sensations you have with your typical pillows.
Pros
Innovative design that relieves pressure
Very easy to clean
Especially made for people suffering from inflamed joints of the jaw, otherwise known as TMJ
Relieves migraines
Cons
It is above your average budget
See the current price and read real reviews
Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow
In Second Place…
Flexibility is the name of the game when it comes to the Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow. Not only do you get to choose from 5 different sizes, it also has an ergonomic design which ensures maximum comfort and support no matter your sleeping position.
You’ll also get a zippered pillow cover which is made from a blend of polyester and cotton. To clean, you just need to take the cover off and then machine-wash it.
Made from a firm, hypoallergenic and non-toxic foam, this pillow will have you sleeping soundly each night and waking up without all the pain and stiffness you can get from bruxism and TMJ.
Pros
Made from non-allergenic, non-toxic foam
5 different sizes to choose from
Suitable for all sleeping positions
Cons
Can be hard to find the right size
See the current price and read real reviews
EcoGreen Storage Chiropractic Pillow
Top Budget Option
This is the best budget TMJ pillow you will find on the market today.
It’s amazing if you want a sure relief for your bruxism and TMJ but also if you suffer from a herniated or compressed disc, headaches, a bad alignment of the spine, or pinched nerves.
Another great thing about it is that you only have to use it for 15 minutes every day to relieve all of the symptoms described above.
In fact, users have reported that it’s as good as seeing a real chiropractor right in the privacy of your own home!
Plus, it’s a fantastic option if you’re on a budget, seeing as it costs a lot less than the other items on the list.
Pros
Designed to help not only bruxism and TMJ but also a wide variety of neck and back pains
Very budget-friendly
Needs to be used only 15 minutes every day
Helps realign your spine
You can use it while working, watching TV or reading
Cons
A little too small
Since it’s not curved, your head has the tendency to roll off.
See the current price and read real reviews
LumaLife Luxe Low Profile Orthopedic Cervical Pillow
Best for Combination Sleepers to Relieve TMJ Pain
This product from LumaLife Luxe is an orthopedic cervical pillow that can do wonders when it comes to helping you achieve better sleep quality. Made from 100% latex foam, this pillow comes with a removable and zippered Tencel cover that will give you sweat-free nights.
It has a unique design that promotes sleeping on your back, reducing the strain on your jaw and significantly reducing the chances of teeth grinding. Moreover, this ergonomic, contoured shape can eliminate wrinkles caused by sleep lines.
This pillow’s loft, at 3 inches, makes it very comfortable to use. There are also a smaller and larger cervical support, so you can always achieve the right amount of support and alignment. You’ll even get inserts with your purchase which will allow you to customize the height of the pillow.
Pros
Can be customized to achieve the amount of support that you need
The unique design reduces snoring and teeth grinding
Suitable for all sleeping positions
Can be used by CPAP wearers, hot sleepers and people with bruxism
Cons
Some people find it too thin, but the inserts solve this issue.
See the current price and read real reviews
Pure Comfort Side Sleeping Pillow
Best for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers rejoice! The pillow that you’ve been waiting for is finally here. The Pure Comfort Side Sleeping Pillow has been specially designed for side sleepers. It features ear cutouts which will prevent ear pressure as you sleep.
Even better, this pillow reduces overall facial pressure so it’s a must try for CPAP wearers and people who suffer from bruxism and TMJ.
It comes with inserts, so you can adjust it for optimum support. You can also use it without any worries since it is certified made for CertiPUR-US certified. This means that it’s free from any toxic chemicals which can affect your health.
If you have allergies, this pillow is a good choice too since it is hypoallergenic and its bamboo cover is resistant to dust mites. You can even clean this whenever you want since it is machine washable.
Pros
Adjustable height
Suitable for CPAP wearers and people with bruxism, TMJ and allergies
CertiPUR-US certified
Easy to clean
Comes with a 100-day money-back guarantee
Cons
A bit on the small side
See the current price and read real reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sleeping position for teeth grinders?
If you have bruxism or TMJ, it’s best to sleep on your back since this puts the least amount of pressure on your face and jaw. But if you have sleep apnea you should avoid sleeping on your back.
What is the worst sleeping position for TMJ?
Avoid sleeping on your back if you suffer from bruxism
The worst sleeping position for people with bruxism or TMJ is sleeping on the stomach. This is because it puts your jaw, neck, and spine at an unnatural position.
Apart from that, when you sleep on your front, the entire weight of your head concentrates on your mouth and jaw putting an enormous pressure on it.
This not only makes you grind your teeth even harder but if you were already suffering from this ailment, the damage would be incomparable. Which leads us to this frequently asked question.
Can sleeping on your stomach cause TMJ?
Doctors and researchers have not been able to pinpoint an exact cause for TMJ. Some relate it to stress and bad sleeping habits, while others say that it’s a way for your subconscious to release pressure when it cannot do so naturally during the day.
Others point to the fact that TMJ might be a genetic disorder. However, while we cannot say for sure that sleeping on your stomach is an exact cause of TMJ, it definitely makes it worse.
Is teeth grinding a sign of sleep apnea?
Simply put, sleep apnea is a condition in which the muscles of your throat relax too much while you sleep and block your airways, preventing you from sleeping.
A series of very interesting studies have found that sleep apnea and teeth grinding are closely linked. One in four people who are said to suffer from apnea also having bruxism.
Does magnesium help with bruxism?
If you’re looking for a natural relief when it comes to teeth grinding, you might want to take a look at magnesium.
The reason is simple. Magnesium is a mineral already found in the human body that acts as a muscle relaxer. However, you may want to supplement your intake if you suffer from bruxism to make sure it relaxes you and stops you from grinding your teeth.
Does TMJ get worse at night?
Yes, it does. There are two main explanations for that. The first one is that you simply cannot control yourself while you sleep like you do during the daytime.
This means your muscles have free reign to spasm away, causing pain and anguish. Second of all, if you don’t have the right sleeping equipment such as a contoured pillow to take off some of the pressure, it will build up in your jawline.
But does TMJ make you sleepy?
Yes, it is possible, although not all patients experience this. The idea behind this theory is that, sometimes, the pain is so intense and the spasms are so long and strong that they leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
What helps tight jaw muscles?
Apart from a good pillow designed specifically for your bruxism and TMJ problems, you can also try massage.
Visit a professional, ask a family member to massage your jaw or do it yourself if you’re feeling strong enough. Start at the temples and ease your way down to your jawline. Use a few drops of lavender oil to calm you down while you do this, but not if you’re allergic to it.
This is also the perfect answer in case you were wondering how do I relax my jaw before bed. The lavender oil has soporific properties that will help you sleep better.
Conclusion
So, what’s the best TMJ Pillow?
As we’ve already seen, the best pillow for teeth grinders and patients suffering from TMJ is the EnVy Pillow. It’s a luxurious item that guarantees to relieve your pain and swelling. My runner up is the Therapeutica pillow, changing the game with its ergonomic design.
If you’re on a tight budget, you should go for EcoGreen, and save some pennies.
Pure Comfort side sleeping pillow and LumaLife have their share of fans among people who like to sleep on their back or on their side. In choosing the right pillow for you, it all depends on what you need the most, but ultimately you can’t go wrong with either of these!