How does dental sleep medicine fit into the specialty of orofacial pain? A narrative review

Background: Sleep disturbances can lead to an increase in pain and vice versa. Pain, including orofacial pain, can affect sleep quality, leading to poor health, and poor health can affect sleep quality. Types of Studies Reviewed: The authors examined the literature regarding orofacial pain and sleep disorders, reviewed the state of sleep medicine education in the predoctoral dental curriculum and graduate orofacial pain programs, and outlined the role of the orofacial pain specialist in screening for, and management of, sleep disorders associated with orofacial pain. Results: In the clinical care of patients with orofacial pain, routine evaluation of sleep is mandatory to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and provide the most appropriate treatment recommendations. Education in sleep medicine is accomplished through orofacial pain postgraduate programs but is deficient in the predoctoral dental curriculum. Orofacial pain specialists play a crucial role in the screening and management of sleep disorders. Education in sleep medicine should also be implemented in the predoctoral dental curriculum to train future oral health care providers in the recognition of the frequently undiagnosed and untreated sleep disorders that lead to deleterious health consequences. Conclusions and Practical Implications: Orofacial pain specialists have competency in the screening and management of sleep disorders commonly associated with orofacial pain as well as in sleep-related breathing disorders, as part of a multidisciplinary team of health care providers.