Sleep Apnea & TMJ Disorders
by Dr. Scott Bolding | Jul. 13, 2021
The Relationship Between Your Jaw & Sleep Apnea
TMJ disorders and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have an interesting relationship. On the one hand, sleep apnea can lead to a TMJ disorder. However, problems with your jaw joint can be the root cause of sleep apnea. In fact, some studies show that at least 75% of TMJ patients also have issues with their airway. And over 50% of patients who have OSA say they deal with jaw pain as well. Understanding the relationship between your jaw and sleep apnea can be crucial when it comes to offering treatment options. When most patients are diagnosed with OSA, they are almost immediately prescribed a CPAP or oral appliance. These treatment options can be effective for dealing with the symptoms of OSA. However, they don’t always work for everyone. If you’ve failed to see results with a CPAP, issues with your jaw may be the problem. Oral appliances can also cause jaw joint damage, so if you already have a TMJ disorder, using an oral appliance could make it worse.What is a TMJ Disorder?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This is the jaw that connects your jawbone to your skull. It allows you to open and close your mouth and move it side to side. Like the other joints in your body, the jaw joint is made up of ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It also has a disc that contains synovial fluid, which is crucial for the nutrition and lubrication of the joint. When there is an issue with any part of the TMJ, it is known as a TMJ disorder (or TMD). If your TMJ is damaged or misaligned, it can cause a lot of pain and make it difficult for you to open your mouth. TMJ disorders can happen for a number of reasons, such as arthritis, injuries, and even stress. A TMJ disorder can also be caused by poor alignment or an underdeveloped jaw.Sleep Apnea Can Cause Jaw Pain
When your breathing is interrupted while you sleep, your body’s natural response is to push your jaw forward in an attempt to open the airway. Since sleep apnea episodes happen multiple times every night, this repetitive motion puts stress on the jaw joint. Over time, the joint will start to wear down, leading to a TMJ disorder. The emotional and mental effects of OSA can also lead to jaw joint pain. It’s well-known that good quality sleep is important for emotional and mental health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to stress and anxiety. People who experience stress tend to clench and/or grind their teeth at night, which can cause damage to the jaw joint.Sleep Better. Get Your Life Back.
It’s time to get the sleep you deserve. You don’t have to keep on living with the constant daytime sleepiness and other effects of sleep apnea. Schedule a consultation with our sleep apnea specialists today and start getting your life back.