TMJ and Sleep Apnea

Dental Care Burke • February 1, 2024

About 30 million Americans have sleep apnea. Shockingly, only 6 million of them have been diagnosed with it.

If you toss and turn all night only to wake up with a sore jaw, TMJ can be a contributing factor. While they might seem unrelated, TMJ and sleep apnea may be correlated.

So, what are these conditions, exactly? How do they intertwine, and what solutions exist to tackle both? This guide explores the nature of TMJ and sleep apnea and their interconnection, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, a technical term for the hinge connecting your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. You have two TMJs (temporomandibular joints) and they sit right in front of your ears, one on each side.

These joints let you move your jaw up and down, chew, talk, and yawn. It's a busy intersection in your mouth, crucial for many day-to-day activities.

Now, when people talk about TMJ, they're often referring to TMJ disorders (TMD). These disorders arise when the muscles and joints around your jaw cause pain and discomfort. If diagnosed, they require TMJ and TMD dentistry interventions.

Some common TMD symptoms include:

Pain when chewing
A locking jaw
Clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth
Headaches that feel like they're originating behind the eyes
Ear pain
Ringing in the ears

Dealing with TMJ disorders can be frustrating, and they can adversely impact your quality of life. But understanding what's going on is the first step to getting everything back in harmony. So, if you notice these symptoms, seek medical assistance, no matter how long your TMJ lasts.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Imagine you're nestled under the covers, drifting off to dreamland. Suddenly, your breath hitches, then stops altogether. A moment later, you gasp for air, jolting yourself awake. This frustrating cycle can repeat throughout the night, leaving you feeling tired and foggy even after getting enough sleep. That is sleep apnea.

So, what's happening under the hood?

Think of your airway as a highway for air to travel to your lungs. During sleep apnea, something partially or completely blocks this highway. This blockage can be caused by relaxed throat muscles, enlarged tonsils, or even a misaligned jaw. The result? Your body doesn't get the oxygen it needs, leading to those interrupted breaths that leave you feeling groggy in the morning.

There are different types of sleep apnea, each with its own cause and treatment plan. The most common one is obstructive sleep apnea, where your airway gets physically blocked, depriving you of oxygen supply.

Your brain picks up on this lack of oxygen, nudging you awake to reopen your airway. Oftentimes, this awakening is so brief you don't remember it. However, it can happen many times an hour all night long, leading to a fragmented, less refreshing sleep.

Some telltale signs you may have obstructive sleep apnea include:

Frequent awakenings throughout the night
Headaches in the morning
Sweating during the night
Grinding of the teeth
Mental health issues

Living with sleep disorders can make you feel exhausted during the day. It's more than just feeling tired, though. It can impact your mood, your productivity, and even your health in the long run.

How Are TMJ and Sleep Apnea Linked?

When you have TMJ, discomfort in your jaw can make finding a comfortable sleeping position a nightly challenge. This discomfort might lead you to sleep in a way that's not ideal for keeping your airway open.

Additionally, TMJ can cause muscle tension and changes in the way your jaw is aligned. These changes can narrow your throat's air passage, making it easier for it to become obstructed during sleep. This can trigger sleep apnea.

If you grind and clench your teeth at night, this can further complicate things. Teeth grinding not only puts additional stress on your jaw but can also contribute to air passage blockage. This nudges you closer to experiencing sleep problems.

So, addressing TMJ might not just ease your jaw and tooth pain but could also potentially alleviate some sleep apnea symptoms. By tackling one, you might find relief in the other. It's like hitting two birds with one stone.

Understanding the connection between TMJ and sleep apnea can open up new avenues for treatment that you might not have considered. However, the journey is worth embarking on for the sake of your sleep and overall well-being.

What Solutions Exist to Help Tackle TMJ and Sleep Apnea?

Discovering the link between your jaw woes and restless nights can feel like a weight lifted. But the question remains: how can you reclaim your peaceful slumber? There are several TMJ dentistry solutions to address sleep apnea, helping you sleep better.

Here are some popular choices:

Relaxation Techniques

Imagine yourself unwinding with gentle stretches, mindfulness exercises, or even warm compresses to soothe your jaw muscles and ease discomfort.

Oral Appliances

Think custom mouth guards, night guards, and other oral devices to help adjust your jaw, potentially reducing pain and improving sleep quality.

CPAP Therapy

Think of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) as a gentle air pump with a comfy mask. It delivers a constant stream of pressurized air through your nose (or nose and mouth) while you sleep.

This pressurized air keeps your airway open, preventing those frustrating breathing pauses.

Lifestyle Changes

Establishing a regular sleep schedule and making dietary adjustments can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms, contributing to better sleep.

The best treatment approach for TMJ and sleep apnea depends on your specific needs and preferences. A healthcare professional can help you explore your options and create a personalized plan to address both conditions. This will allow you to reclaim your well-deserved rest.

Dental Care Burke Can Help With Your TMJ and Sleep Apnea Problems

If you suspect your jaw issues are impacting your sleep, seeking professional help is key. They can help you unravel the potential link between TMJ and sleep apnea, allowing for a personalized treatment plan.

At Dental Care Burke, we offer a range of dental and overall health services, including sleep apnea treatment. All our patients in Burke, VA, get individualized treatment plans to ensure the best outcomes.

If you need to see a dental specialist, reach out to us to book your appointment.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Dr. Bernard Lynch

D.M.D

Dr. Bernard Lynch, DMD, FAGD, LVIF is focused around giving his patients the best possible dental care towards the end of long-term, overall good oral health, beautiful smiles, all while maintaining patient comfort. Dr. Lynch routinely keeps up-to-date with most cutting-edge dental technology and advances so as to cultivate a feeling of safety and comfort when his patients sit in the dental chair. He is broadly recognized for the continuous attention to his patients feelings, and of their mind-sets while they are under his care.

Joshua Kibrom

Treatment Plan Coordinator

Joshua Kibrom grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota where he attended the University of Minnesota for Marketing and Business Management. Upon moving to Northern Virginia, he began providing services at Dental Care Burke as a Treatment Plan Coordinator. To fully understand the needs of the patients, he obtained certification as a dental assistant. His main objective is to help the patients achieve the necessary treatment and fully understand the financial aspects of the plan. Joshua will work with patients to ensure all of your questions are answered appropriately.

Michael Gebre

Registered Dental Assistant

Micheal Gebre graduated from Northern Virginia Community College with a major in biology. He later received his Dental Assistant II (DAII) degree from Germana Community College, under Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2016. Michael works as Registered DAII, which is the new version of Dental Physician Assistant. He had over 10 years experience as a Dental Assistant before becoming a Registered DAII.