Do you frequently suffer from jaw pain, headaches, and sore facial muscles? Are you often tired during the day? Does your partner complain that you snore? If the answer to those questions is yes, it is possible that you are suffering from both TMJ disorder (TMD) and sleep apnea. These conditions can decrease your quality of life and endanger your long-term health! How are they connected, and how might you be able to find relief? This blog post provides helpful information.
Defining TMJ Disorder and Sleep Apnea
TMJ dysfunction, also known as TMJ disorder or TMD, refers to various problems that affect the jaw joint. When the joint is stressed, injured, or inflamed, numerous symptoms can result, including jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and more.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition marked by repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. These episodes occur when tissues in the throat hinder the free flow of air.
The Correlation Between TMD and OSA
Studies have found a significant correlation between TMD and OSA. For example, one study found that 52% of patients with OSA also have TMD. Other studies indicate that up to 90% of patients with TMD also suffered from poor sleep quality.
How Are TMD and Sleep Apnea Connected?
Several possible explanations exist for the strong correlation between OSA and TMD, including:
- Common underlying risk factors. Poor alignment of the upper and lower jaws can contribute to a narrow airway while simultaneously placing stress on the jaw joint.
- Poor jaw positioning contributes to OSA. Individuals with TMD may have a jaw that rests farther back than is ideal, which can lead to airway problems, especially at night.
- OSA may worsen TMD. OSA causes repeated episodes of reduced breathing or cessations in breathing. These incidents force the body to go into panic mode so it can start breathing again. The stress during these episodes can cause muscle tension throughout the body, including in the muscles that control the jaw joint.
Finding Relief
TMD is a complex problem, so there is no single solution that is appropriate for everyone. However, many people have found that sleep apnea treatment helps them to sleep better while also reducing TMD symptoms. This is often true among individuals whose TMD is caused by muscular tension in the face. Some OSA treatments — particularly those involving an oral appliance from a dentist — also prevent nighttime teeth grinding, which can cause or worsen TMD.
Both TMD and OSA are serious issues! Professional treatment may bring lasting relief if you suffer from one or both of them.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Mitch Conditt has decades of experience in dentistry. In recent years, he has decided to specialize exclusively in providing treatment for both OSA and TMD. He and our team are available for consultations if you are suffering from one or both of these problems. Contact our Fort Worth office at 817-527-8500.