Sleep Apnea & TMJ: The Link Between the Two Disorders

In this article, Are you struggling with sleep apnea or TMJ? While these disorders might be different upfront, it’s important to know that they can impact each other in the long run. If left untreated, one condition can worsen the other, and vice versa. Read on to learn about the link between the two disorders and how you can manage them via oral appliance therapy.

The Connection Between Sleep Apnea & TMJ

Sleep apnea involves a disruption in a person’s breathing during rest, which can negatively impact their overall health if left unchecked. One connection between this condition and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder is the stress and tension that are experienced in the jaw and facial muscles. Those struggling with sleep apnea can often grind or clench their teeth during sleep, which exacerbates their TMJ situation. Furthermore, an obstructed airway can make a person’s lower jaw protrude, causing problems for the jaw joints. In these ways, the position of the TMJ can increase the likeliness of sleep apnea episodes, while the latter can make matters worse for the former.

Treating Sleep Apnea & TMJ with Oral Appliance Therapy

The important thing to keep in mind is how closely linked the two conditions are because of the lower jaw. By addressing its position and safety, most patients can end up treating both sleep apnea and TMJ disorders simultaneously. That’s where oral appliance therapy comes into play. This method provides a person with a custom device designed to open the airways while also maintaining proper stability for the jaw joints.

Oral appliance therapy is one of the most effective, non-invasive methods for addressing the two disorders. Not only does it eliminate the need for surgical treatment, but the devices are both comfortable and beneficial to your oral and overall health. By wearing the custom oral appliance, you’ll be able to improve your quality of sleep while allowing your TMJ time to relax and heal.

Alleviating jaw joint discomfort and sleep apnea episodes doesn’t have to require much! Speak with your dentist or sleep expert, and they’ll be happy to discuss if oral appliance therapy is a viable solution for you.

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Held graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry and has undergone countless hours of continuing education on sleep medicine. In addition to providing sleep apnea therapy, he can also address TMJ issues with custom oral appliances. If you’d like to know more about his services or wish to schedule a consultation at our Prescott Valley, Sedona, or Flagstaff offices, don’t hesitate to visit our website or contact our team at 928-404-0332.we will discuss…