What is the Link Between Sleep Apnea and TMJ?

TMJ and sleep apnea are two different dental diseases treated by a Maryville dentist that can have a big impact on your health. Many individuals are unaware, though, that these two problems can occasionally coexist, with one ailment aggravating the other. This blog article will discuss the connection between TMJ and sleep apnea and how dental appliance therapy may be used to treat both conditions.

The Link Between Sleep Apnea and TMJ

The number of Americans who suffer from sleep apnea is 22 million. Breathing disruptions are caused by difficulty in sleeping on several occasions due to upper airway blockage, which is mostly caused by the soft tissues in the back of the mouth collapsing. Despite being distinct conditions, there is a connection between them.

Studies have revealed that 43% of TMJ sufferers had difficulty sleeping. The body automatically reacts by pushing the lower jaw forward as the airway closes. The jaw joints may get strained and stressed as a result of the repeated back-and-forth action. Not to add insistent weariness has been shown to aggravate TMD symptoms. If you aren’t receiving enough sleep, sleep apnea can worsen your quality of sleep, which increases the probability of jaw discomfort.

How is TMJ Pain Caused by Sleep Apnea Treated?

TMJ discomfort must be relieved in addition to your sleep apnea. Your jaw joint will experience less strain if your obstructive sleep apnea is treated. Using a continuous positive airway pressure machine or an oral appliance that maintains the airway open are common components of treatment approaches for mild to severe sleep apnea.

It’s important to remember, though, that a lot of mouthpieces might exacerbate TMJ discomfort. It’s crucial to notify your dentist as soon as you notice any jaw pain while wearing the oral appliance they suggested for you to prevent further joint damage.

The temporomandibular joint is treated in the same way your knee or hip joint is treated. Since it is comparable to the other joints in your body. Painkillers available over the counter can assist with minor TMJ discomfort.

It is advised by dentists to apply heat and ice, and consume soft meals until the symptoms related to TMJ have subsided. It’s important to allow your jaw joint to rest as much as you can. You should visit your dentist to consider alternative choices for therapy, such as surgery if the damage to your jaw joint is more serious.