Have you ever experienced pain in your jawbone? If so, you may be suffering from TMD, which is a temporomandibular disorder. If you are also experiencing fatigue, having difficulty concentrating during the day, loud snoring, or abrupt awakenings throughout the night, you may have sleep apnea. While most TMDs last only a short period and go away on their own, it’s importnat to consult your dentist to prevent it from becoming a chronic issue. Please continue reading to learn how sleep apnea and TMJ are linked and why scheduling an appointment with our experienced TMJ & TMD Treatments/Dentists Located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ is in your best interest.
What Are TMJ and TMD?
Despite the abbreviations TMJ and TMD commonly being used interchangeably, they are different. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, Essentially, it acts like a sliding hinge, which allows you to speak, eat, swallow, and make facial expressions. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), however, refers to various issues that are caused by the TMJ. When you have a TMD, it can cause immense pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control your jaw movement.
How Are TMJ and Sleep Apnea Linked?
There have been numerous studies that have shown the association between sleep apnea and TMJ. According to research, nearly half of people with a TMD also have trouble sleeping. This is because when you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, the airways collapse, which causes the body to push the lower jaw forward to open the airway. This constant motion by the TMJ throughout the night can put stress and tension on the jaw joint. This can increase the likelihood of developing TMD. The following include some of the ways sleep issues can lead to TMD:
- Improper bite alignment: If you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, your jaw may not rest in its natural position. When the jaw is not in its proper position it can enhance TMJ pain and contribute to airway obstruction. This obstruction can lead to sleep apnea.
- Injury to the jaw: If you have sustained a mouth injury, you may encounter disruptions in your sleep patterns, which can lead to teeth clenching and grinding. This continuous movement of the TMJ during your sleep can intensify stress and tension on the jaw joint, consequently increasing the probability of experiencing TMD.
Depending on the severity of your condition, a dentist may suggest using a nightguard, muscle relaxers, stress counseling, stretching exercises, or even surgery to treat TMD. It’s important to understand that sleep apnea will not just go away. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues. A common treatment for sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy. At Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, we are prepared to help you find the right treatment option given the unique circumstances of your case. Connect with our dedicated team today to learn more about how we can help you maintain your oral health.