The Surprising Connection Between TMJ and Sleep Apnea

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Over the past few years, dentists like our own Dr. Ardovino at Alabama Dental Sleep and Wellness have noticed that sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) share some suspicious symptom similarities. Although the jaw pain of TMJ and the snoring of sleep apnea seem like two different things, they are actually deeply intertwined in the following ways:

1. Shared Symptoms

Scientists have noticed a strong connection between several key sleep apnea symptoms and TMJ symptoms, including:

  • Bruxism: Bruxism is an unconscious habit of grinding one’s teeth during sleep. It isn’t always the case that people with sleep apnea will have bruxism, or that someone with bruxism will have sleep apnea. However, teeth grinding like this can shift the tongue position into a place where it may block the airway. At the same time, scientists think bruxism might also be connected to the brain’s attempt to shift the tongue out of the way when it blocks the airway.
  • Snoring: The tight, misaligned jaw joints of TMJ and sleep apnea both share a high incidence of snoring.
  • Stress on the Jaw: Inflamed mandibular joint muscles and tissue associated with TMJ can make it hard to open and close the mouth normally, which can complicate tongue and airway positioning.

2. Poor Sleep Quality

The active teeth grinding of bruxism that can cause TMJ and the snoring that can prevent a good night’s sleep both hinder the brain and body from relaxing into a deep, restorative sleep state. Both conditions result in people who are tired even if they’ve been in bed for eight or more hours.

3. Sleep Apnea Dental Appliances Can Alleviate Both Problems

Our Hoover, AL dentist, Dr. Ann Ardovino, has seen firsthand that customized oral appliances that we design for our sleep apnea patients also significantly reduce the symptoms of bruxism and the jaw pain of TMJ. These sleep apnea mouthguards stabilize the tongue by pulling the jaw slightly forward. This prevents the tongue from blocking the airway overnight. These dental appliances also prevent teeth grinding, which relaxes the jaw muscles and relieves TMJ symptoms.

Visit Your Dentist in Hoover for Sleep Apnea and TMJ Relief

Schedule an appointment with us here at Alabama Dental Sleep and Wellness if you have any of the symptoms of sleep apnea or TMJ. Dr. Ardovino will determine if you are a good candidate for oral appliance therapy (OAT) so you can finally get a good night’s sleep!