The Surprising Connections Between TMJ and Sleep Apnea

The team here at Patriots Park Dental treats both sleep apnea and TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) in our dental patients. Many are surprised to learn that the two conditions may actually be intertwined. Not only do our Grovetown, GA dentists treat patients who have both conditions, but the oral appliances we custom-design for patients with sleep apnea typically also provide TMJ jaw pain relief, too.

1. Overnight Teeth Grinding: A Possible TMJ – Sleep Apnea Connection

Bruxism is the technical term we use to describe the subconscious, overnight teeth grinding that many of our TMJ and sleep apnea patients experience. Excess dental wear, painful jaw muscles, morning headaches, and waking up feeling exhausted are all signs of bruxism and symptoms of both TMJ and sleep apnea. Some scientists think that bruxism may be the brain’s attempt to move the tongue out of the airway. Other scientists think that bruxism causes the tongue to block the airway in sleep apnea patients. Either way, bruxism interferes with getting high-quality sleep.

2. Hard Snoring

Snoring is a classic sleep apnea symptom, but it is also quite common for our patients who have TMJ. Snoring indicates airway occlusion.

3. Painful Jaw Muscles

Our dentists in Grovetown, GA, note that many of our sleep apnea patients also report jaw pain and stiffness, along with morning headaches.

4. Exhaustion

Whether the jaw is working all night to shift the tongue, or snoring won’t allow you to reach a deep sleep state, patients with TMJ and sleep apnea often complain that they always feel exhausted, even after a full night in bed.

Custom-Made Sleep Apnea Mouthguards Can Help with TMJ, Too

Here at Patriots Park Dental, we design patient-specific mouthguards that you wear like a retainer overnight. They work to reposition the tongue and lower jaw gently forward as you sleep. This keeps the tongue from blocking the airway while also preventing bruxism. Not only do our patients get a deeper, more restful night’s sleep, but those with TMJ also report jaw pain relief as well.

Sleep Apnea and TMJ Treatment With the Dentists Grovetown Neighbors Trust

You deserve a good night’s sleep, finally! Schedule an appointment with us here at Patriots Park Dental and let’s see if you are a good candidate for a custom sleep apnea mouthpiece.