Are TMJ and Sleep Apnea Related?

Here at Penney Weeks DMD, our Ponte Vedra Beach, FL dentists treat both TMJ and sleep apnea—often at the same time. Over the years, scientists have noticed that both conditions have many things in common. We have also observed that treating sleep apnea often provides additional relief for TMJ. So, are the two conditions connected? Here’s what we know about the connection between sleep apnea and TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) so far:

1. TMJ and Sleep Apnea Share Symptoms

TMJ is characterized by jaw pain, popping, and stiffness. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s airway closes during sleep. Symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, headaches, and chronic exhaustion. Here are some of the ways those symptoms are interconnected:

• Bruxism: (nighttime teeth grinding): People with TMJ and sleep apnea often have excess enamel wear on their teeth. This can indicate that they grind their teeth at night. All that extra jaw exercise creates tension, inflammation, and jaw pain. Bruxism may be related to the brain’s attempts to reposition the tongue during sleep. Scientists aren’t sure whether this means bruxism puts the tongue in a bad breathing position, or whether bruxism is the brain’s way of trying to unblock the airway. Either way, this causes poor sleep quality.

• Snoring: This classic symptom of sleep apnea is also very common among TMJ patients.
• Tense Jaw Muscles: TMJ can inflame jaw muscles and other soft tissues. These problems can cause potential airway blockages overnight.

2. Constant Tiredness

People with sleep apnea often report always being tired, even after trying to sleep all night. Folks with TMJ frequently report similar fatigue. This is especially true in patients who have signs of bruxism. In both cases, people are not achieving those deep, restful sleep states they need for true wellness.

3. Custom Nighttime Mouthguards Can Help Both Conditions

Here at Penney Weeks DMD, our dentists in Ponte Vedra Beach create custom dental appliances for sleep apnea patients, which also relieve the symptoms of jaw pain, tightness, and bruxism associated with TMJ. Patients wear these custom mouthguards overnight like a retainer. However, these mouthguards reposition the tongue and jaw just enough to prevent airway obstruction during sleep. This prevents bruxism, which also enables the jaw muscles to rest and heal.

See the Dentists Ponte Vedra Beach Trusts for TMJ and Sleep Apnea Relief

If you have any symptoms of TMJ or sleep apnea, it’s time to get help. Schedule an appointment with us here at Penney Weeks DMD, and we can see if a nighttime sleep apnea mouthguard can help you get the rest you need.