is there a link between tmj disorder and sleep apnea?

​Jaw pain from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can disrupt all aspects of life, from eating and talking to relaxing and getting a good night's sleep. Many patients who experience TMJ pain may also have issues sleeping -- and vice versa. So, is there a link between sleep apnea and TMJ disorder? 

How Do Sleep Apnea and TMJ Disorder Affect Sleep?
Disruptions in breathing, pain, and other issues from TMJ disorder and sleep apnea can prevent you from getting the restful sleep you deserve. Problems sleeping at night can spill over into your day and impact your ability to function normally and your quality of life. 

How Are Sleep Apnea and TMJ Disorder Related?
Many folks who experience sleep apnea may also experience TMJ issues as a result of a misaligned jaw joint. This impacts the position of the tongue and can cause it to block the airway at night, resulting in obstructed breathing.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is another related side effect of both conditions that should be taken seriously: the force of clenching or grinding teeth while asleep can reach as much as 700 pounds per square inch and lead to damaged teeth.

​It doesn’t take long for poor sleep to impact your quality of life and increase your risk for health complications. In fact, folks who regularly get less than seven hours of sleep per night increase their risk for serious health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. 

How Do We Treat Sleep Apnea and TMJ Disorder?
Dr. Osborne and our team use oral appliance therapy to treat folks with sleep breathing disorders throughout San Antonio. Using our advanced technology and expertise, we create a customized oral appliance that gently shifts the position of your jaw while you sleep. Not only does this help your body breathe as you sleep, it can also alleviate TMJ pain. 
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At Sleep Easy Dentistry, Dr. Osborne and our team welcome patients with complex histories who have already tried other remedies. To learn more about how our team can help you get the sleep you need or to schedule your free consultation, call us today! ​