Sleep apnea and TMJ are two distinct medical conditions which are considered to be unrelated to each other. However, recent studies reveal that there is a connection between sleep apnea and TMJ disorders that co-exist. Nearly half of the individuals who have TMJ disorders suffer from sleep apnea. Previously, treatment plans for these two disorders were different. But now, dentists provide coordinated care to patients suffering from either of the conditions.
Before delving into the treatment options, let us get an idea about sleep apnea and TMJ disorders first and discover their connection.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Many people snore during sleep or experience difficulty in breathing. These symptoms mainly result from sleep apnea. It is a widespread condition which is characterised by repeated interruptions while sleeping. The disturbance in sleep is mainly caused when the throat muscles block the airways. Most people are not even aware that their insufficient sleep is a result of sleep apnea.
Delayed sleep apnea treatment causes complications like high blood pressure, heart problems and daytime tiredness.
What are TMJ disorders?
The temporomandibular joint(TMJ) connects the jaw to the skullbone. Whenever there is dysfunction in this part of the joint, it results in TMJ disorders. It results in severe pain, tenderness and difficulty in jaw movement during chewing, talking and yawning. There are several reasons behind TMJ disorders. The most common ones are irregularly positioned teeth, incorrect relation and trauma to the jaws.
What’s The Link Between Sleep Apnea And TMJ Dysfunctions?
Sleep apnea treatment in Kolkata and TMJ disorders treatment are interrelated as both conditions share some common causes. Let us understand how both of them are tied together.
Ways Sleeping Disruptions Are Caused By TMJ Pain
Improper bite alignment: Whenever a patient suffers from overbite, underbite or crossbite, the airways get blocked which results in obstruction in the sleep.
Pain and discomfort in the joint: Teeth clenching and bruxism lead to stress and tension in the jaw point. This results in extreme pain and discomfort, making it difficult for individuals to get good sleep, thereby worsening sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea’s Impact On TMJ
Jaw clenching: Sleep apnea causes blockage in the airways. To allow the passage of air, the body unconsciously clenches the jaw or grinds the teeth. This repeated stain leads to pain in the jaw muscles.
Joint inflammation: Frequent clenching and grinding put excessive pressure and strain on the TMJ. The continuous pressure leads to inflammation in the muscles of TMJ, leading to severe pain.
What Are The Treatment Options?
An effective way to treat sleep apnea and TMJ disorders is done by oral appliance therapy. Whenever you go for sleep apnea treatment in Kolkata and it is found that is due to TMJ pain or vice versa, the doctor will suggest a custom-made oral appliance that needs to be worn on the teeth. The appliance moves the jaw forward and prevents the tongue from blocking the airway. This relieves the pressure on the TMJ muscles and even clears the obstruction that is the leading cause of snoring and sleep interruptions.
Conclusion
Both sleep apnea and TMJ disorders affect your overall quality of life. If you are suffering from TMJ pain and sleep issues, visit a dentist and get a tailored treatment plan to manage both these conditions.
