Studies have found that obstructive Sleep Apnea and TMJ Clinic are closely linked, with bruxism (teeth grinding) and poor jaw alignment among the most common contributing factors. Recognizing this relationship can help doctors develop more comprehensive treatment approaches that improve sleep quality and alleviate discomfort.
For example, treating sleep apnea with a custom oral appliance can reduce TMJ pain and snoring while stopping pauses in breathing. This can also significantly improve overall health and well-being.
Treatment Options
Symptoms like jaw pain, frequent headaches, or difficulty concentrating can often be an indication of sleep apnea. TMJ specialists are uniquely positioned to identify symptoms and work in conjunction with sleep specialists to provide effective treatment that address both conditions at once, resulting in long-term symptom relief.
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, treatment options include oral appliances that reposition the jaw, reducing or eliminating snoring and maintaining an open airway. A CPAP machine can also help, and for more severe cases surgery to remove or shrink tissue in the back of the mouth and throat (uvulopalatoopharyngoplasty) or to make an opening in the neck (tracheostomy) may be recommended.
Lifestyle changes like weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and quitting smoking can also be helpful. For more information about sleep apnea and TMJ, we welcome you to contact our team. We look forward to helping you find the best treatment for your individual needs.
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At our Sleep and TMJ clinic in Idaho, we embody a fusion of profound expertise and compassionate care. Our comprehensive TMJ treatment plans set you up for long-term symptom relief and improved health.
Many people who suffer from TMJ disorders also have sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous breathing disorder that can contribute to severe headaches, high blood pressure, weight gain, thinning of the hair, heart disease, and more. Because the conditions are interrelated, it is essential to work with specialists who have experience in both.
Our dentists are trained to recognize the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, which include snoring, choking sensations, mouth dryness, facial pain, teeth grinding (bruxism), and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). In addition to addressing TMJ symptoms, we also offer CPAP therapy for sleep apnea to help prevent health problems associated with this condition. Our sleep apnea and TMJ specialists can create personalized treatment plans that address both conditions simultaneously. They can incorporate therapies like manual massage, cranial therapy, postural correction, Feldenkrais, Alexander technique, stim, cold laser, and other techniques to ensure you are receiving the most effective treatment possible.
Learn More About TMJ and Sleep Apnea
Many people who experience jaw pain and clenching, poor concentration throughout the day, loud snoring and difficulty sleeping through the night could be suffering from sleep apnea. It is important for people to understand that these two conditions are linked and treating one can improve symptoms associated with the other.
Often, patients who suffer from TMJ disorders also have a higher risk for developing sleep apnea. This is because TMJ symptoms like jaw pain, bruxism and a narrow palate can make it difficult to breathe through the mouth, which can increase a person’s risk for sleep apnea.
TMJ specialists are uniquely positioned to identify the signs of sleep apnea early during a physical exam. They can then work with sleep apnea professionals to provide comprehensive treatment plans. These may include lifestyle changes, oral appliances, myofunctional therapy, and surgical interventions for severe cases. When these treatments are combined, they can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.
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If you have a sore jaw, hear clicking or popping sounds when chewing, have trouble opening your mouth wide, or experience inexplicable neck, shoulder and back pain or migraine headaches, you may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This common condition is more widespread than you might think, affecting more than 10 million Americans.
If you have TMJ, it’s important to avoid eating or drinking anything that is tough or hot, and to limit large jaw movements like yawning, singing or biting into food. Acupuncture, myofascial release, cranial therapy, and physical therapy can all be used to improve your condition. Treating TMJ often leads to improvement in sleep apnea and symptoms of teeth grinding or bruxism. In fact, one in four people with obstructive sleep apnea also suffer from TMJ. Contact our office today to find out how we can help!