Can TMJ Cause Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can be caused by a number of different things, including misaligned jaws. Therefore, TMJ can certainly cause sleep apnea. Because when the jaw is misaligned, it can block the airway and cause breathing problems. People with TMJ are more likely to snore and have trouble staying asleep. If you think you might have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor today about getting a proper diagnosis.

What typically causes sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when someone's breathing is interrupted during sleep. By understanding what sleep apnea truly is, and how it impacts the body, you can sort out the facts from the fiction.

Ultimately, there are only two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type. It happens when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and block the airway. Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain doesn't send signals to the muscles that control breathing. This can lead to a reduction of oxygen to the brain and body, leading to dangerous health conditions.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

A doctor can usually diagnose sleep apnea based on symptoms and a physical exam. They may also order a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. A sleep study involves spending a night in a sleep lab where your sleep will be monitored. The doctors monitoring your sleep are finding out:

• How long it takes you to fall asleep
• How many times you wake up during the night
• How often you stop breathing during sleep

If you have sleep apnea, you may not be aware that you're having problems breathing. The symptoms can start out small, but then grow over time. In fact, your partner may notice that you snore loudly or that you stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. It's important to diagnose the root cause, so that sleep apnea can be properly treated. Fortunately, there are a few approaches to learning about the symptoms and making a diagnosis, including the use of phone apps.

What are the treatment options if you have sleep apnea and it's caused by TMJ?

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP is a machine that delivers air through a mask worn during sleep. The air pressure keeps the airway open so that you can breathe normally. Surgery is another option for treating sleep apnea, but it's usually only considered in serious cases where other treatments haven't worked.

Alternatively, some people with sleep apnea may find relief by using a mouth guard or splint. This helps to keep the airway open by holding the jaw in a forward position. If you have TMJ, your dentist may be able to make a custom mouth guard or splint for you.

Also, certain exercises may help to improve the alignment of the jaw and relieve symptoms of sleep apnea. These exercises should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional so you can avoid causing any more damage.

Lastly, it's important to manage stress levels and get enough sleep. This can be difficult when you're dealing with a sleep disorder, but it's important to try. Stress can worsen symptoms of TMJ and sleep apnea, so finding ways to relax and sticking to a regular sleep schedule is crucial.

What to do if you believe you have sleep apnea

Sleep apnea impacts people of all ages. If you have sleep apnea, then it's important to get treatment. Otherwise, sleep apnea can lead to serious long-term health problems, including:

• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• and stroke

The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated, and in some cases, completely resolved. Therefore, if you think you have sleep apnea, then you should talk to your doctor about getting a diagnosis. Kanehl Dental can order a sleep study to confirm the findings and start treatment to get you on the road to better health. Just contact us today to schedule an appointment.