{"id":289,"date":"2021-06-14T18:00:52","date_gmt":"2021-06-14T18:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drdann.ca\/blog\/?p=289"},"modified":"2021-07-14T18:06:09","modified_gmt":"2021-07-14T18:06:09","slug":"tmj-and-sleep-apnea-oral-appliance-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drdann.ca\/blog\/2021\/06\/14\/tmj-and-sleep-apnea-oral-appliance-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"How Untreated Sleep Apnea Can Lead to TMJ Disorder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sleep apnea is mostly known for causing problems with sleep, but it\u2019s far from the only issue to consider. While snoring and restless nights are common side effects of this chronic condition, it\u2019s important to examine the relationship that the TMJ and sleep apnea<\/a> hold. The TMJ specifically refers to the joints that connect the jaw to the skull. Without sleep apnea therapy, you could develop TMJ disorder (or TMD) as well. Learn why from an expert on the subject and what you should do going forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and the TMJ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sleep apnea is characterized by loud snoring due to blockages inside the mouth, but it\u2019s important to recognize what\u2019s actually happening when apneas occur. For example, the body has an automatic response during sleep to shift the lower jaw forward, opening up the airway and allowing proper air flow for oxygen to come in. As a result, this puts a lot of stress and tension on the jaw joints. This is one of the reasons why those who have sleep apnea have also noted pain upon waking, typically in the jaw joints or facial muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, TMD has been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that can actually make sleep apnea worse as well as put you at risk for other diseases. The sooner you can put an end to this vicious cycle, the better your quality of life and overall health will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Side Effects of TMD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you aren\u2019t as familiar with TMD, it\u2019s important to keep in mind that jaw pain is far from the only side effect that can appear. For example, this chronic condition can also lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n