TMD & Sleep Apnea: A Surprising Connection
Surprisingly, there is a link between TMD and sleep apnea that both you and your doctor should know about. By understanding how your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can affect breathing while you sleep, you can move one step closer toward finding the appropriate treatment.
What Is the Connection Between TMD and Sleep Apnea?
Even though the link between TMD and sleep apnea isn’t widely known, it has been established for a while now. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine in 2013, there is a “significant association” between sleep apnea symptoms and temporomandibular disorders. That study isn’t the only one that highlights the link between the two health conditions. More recently, another study confirmed an “increased TMD incidence” in people with sleep apnea.
The presence of the aforementioned connection makes a lot of sense when you consider the conditions involved. Obstructive sleep apnea results from your airway becoming blocked while you sleep. Meanwhile, temporomandibular disorders are health issues that specifically affect the jaw joint.
Patients with craniofacial configurations that are misaligned may find themselves experiencing obstructive sleep apnea. Improper bites can lead to airway obstruction and worsen TMJ function.
How Does the Connection Between TMD and Sleep Apnea Help With Treatment?
The fact that TMD and sleep apnea can be linked to one another can also help guide your treatment. By checking if your TMD may be related to sleep apnea, your dentist can treat your underlying conditions more effectively to help you find long-term relief.
Furthermore, there are dentists today who possess extensive knowledge regarding sleep apnea. Those dentists can provide more comprehensive treatment because they understand the true nature of your condition.
Dr. Marc Levin of Eos Dental Sleep is a sleep apnea specialist. His extensive knowledge and expertise in treating patients with OSA make him the premier expert in Philadelphia.
Seek Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Levin can help you treat your TMD and sleep apnea with care. Please call our office on Walnut Street in Center City at 215-241-0700 or use this contact form to schedule an appointment.
Not sure if you have OSA? Take our free snore quiz.