Have you recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea in State College? You are not alone. In fact, at least 22 million Americans suffer from the sleep disorder. Often, it occurs in those who have a large neck circumference, obesity, or a family history; however, you do not have any of the common risk factors. New research has found another possible cause of the condition. If you have a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, it could be the reason behind your sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
The most common form of the condition is obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs when the soft tissues in the back of your mouth or throat collapse, causing your airways to narrow. This makes you stop breathing frequently throughout the night with each event lasting for longer than one minute.
Sleep apnea can significantly impact your quality of life as you no longer receive adequate rest. Over time, this can lead to sleep deprivation, mood swings, depression, and memory loss. It can also impact your health due to inadequate oxygen levels. This places a strain on your heart, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.
How Can a TMJ Disorder Cause Sleep Apnea?
Your temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull on either side of your face. It acts as a hinge, allowing you to open and close your mouth. Sometimes, the joint can function incorrectly, such as from arthritis, a past injury, or a poor bite. This can make it difficult to open and close your mouth while leading to a variety of other symptoms, like jaw pain. When this occurs, it is known as a TMJ disorder.
Now, it appears the disorder can lead to another complication as well. When your jaw shifts backward from a misaligned bite, it can make your soft tissues in your throat and back of your mouth collapse. As it narrows your airways, it can cause pauses in breathing, resulting in sleep apnea.
How Can I Treat It?
You can effectively treat your TMJ disorder and sleep apnea using one solution. An oral appliance is a custom-fit device that repositions your jaw into a more natural position. This is effective for retraining your jaw to relieve your TMJ symptoms. It also moves your jaw forward to keep your airways open to treat your sleep apnea.
Get the Relief You Need Today!
If you suffer from a TMJ disorder and sleep apnea, your dentist has the solution you need. Stop your jaw pain and breathe easier with an oral appliance.
About Dr. Donald Marks
Dr. Donald Marks is more than just a general dentist. He has undergone advanced training to offer a variety of specialty services, including TMJ disorders. He also provides sleep apnea treatment in State College. Dr. Marks creates an oral appliance to move your jaw forward to stop your pain while also keeping your airways open. Contact State College Dental Sleep Medicine today to schedule your consultation.