What are TMJ disorders and sleep apnea?
Disorders affecting oral health and sleep have a significant impact on quality of life. Among them, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and sleep apnea syndrome (SAOS) are of particular concern. Although distinct, these two problems can sometimes overlap in their effects on patients’ health.
What is a jaw and/or joint disorder?
There are many different types of jaw dysfunction, often manifesting as pain, discomfort and fatigue. Noises in the joints may be present, sometimes causing the jaw to lock, making it difficult to open. Mastication is disturbed.
Other associated pains are often present, such as headaches/migraines and neck pain.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorders
- Pain in the jaw, face, neck and upper back
- Frequent headaches
- Pain in the ears, sensation of blocked ears, whistling
- Difficulty opening mouth completely, feeling of draught
- Jaw fatigue, difficulty chewing,
- Disturbed feeling of teeth clenching
- Snapping and crackling noises that may indicate osteoarthritis.
Causes and risk factors
The causes of jaw and/or TMJ disorders are often multiple, including stress factors such as teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), various jaw traumas, posture and misalignment. These risk factors vary widely from one individual to another.
What is obstructive sleep apnea ( SAOS )?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which natural breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep due to upper airway obstruction. The tissues at the back of the throat collapse and air can no longer pass through.
Recognizing the signs of SAOS
- Loud snoring
- Sudden awakenings with a feeling of suffocation
- Excessive daytime fatigue, daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Night-time awakenings
- Heart disorders and hypertension
Impact on health
Untreated SAOS can have serious consequences for heart health and metabolism, and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
How can I treat jaw pain?
First things first: understanding and identifying problems are essential.
A variety of therapies are available:
- occlusal appliance/ occlusal splints for either relaxation or repositioning, depending on symptoms. The setting must be precise and made-to-measure.
- drug treatments
- physiotherapy, osteopathy, manipulations, jaw exercises, relaxation techniques
- injections of botulinum toxin into the jaw muscles, injection of PRF (platelet rich fibrin)/hyaluronic acid into the joint
- local anaesthetic
- orthodontic treatment to restore quality occlusion if necessary
- awareness of jaw tension, reduce non-functional dental contacts (all those outside mastication)
- awareness of stress, environment and bad habits
- jaw rest, soft food
- hot and cold therapy
- acupuncture, hypnosis, psychological care if necessary…
How is apnea treated?
Weight control remains essential, and pre-bedtime habits need to be reviewed and monitored throughout treatment.
Available therapies:
- The positive pressure machine: a face or nasal mask worn at night provides sufficient oxygen.
- Mandibular advancement orthosis: a double splint worn at night. This prevents the soft tissues at the back of the throat from obstructing the passage of air by holding the jaw forward from the bottom. –
- In special cases: upper airway surgery, which uses a variety of techniques to remove loose tissue obstructing the back of the throat.
Living with disorders
Adopting day-to-day management strategies is crucial for people suffering from these disorders. For example, this may include lifestyle changes, such as stress reduction for TMJ disorders, or adjusting sleeping position for SAOS.
Importance of early diagnosis
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for effective management of these disorders. What’s more, appropriate management can prevent long-term complications and significantly improve patients’ quality of life.
TMJ disorders and sleep apnea syndrome represent significant challenges to health and well-being. In short, a thorough understanding of these disorders, combined with a personalized, proactive treatment approach, is crucial to helping patients live better lives. Finally, consulting a healthcare professional at the very first signs of these disorders can make a significant difference to the course of treatment and recovery.
