Two weeks ago I attended an eye opening course at the Dawson
Academy on the subject of Disordered Breathing
and Sleep Apnea. The information
I learned is truly a game changer affecting approximately 90% of the population
especially children. This very well could apply to you.
Sleep apnea is categorized as a sleep disorder, which
affects more than 25 million adults in the United States. The disorder causes
numerous pauses in breathing frequently while sleeping. While there are various
factors that increase your risk for the disorder, such as obesity and age,
there is also another connection. There is evidence that TMJ (temporomandibular
joint disorders) and sleep apnea often go hand-in-hand. In the past, the two
were often viewed separately. However, there is evidence that both conditions
may be caused by the same underlying factor.
Connection Between TMJ and Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea and TMJ disorders are two very different
conditions. Sleep apnea causes pauses in breathing numerous times per night due
to an obstruction of the airway. This obstruction causes inadequate oxygen
levels and poor sleep quality. When left untreated, serious complications
develop, such as Cardiovascular disease, Digestive issues, Reflux, High Blood
Pressure, Type II Diabetes, increased Cortisol levels (Fight or Flight), sleep
deprivation, and potentially death.
On the other hand, TMJ disorder is a problem with the
temporomandibular joint. When the joint functions incorrectly, many painful and
uncomfortable symptoms develop, such as jaw pain, ear pain, migraines, and
headaches.
Often, the two conditions are treated separately. But,
research shows that the two may actually be connected to one another. The
epidemic of misaligned
and discrepant dental occlusions has led to an increased presence in many
chronic conditions, including sleep apnea and TMJ disorders. Archeological
studies have confirmed NO dental
malocclusions prior to the industrialized revolution. Prior to then,
children were breast fed (which aids the development of the upper jaw) and then
switched to hard foods, which further enhanced its growth. Now, newborns, if
breast fed at all, are switched to soft foods and bottles, which keep the
tongue away from the roof of the mouth. The result is underdeveloped upper
jaws, small nasal passages, and crooked, overcrowded, and misaligned teeth.
When the upper jaw is deficient, the lower jaw is hindered as well.
Small development of the lower jaw further effects the teeth
position. When the teeth do not fit together correctly, the lower jaw may fall
backward, causing the airways to become restricted. In addition, when the
mandible is not properly aligned, it can cause dysfunction of the
temporomandibular joint. Treating both conditions is fairly similar, allowing
significant improvement in both areas.
With children, the consequences are severe. The child never
sleeps a day in their life, leading to failed growth, erratic behavior, mental
impairment, and subsequent diagnosis of ADHD. Mouth breathing causes enlargement of the
Tonsils and Adenoids and allergies, which further reduces breathing capacity. It is estimated that a majority of children on
medication are really starved for oxygen. Furthermore, these medications can
further enhance the problem. For more
information watch “Finding Conner Deegan” on YouTube.
All of this leads to a lifetime of breathing through the
mouth, constricted airways, and never sleeping through the night. The consequences are an individual that is
slowly suffocating. As a result,
significant health consequences, including death occur as the organs of the
body slowly shut down.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
After undergoing sleep testing effective treatment can begin. The most common
form of treatment
for sleep apnea and TMJ involves the use of an oral appliance. An oral
appliance is a custom-made device that is similar to a mouthguard. It is worn
over the teeth at night to reposition the jaw forward. When used to treat sleep
apnea, moving the jaw forward also brings the tongue forward, helping to keep
the airways open. For children, orthodontic correction of the failed skeletal
growth during development can correct the problem.
When an oral appliance is used for the treatment of TMJ, the
bite is improved to take strain off the temporomandibular joint. With oral
appliance therapy, you can sleep soundly at night to protect your overall
health while getting rid of your headaches and jaw pain for an improved quality
of life.
At Randolph Dental Care, we treat both sleep apnea and TMJ
after. If you feel any of this applies to you please call our office today to schedule a consultation.