TMJ and Sleep Apnea
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MOUTHGUARDS FOR TMJ AND SLEEP APNEA: AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO ADDRESS YOUR SYMPTOMS
If you’re interested in reducing the effect that symptoms of your sleep apnea or TMJ have on your life, many dentists recommend a measured approach using noninvasive methods like TMJ exercises and wearing a mouthguard before committing to surgical procedures. However, many people are reluctant to add a mouthguard to their routine, particularly if you suffered through an experience with an inferior TMJ mouthguard. After you try a CustMbite guard, we think you’ll reconsider. Our FDA-cleared TMJ mouthguards are made with VistaMaxx, a fitting material that creates guards that are thin, durable, comfortable, and simple to set up and care for. Read on to learn more about TMJ mouthguards and how they can help you.
There’s a lot of confusion about the link between sleep apnea and TMJ - and if it even exists! Many symptoms of sleep apnea mimic those of TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJD). If you suffer from TMJ, sleep apnea can exacerbate its symptoms. Though the symptoms can be similar, it’s important to be diagnosed properly, which may involve an overnight stay at a sleep lab. If you have sleep apnea, it will be treated differently than TMJ, and vice versa. If a dentist or doctor diagnoses you with TMJD caused by the symptoms of sleep apnea, there are a number of potential courses of treatment.
Sleep apnea and TMJ share many symptoms, and some of them may falsely lead you to believe you have one or the other. If you wake up with a headache, snore, or feel tired even after a good night’s sleep, the snoring might lead you to believe you’re suffering from sleep apnea. Snoring is a health risk. However, snoring can also be a symptom of TMJ, as the tongue falls back into the throat due to the jaw being out of line. As you can see, a misaligned jaw due to TMJ can set off a domino effect in the body. Both sleep apnea and TMJ can cause bruxism (or teeth grinding) as well.
While it’s important for you to seek proper medical care for your sleep apnea and/or TMJ, you may need to treat the symptoms as well as the cause, particularly with a symptom like bruxism. However, there are many different treatments for TMJ and sleep apnea, so always consult with a dentist before embarking on any treatment plan.
AT-HOME TREATMENTS FOR TMJ AND SLEEP APNEA
For people who suffer from TMJ, there are many ways to stave off the need for TMJ surgery. Seeing a chiropractor or acupuncturist, taking up a regular regimen of TMJ exercises, and dietary adjustments are all methods that have been successful in reducing associated TMJ pain. Those who have sleep apnea may find success using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which delivers air pressure through a mask to keep your upper airway passages open as you sleep.
However, both TMJ and sleep apnea sufferers can benefit from wearing a mouthguard and surgeries like jaw repositioning. Most dentists and doctors agree that less invasive methods are best when it comes to addressing either of these conditions, so before buying expensive machines or agreeing to a surgical procedure with a long, painful recovery, try a TMJ mouthguard from CustMbite.
FEATURES OF THE BEST NONINVASIVE TMJ MOUTHGUARDS
TMJ mouthguards are especially helpful when addressing bruxism, a symptom that is related to both sleep apnea and TMJ. While you could get a custom-fit guard from your dentist, mouthpieces from a dental office can cost you hundreds of dollars. However, the options available over-the-counter were dismal. Thick, uncomfortable guards depend on bulk for shock absorption. Unfortunately, this creates a mouthguard that’s hard to breathe around - not something that’s necessarily comfortable for anyone, but especially those with sleep apnea. At CustMbite, we knew we could do better. Our guards are:
- Thin and durable: CustMbite TMJ mouthguards are made of VistaMaxx, a material that’s extremely thin, yet incredibly durable.
- Comfortable: Unlike bulkier alternatives, our mouthguards are easy to wear while talking, sipping water, and breathing (key for everyone, but especially those with sleep apnea!)
- Easy to mold and remold: CustMbite mouthguards for TMJ are quick and easy to mold, with no boiling necessary. Plus, our guards keep their effectiveness and retentive qualities if you need to remold them to accommodate any dental changes, such as a braces adjustment.
- Simple to care for: All you need is a dishwasher or some cold water and a toothbrush. That’s it! No more scrubbing or soaking.
EXPERIENCE THE CUSTMBITE DIFFERENCE
Whether you suffer from TMJ, sleep apnea, or both, there’s a solution out there that’s right for you. One of the easiest things you can do is to wear a mouthguard. A CustMbite mouthguard for TMJ can also help to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea, allowing you to get a better night’s sleep. In fact, many patients report a reduction in pain after the very first night. Durable, comfortable, and affordable, TMJ mouthguards from CustMbite are simple to incorporate into your routine. If you’re curious about the impact a CustMbite mouthguard can have on your life, get a TMJ mouth guard from CustMbite now.