TMJ and sleep

Your jaw does a lot of work. The joints just in front of your ears, called the TMJs, let you talk, chew, and yawn, and the muscles around them can tire and tighten like any others. The position of your jaw also affects how freely you breathe at night.

This kind of care covers two related problems:

• Jaw joint and muscle problems. Signs include jaw pain, headaches near your temples, clicking that hurts, a jaw that gets stuck, and teeth worn down by grinding. Care usually starts with simple steps, like changing habits and wearing a custom night guard.
• Sleep apnea. In obstructive sleep apnea, your airway narrows or closes during sleep, so your breathing stops and starts. Signs include loud snoring, waking up gasping, and feeling tired after a full night in bed. A physician diagnoses it with a sleep study, and for some people, a custom oral appliance from a dentist is part of treatment.

Jaw pain can have other causes, including tooth problems and, rarely, the heart. If jaw pain comes with chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911.

Below, you’ll find how each kind of care works and what to expect.