What Could Be Causing Your Sore Jaw When You Wake Up

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If you wake up with a painful jaw, there may be a simple remedy, or it might be a symptom of significant, or even life-threatening, health issues. How do you know? The best approach to treat a sore jaw or sleep apnea in Pembroke Pines is to visit a TMJ dentist who can rule out some of the more serious reasons.

A dentist treats a young man with a sore jaw and sleep apnea in Pembroke Pines

Things to Consider and Look Out for with Sleep Apnea

Daytime Sleepiness

Sleep apnea might potentially be the cause of your jaw discomfort. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which you stop breathing for a lengthy period while sleeping, generally due to a collapsed airway. Even if you're not aware of it, your body may be clenching your jaw to keep your airway open.Daytime drowsiness and waking up feeling tired are the most frequent signs of sleep apnea. Snoring and sleep apnea are firmly linked, and most people with sleep apnea snore. If you have these symptoms, sleep apnea may be the source of your morning jaw discomfort.

Habits and Diet

Understandably, what you eat might have a role in jaw discomfort. This is one of the exercises that can help to strengthen your jaw. If you find that jaw discomfort occurs more frequently at night or in the morning after a particular meal or kind of food, you should examine the possibility that the two are linked.

Posture and Sleeping Position

Your sleeping posture might have a significant influence on your jaw. There is no single optimum position for avoiding jaw discomfort, but you should think about how your posture affects your jaw.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Temporomandibular joint diseases can take many different forms. They might be caused by issues with the periodontal ligament or nerves, but they're usually caused by overuse, aching muscles. They can be confused with many of the reasons listed above, and diagnosing and treating them can be difficult.

A patient with sleep apnea in Pembroke Pines receives treatment from the best dental professionals

Do You Think You May Need Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Pembroke Pines, FL?

If you're experiencing jaw discomfort or would like more information about sleep apnea in Pembroke Pines, call us today for a consultation at Oral Facial Reconstruction.