Year: 2025 | Month: October | Volume: 12 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 246-252
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20251025
Interrelationship Between Temporomandibular Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea - A Review
Ajay J G, Ajay Raaj R, Shafath Ahmed A, Vidyashree Nandini V
Department of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge, SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu-603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
Corresponding Author: Shafath Ahmed A
ABSTRACT
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) are two widespread medical conditions that reduce one’s overall life quality. In the context of sleep disorders, the relationship between OSA and TMD is intricate and multifactorial. TMD or temporomandibular disorder is an umbrella term for musculoskeletal or neuromuscular disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint, the masticatory muscles, and related structures, often accompanied by muscular pain, limited jaw movement, and abnormal joint sounds. Obstructive sleep apnea, on the other hand, is the leading sleep-related breathing disorder. Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea experience multiple breathing cessations during sleep. This review summarizes the relation of TMD with OSA, including the pathophysiology, clinical impact, associated complications, and their treatment and management. An in-depth review of the published papers has been carried out through databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The papers were chosen based on relevance and the level of evidence provided. Numerous articles focus on the OSA related factors including bruxism, muscular hyperactivity, and airway changes that could cause and worsen the TMD. In essence, TMD pain can disrupt the normal sleep pattern.
Keywords: Temporomandibular joint, obstructive sleep apnea, Upper airway obstructions, Bruxism, mandibular advancement devices, oral appliances.
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