Is Your TMJ Affecting How You Breathe?
As a Burlington bioesthetic dentist, I often see patients who are surprised to learn that their breathing issues may be linked to their jaw joints. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, plays a much larger role in overall health than many people realize.
At Chittenden Dental, I’ve had the opportunity to help many patients uncover the connection between temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMJD, and the way they breathe.
Understanding the TMJ and Its Role
Your temporomandibular joints are the small, complex joints that connect your jaw to your skull. They help you chew, speak, yawn, and move your jaw in various directions. But beyond those everyday functions, your jaw position also directly influences the airway.
If your jaw isn’t aligned properly, it can narrow your airway, especially when you are sleeping. This can lead to chronic mouth breathing, snoring, or even sleep apnea.
The Link Between TMJ and Breathing
Many of my patients come in complaining of jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth. What they don’t always realize is that these symptoms are often tied to restricted airflow.
When the lower jaw sits too far back or is misaligned, it pushes the tongue into the airway. This obstruction can make breathing through the nose difficult and may force someone to breathe through the mouth.
As a bioesthetic dentist, I focus on how the teeth, muscles, joints, and airway all work together in harmony. Bioesthetic dentistry goes beyond just fixing teeth. It addresses the underlying causes of dysfunction, including how jaw alignment affects posture, facial structure, and breathing patterns.
My Approach to Helping You Breathe Better
At Chittenden Dental, I begin with a thorough evaluation that includes imaging and bite analysis. I look at how your TMJ is functioning, how your teeth come together, and how that relationship affects your airway.
In many cases, creating a properly aligned bite through non-invasive treatments can significantly improve not only jaw comfort but also breathing.
Patients often tell me they sleep better, feel more rested, and even experience fewer headaches after addressing their TMJD. Breathing more freely becomes a natural result of restoring balance to the jaw and bite.
Take a Closer Look at Your TMJ Symptoms
If you have jaw pain, fatigue, or trouble breathing through your nose, your TMJ may be part of the problem. As your Burlington bioesthetic dentist, I invite you to explore how a healthy, well-aligned jaw can improve more than just your smile. It could change how you breathe and live every day.
Schedule your appointment with my bioesthetic dentist’s office in Burlington today.
