The Connection Between Jaw Position and Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a serious health concern that affects millions of people. Conditions like sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, can lead to significant health issues, including daytime fatigue, cardiovascular problems, and cognitive impairments. At Southern California TMJ and Sleep Center, Dr. Bob Perkins, DDS, specializes in understanding the complex relationship between jaw position and sleep-disordered breathing, particularly how a receded lower jaw can contribute to these conditions.

Sleep-disordered breathing encompasses a range of conditions that affect normal breathing patterns during sleep. The most common of these is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the airway becomes partially or fully blocked repeatedly during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. These disruptions cause frequent awakenings, even if the person isn’t fully conscious of them, resulting in poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness.

The Role of Jaw Position in Sleep-Disordered Breathing

The position of the jaw plays a crucial role in maintaining an open airway during sleep. The lower jaw, or mandible, is connected to the muscles and tissues surrounding the throat. If the lower jaw is receded or positioned too far back, it can lead to a narrowing of the airway. This narrowing increases the risk of airway obstruction during sleep, contributing to conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.

When the lower jaw is positioned too far back, it can push the tongue and soft tissues at the back of the mouth closer to the airway. During sleep, especially when lying on the back, the tongue and soft tissues can collapse into the airway, obstructing the flow of air. This obstruction leads to the characteristic pauses in breathing seen in sleep apnea. Over time, these interruptions can strain the cardiovascular system and lead to other health complications.

Signs of a Receded Lower Jaw

A receded lower jaw is often associated with a retrognathic profile, where the chin appears set back in relation to the upper jaw. This condition can be hereditary or develop due to other factors such as TMJ disorders or orthodontic issues. Common signs include:

• Small or weak chin: The chin appears underdeveloped or receded.
• Overbite: The upper teeth may significantly overlap the lower teeth.
• Jaw pain or TMJ issues: Problems with the temporomandibular joint can be common in individuals with a receded lower jaw.

Treating Sleep-Disordered Breathing Related to Jaw Position

Addressing the relationship between jaw position and sleep-disordered breathing often requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Southern California TMJ and Sleep Center, Dr. Bob Perkins, DDS, works closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that may include using an oral device to temporarily adjust the position of the jaw to determine whether this change improves sleep-disordered breathing and other issues like TMJ pain. Once the correct position is discovered, permanent treatments are used to adjust the jaw alignment.

The position of the lower jaw plays a critical role in maintaining an open airway during sleep. A receded lower jaw can contribute to sleep-disordered breathing conditions like obstructive sleep apnea by narrowing the airway and increasing the risk of obstruction. At Southern California TMJ and Sleep Center, Dr. Bob Perkins, DDS, offers comprehensive treatment options to address the underlying jaw position issues and help patients achieve better sleep and overall health. If you suspect that jaw position might be affecting your sleep, contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options.