Trouble Breathing
For Patients
Is Trouble Breathing Disrupting Your Daily Life?
At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of the Greater Toronto Area, we understand that breathing difficulties can be distressing and significantly impact your quality of life. While many people associate trouble breathing with respiratory conditions, airway restrictions linked to jaw and muscle dysfunction can also play a critical role.
What is Breathing Trouble and How Does it Relate to TMJ?
Difficulty breathing, whether mild or severe, can create feelings of breathlessness or the inability to take deep, satisfying breaths. While common causes include respiratory and cardiovascular issues, restricted airway function due to jaw misalignment, muscle tension, or poor tongue posture is often overlooked.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a crucial role in jaw movement and is closely connected to the muscles and structures involved in breathing. When TMJ disorders develop, they can lead to muscle strain, improper tongue positioning, and airway obstruction—contributing to breathing difficulties, especially during sleep or physical activity.
Symptoms Associated with TMJ-Related Trouble Breathing:
Patients experiencing TMJ-related breathing issues may notice:
- Difficulty taking deep breaths or feeling restricted airflow
- Tension in the jaw, neck, or upper back muscles
- Jaw clicking, popping, or limited movement
- Pain or tightness in the jaw and facial area
- Frequent headaches or migraines that worsen breathing struggles
- Disrupted sleep, snoring, or signs of sleep apnea
We Can Help Improve Your Breathing
Our expert team is skilled in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders and related airway concerns. We offer:
- Comprehensive Assessments: A detailed evaluation to identify the underlying causes of your breathing difficulties.
- Advanced Treatment Approaches: Non-invasive solutions to improve jaw alignment and airway function.
- Collaborative Care: We work with sleep specialists, dentists, and other professionals to provide integrated treatment.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Customized therapies tailored to restore optimal breathing and overall well-being.
If you struggle with unexplained breathing difficulties or suspect TMJ dysfunction may be a factor, the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of the Greater Toronto Area is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Learn more about what our patients have to say
about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of the Greater Toronto Area
Jill Krstajic2024-10-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It is not an understatement to say that Dr Goodfellow and his staff have greatly improved the quality of my life! My TMJ pain was unbearable and as a Dental Hygienist I was actually skeptical that the treatment would work, it did and I am grateful! I would gladly recommend Dr Goodfellow for anyone suffering TMJ and Sleep Issues. Lanndis De Lallo2024-09-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This device changed my life. I have had TMJ for as long as I can remember with a long history of orthodontic work from childhood. For the first time as an adult, I can control my jaw pain, clicking, locking and tension headaches with the night time appliance, which I wear every night - I can feel the difference even going one night without it. The daytime appliance also makes a big difference and now I can wear it periodically. Dr. Goodfellow, Cathie, Tina and the entire team are delightful, helpful and I can't thank them enough for helping me implement this life changing, non-surgical solution to my TMJ! Steve McDonald2024-09-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Before being treated by Dr. Goodfellow I had severe jaw pain so bad I sometimes could hardly eat. That pain is now virtually gone. I am so grateful and I highly recommend Dr. Goodfellow! Julia Leclerc2024-07-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I suffered from severe jaw pain and eventually jaw locking. Dr. Goodfellow not only was able to diagnose the issue, he was able to completely redirect my jaw and sleeping patterns with the mouth guard that I now wear to sleep every night. I don’t even get headaches anymore! The difference has been incredible and I am forever grateful. Highly recommend Dr. Goodfellow and his staff. Sandy Hale2024-07-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I feel very positive about the treatment I received from Dr. Goodfellow and his team over a six month period. My TMJ disorder symptoms have been resolved to the point where I am almost pain free every day. Dr. Goodfellow helped me to understand both the causes of my jaw issues and how the treatments would work towards healing. His staff are friendly, accommodating and extremely knowledgeable and helped to allay any fears I had about treatments. I highly recommend TMJ & Sleep Therapy to any and all persons suffering from TMJ disorders. Anthony Hajsan2024-07-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Goodfellow is a good fellow (I know, so original)! This is the only place that has helped with my TMJ. oren dishy2024-04-02Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've had a click in my jaw for over 30 years and over the past year it was constant pain and difficulty chewing. Dr. Goodfellow and his staff provided me with a non-invasive appliance one for the day and one for night and within 6 months I was pain and click free. It's as if I have brand new jaw with no issues whatsoever. Without a doubt, the best medical treatment I've ever received. I would give six stars if it was available. Paula Carmona-Murphy2024-01-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After years of dealing with TMJ pain (and trying different types of appliances) I saw Dr. Goodfellow. I am thrilled with the results. Dr. Goodfellow and his staff are amazing! Shicheng Wu2024-01-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Solved on my jaw pain and overbite issues in an efficient way.