Neuromuscular dentistry
What is ‘ Neuromuscular dentistry and how does it help patients to correct their uneven bits of occlusion ?
Neuromuscular dentistry is a specialist dental practice that manages and accounts for the role that all components of the jaw -teeth, joints, muscles and relevant nerves have on our overall oral health. Your teeth, nerves and temporomandibular joints work cooperatively to ensure your mouth performs it’s functions as smoothly as possible. In cases where one or more of these systems are dis functioning those effected may be suffering from a painful temporomandibular disorder known as TMJ. Occlusion- in this context refers to the way your teeth meet when your jaws bite together. Neuromuscular dentistry considers the system that controls the positioning and function of the jaw holistically and seeks to repair any damage or erosion of the teeth to balance all systems and restore a proper bite that is vital in maintaining healthy mouth function.
What happens when your bite is not level?
An improper bite occurs when your upper and lower teeth do not close and come together in the correct way, not only can it be extremely painful but can also be incredibly inhibiting to the usual function of the mouth. Left untreated, not enough support is provided to the surrounding muscles to carry out essential every day tasks effectively. Tasks such as; chewing and swallowing even speaking, laughing and smiling are compromised when the joints are strained to complete them and this translates into a radiating discomfort through the face, neck, shoulders and back. This strain can manifest itself further in the form of; persistent tension headaches, migraines, earaches and facial tenderness. Those suffering from an uneven bite likely also experience teeth grinding or clenching- known as ‘bruxism’ from unbalanced pressure within the mouth and jaw. Not only can this exacerbate any current symptoms it can cause further unevenness between the teeth due to the fracturing and flattening grinding causes.
The importance of correct occlusion and your bite.
In order to avoid developing oral health disorders like TMJ from the excessive strain on the muscles, joints and nerves needed to operate the jaw it is essential that you address any sign of incorrect occlusion or unbalanced pressure with a dental health professional. An improper bite will wear down the enamel from the crowns of your teeth. enamel is the armoured layer protection for our teeth. Without this top layer on Enamel the teeth are susceptible to Infection and cracking. Even in milder cases teeth without the protection of enamel will have greater sensitivity to both the hot and cold Lack of treatment can also lead to pockets of bacteria, undigested food and plaque forming in the space between the misaligned teeth from here there is the potential to form vagaries and even gum disease leading to discomfort and in some cases to tooth loss. The effects of malocclusion on your health and well-being are detrimental but can be mitigated by consulting an oral health profession and addressing the cause of the uneven bite at the source.
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