When we contemplate posture, we usually relate it to backache or stiffness of the neck. However, did you also know that poor posture may also influence your bite and jaw? True it is that it is a system in your body and that when you are not in harmony in one part of your body, the effect spreads out to other parts of your body, including your teeth.
When you have been having an unexplainable sore in your jaw or your bite, then it is time to stop focusing on your teeth and think about your posture. This is best done by a trained dentist in Red Deer so as to determine whether your jaw pain is associated with your sitting, standing, or sleeping position. In Gaetz Dental we have come across patients who are surprised to find out that their posture is causing their dental issues.
How is posture related to teeth health? What can you do about that? Let us find out.
The Link Between Posture and Jaw Pain
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or your jaw, is joined to the neck and spine very closely. Poor posture, such as leaning forward or bending your head down a lot, may put a strain on the muscles around the jaw. This strain may lead to:
- Muscle tension and fatigue
- Dislocation of the jaw joint.
- They experience greater pressure on the teeth and bite surfaces.
In the long run, it may cause bad posture, jaw pain, headaches, and even chewing or speaking difficulties.
Understanding TMJ Problems and Posture
The disorders of the TMJ are misconceived. Whereas they may be a result of dental problems such as grinding or poorly aligned teeth, posture is also a condition that is not as known but plays an important role. The posture of placing your head in a forward position (the typical posture when using phones or the computer) changes the permanence of your jaw and neck muscles.
This imbalance can cause:
- The clicking or popping of the jaw.
- Sensation of pain on either side of the ears or temples.
- Limited jaw movement
- Persistent perennial tension on the shoulders and neck.
In case these symptoms are familiar, then it is always a good idea to discuss these symptoms with a dental clinic near you that is aware of the relationship between TMJ problems and posture.
Posture and Bite Alignment: What’s the Connection?
How your teeth bite each other and how your upper and lower teeth fit together depends upon the position of your jaw. And the jaw position depends on the position. It’s a chain reaction.
Bad posture may lead to your lower jaw sliding away, making your bite different. This may lead to:
- Uneven wear on teeth
- Problem with comfortably closing your mouth.
- Higher chances of cavities or gum problems as a result of misaligned chewing.
Proper posture allows you to correct your posture and restore your natural posture and bite position, which will reduce strain and improve your overall oral performance.
Common Jaw Pain Causes Related to Posture
Although jaw pain may be attributed to different factors, posture-related problems have been neglected. The causes of jaw pain associated with posture include:
- Bent forward position due to excessive screen time.
- Sleeping with your head turned and you are on your back.
- Stooping when in the car or sitting.
- On one shoulder, carrying heavy bags.
These habits have a subtle way of causing your jaw to lose position, resulting in pain and permanent problems with your teeth.
How to Improve Posture and Protect Your Jaw
The good news? Minor adjustments in your everyday routine might pay off. The following are some of the tips to enhance the posture and decrease posture-related dental issues:
- Hold screens level so as not to tilt the head.
- Sit using ergonomic chairs, which are supportive to your spinal cord.
- Have frequent breaks to get your body straight.
- Lie on your back using good neck support.
- Be mindful so as not to clench the jaw.
Moreover, frequent dental examinations can be used to identify bite defects at an early stage. A local dentist near you can check the position of your jaw and suggest ways to correct yourself.
When to See a Dentist
When you feel constant pain in your jaw, headaches, or pain in your bite, you should not wait. An experienced dentist in Red Deer may be able to examine your symptoms and decide whether you are affected by posture or not. They may suggest:
- Analysis and adjustment of bites.
- TMJ therapy
- Tailor-made mouthguards
- Referral to physical therapy or postural exercises.
It is always better to take care of the related dental problems at an early stage to avoid severe complications in the future.
Conclusion
It is true that your posture does not have an impact on your back only; it influences your dental health as well. When you have doubts that you have dental issues related to your sitting or standing position, then it is time to do something.
Contact Gaetz Dental today and allow our team of dentists to relieve and bring back normalcy to your smile.
