Dentistry

Many disorders (cephalea, lombalgia, sciatica, vertigo, posture alterations) originate in the mouth, i.e. in the mastication and swallowing mechanics. A lot may depend on occlusion, that is the contact between the upper and lower dental arches. This influences articulation of the lower jaw, which must integrate at its best in the overall movement of the cervical spine and the body. All lower jaw disorders have repercussions on the movement and posture of our body. However, the contrary is also true: all posture and movement disorders have repercussions on lower jaw articulation. First of all, the source of the disorder must be understood - if it depends on the mastication dynamics or on faulty occlusion or if its origin lies outside the mouth. In the first case, collaboration between the osteopath and the dentist is essential. In fact, it is the dentist who intervenes on the stomatognatic system to cure the symptom. If its a disorder concerning mastication dynamics or occlusion, a set of specific tests is run which will accurately identify the problem. The following situations most often influence the mastication muscles, posture and bodily movement: • asabsence of teeth • an infected tooth • faulty occlusion (inadequate contact between the teeth) • incorrect position of teeth • prostheses, crowns, fillings, implantology and orthodontia work no longer suitable for the patient • poor swallowing • gingival and radicular irritations • cranial and cervical traumas • alterations of the temporal-mandibular articulations • tension of the masticatory muscles of psycho-emotional origin Simultaneous consultancy with the osteopath and the dentist is recommended in the following cases: • for all the described disorders with their origin possibly in the stomatognatic system • for those who wish to find out if their occlusion is balanced • for those requiring oral hygiene intervention • for patients for whom prostheses, crowns, fillings, implantology and orthodontia work are no longer suitable • for patients affected by dental caries, granulomas and tooth infections • for those with pain or noise in the mandibular articulation