Neuromuscular / TMJ

If you've been in my office for an annual exam in the past two years you may have heard me talk about neuromuscular dentistry. If not, you are probably wondering what it is.

Neuromuscular dentistry is a revolutionary and holistic approach to the health of your jaw and teeth. Traditional dentistry believes that the way your teeth naturally fit together (your bite) is right for you and treatment is focused primarily on teeth.

Neuromuscular dentistry places emphasis on the function of the muscles that control the jaw. When these muscles are not in a relaxed and comfortable position, the conflict between the teeth and jaw joint can cause tremendous discomfort and chronic pain. Often these symptoms are misdiagnosed, and understandably so. Who would consider that difficulty swallowing; shoulder, neck, and back pain; or numbness in your arms or fingers could come from incorrectly positioned jaw muscles?   Other symptoms include: headaches (including migraines), loose teeth, clenching or grinding, clicking in the jaw joints, pain behind your eyes, receding gums, even ringing or congestion in your ears!