TMJ / TMD News

What do the following questions have in common?

1)  “Doc, my dentist fixed this chip on my front tooth, but it keeps coming off.  Is it the Glue?”

2)  “I get headaches around my temples and neck every day.  Can you help?”

3)  “My teeth are getting smaller as I get older.  I am afraid they are going to wear to nothing.  What can I do?”

The answer to all three of these questions may be your bite.  The Jaw is a complicated joint that has muscles, bones, discs and is kept in balance by the position of your teeth.  A healthy joint requires a balance between all of these parts.  Think of it as a battle between the muscles of the face and your teeth.  Ideally the muscles and joint are happy and the teeth mesh nicely as you close.  The problem for many people is where the teeth mesh is not where the muscles and joints are happy.  Posture, breathing, worn out fillings and missing teeth all have an effect on your bite.

In the battle for a healthy joint, there will be a winner and a loser.  If the muscles win, you will chip teeth, break fillings, or wear down your teeth as in questions 1 and 3. The teeth are in the way, so they try to get them out of the way.  If the teeth win, your muscles have to work really hard to get your teeth to meet or they may not be able to find a comfortable spot.    This can lead to pain, headaches, neck aches, or jaw pain as is question 2.  The muscles are working really hard to go where they want, but they can’t.  This leads to tired and sore muscles.

What can we do about this?  Neuromuscular dentistry looks at all of these things and tries to get you in balance.  When you’re in balance, your teeth are no longer in the way, so your muscles don’t have to work very hard.  Your muscles don’t have to get teeth out of the way, because the teeth fit where the muscles and jaw are most happy.

If you find yourself asking these questions about your teeth, it may be your bite.

If you don’t have a dental home, you are welcome to call our office (732-224-1160) and schedule an appointment so we can discuss your unique situation.

Please send any questions that you would like answered in future issues or comments to me at: The Journal at PO Box 432 Colts Neck, NJ 07722 or email them to me at Mike@DrBixby.com. Your name will not be used in the article. This article is meant for informational purposes only. Please contact your dentist or our office, if you desire dental advice.

Michael J. Bixby, DMD, FAGD is a General, Cosmetic and Neuromuscular/TMJ Dentist, practicing at the Wikoff Building in Red Bank  He can be reached at: 732-224-1160, Mike@DrBixby.com or www.drbixby.com.