Did you know that your posture could potentially be contributing to constant jaw pain, or even your overbite or underbite? It might seem surprising, but the way that you hold your neck, head, and spine can actually greatly influence your jaw position and how your teeth fit together. Here’s a closer look at the curious connection, along with what you can do to address both issues and achieve better oral and overall health, including seeking orthodontic treatment.
How Your Posture Affects Your Bite & Vice Versa
Posture and bite alignment are more closely linked than many people realize. Your spine, neck, and jaw all work together to support your head and allow for everyday functions like speaking and chewing. Poor posture, especially forward head posture—which is common in people who spend a lot of time on computers or phones—can shift the alignment of the jaw. When the head juts forward, it can put pressure on the jaw joints and alter the way your upper and lower teeth meet. This misalignment may lead to symptoms like:
- Jaw pain and discomfort
- Popping or clicking sounds
- Headaches and migraines
- Bruxism, or teeth grinding/clenching
- Uneven wear on the teeth
- Difficulty chewing and speaking
What’s worse is that over time, this imbalance can cause or worsen malocclusions, which are problems with how the teeth fit together. This issue isn’t something that’ll resolve itself; professional treatment is the only way to ensure these symptoms don’t cause discomfort or other complications in the long run.
It’s also a two-way street; if your teeth or jaw are misaligned, it can lead to compensation in your neck and back muscles to maintain balance or reduce discomfort. This compensation can throw off your natural spine alignment, leading to posture problems and chronic pain.
How Treatment Can Help You Live Pain-Free
If you think your posture might be leading to jaw and head pain, simply being aware of how you’re sitting, standing, and moving throughout the day can make a big difference, as can physical therapy. However, if things don’t improve, it may be time to speak with an orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment can help to realign your bite and clear up common issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, etc., but it’s also important to be aware of your posture and work on improving it simultaneously.
In any case, seeking an orthodontic evaluation should be your first step, since they can assess your bite and determine the source of the issue, to in turn come up with a treatment plan. This tends to begin with conservative approaches, but if things don’t improve, orthodontics can be relied on, often in the form of metal braces or clear aligners, or even the use of a specific appliance, frequently worn at night.
If you’re dealing with jaw discomfort, headaches, or you’ve noticed your bite doesn’t seem quite right, it may be time to look at the big picture. By addressing both posture and bite alignment, you can work toward a healthier, more balanced life from head to toe!
About the Practice
Our team at Simply Orthodontics Grafton has been serving the needs of patients in the North Grafton area for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for all ages. If you’ve been dealing with an overbite, underbite, or uncomfortable jaw pain that’s affecting your daily life, don’t hesitate to come to our team for personalized, effective treatment. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (508) 839-9350.