Balance Issues Owasso
Find New Stability with Neuromuscular Dentistry
Being able to balance your body is important! Being stable and sure on your feet can help you feel confident with everyday tasks, such as standing, walking, and more. If you are experiencing balance issues, there may be a number of underlying problems. One possible explanation is surprising; it might have to do with your jaw joints! On this page, you will discover how neuromuscular dentistry may be able to help. Contact us today to learn more or request an appointment with our Owasso team.
Neuromuscular Problems Can Cause Balance Issues
Proper balance is the result of multiple bodily systems working together. For example, your core and leg muscles should be strong enough to keep you steady. Your eyes are also important; they should be able to accurately track where you are and how you should interact with surrounding objects.
Your inner ear is another key component of balance. Tiny organs and canals in your vestibular system help you to sense motion and gravity. When this system is disrupted, dizziness and balance issues are likely to result.
Now, you may wonder what all that has to do with neuromuscular dentistry. Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are located directly in front of your ears. When they become inflamed or damaged, this may affect your inner ear and lead to balance problems.
What Are the Dangers of Balance Issues?
Balance issues are certainly annoying, but are they actually dangerous? Yes! Improper balance could put you at risk in a few key ways:
Falls & Physical Injury
Loss of balance could greatly increase your fall risk. This is especially dangerous for older individuals, who may not have the muscle needed to right themselves if they start to feel unsteady. Staircases and bathrooms with slippery surfaces can be especially dangerous for individuals with balance problems.
Heart Problems
It might surprise you to learn that balance issues are linked to an increased risk of heart issues, such as stroke and coronary heart disease. There are a number of possible explanations for this association. For example, people with balance issues may not be physically active due to a fear of falling. In turn, a sedentary lifestyle is bad for heart health.
Cancer
A study from 2021 found that individuals over 40 with balance disorders were at a greater risk of developing cancer. This might be due to shared underlying risk factors, such as inflammation and neurovascular dysfunction.
How Can Neuromuscular Dentistry Treat Balance issues?
Dr. Lim is a highly skilled neuromuscular dentist who understands how the TMJs affect balance and what can be done to improve matters.
If you have symptoms of a TMJ disorder, including balance issues, jaw pain, and sore facial muscles, come to our practice for an evaluation. We use advanced equipment, such as our CBCT scanner and K7x Evaluation system to assess the health of your jaw joints and the surrounding structures.
After we gather adequate information, Dr. Lim can advise you on your next steps. A special orthotic device, minor bite adjustments, or other measures may be able to reduce problems in your TMJs and lead to decreased inflammation and great symptom reduction. You may even find that your balance improves and you are able to move more confidently through daily activities.