As an athlete, you may be deeply interested in anything that can improve your performance. That is why you work out regularly, take nutritional supplements, and learn as much as you can about the mechanics of your sport. But did you know there is an often-overlooked aspect of your health that might be affecting your performance? That is the alignment of your jaw. In this blog post, you will learn how neuromuscular dentistry might be able to help you.
What Is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Traditional dentistry focuses on the health of the teeth and gums. It can be critically important for your health. However, neuromuscular dentistry is a unique approach to care that goes even further. It deals with the complex relationships between the jaw, muscles, and nerves. It views these structures as a complete system. In order for them to function optimally, the jaw should be well-aligned.
Advanced equipment and extensive training allow neuromuscular dentists to understand how the jaw is working in relation to nearby structures. They can also make minor adjustments to the jaw’s alignment in order to improve a patient’s overall health and wellness.
The Benefits of Neuromuscular Dentistry for Athletes
There are several potential benefits of neuromuscular dentistry for athletes:
- Improved posture. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a problem with the jaw joints, is a descending condition. It can cause problems in your neck, back, and shoulders that adversely affect your posture. Neuromuscular dentistry may be able to correct this issue so your whole body works in harmony.
- Improved breathing. Your mouth and jaw are important parts of your upper airway. Neuromuscular dentistry may help to reduce mouth breathing. It may also lead to an improvement in the quality of your sleep, which in turn could significantly improve your athletic performance.
- Less pain and muscle tension. TMD can cause aches and pains, as well as muscle tension, throughout the body. Neuromuscular dentistry can help to relieve such issues.
Getting Started with Neuromuscular Dentistry
If you tend to grind your teeth, frequently experience jaw pain, or have ongoing headaches and other aches and pains that might be related to your jaw and the surrounding structures, contact a dentist who is trained in neuromuscular dentistry. After they evaluate the details of your case, they can recommend a treatment.
Often, aligning the jaw does not require any extensive or invasive procedures. In fact, something as simple as a custom occlusal splint or minor adjustments to your bite could have profound benefits.
Neuromuscular dentistry could power up your athletic performance! Talk to a qualified dentist to learn more about how it might benefit you.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Heng Lim is a Fellow of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute. He has completed extensive training in neuromuscular dentistry, and he is pleased to put his knowledge to work for our patients. If you believe that your jaw’s alignment could be improved, he and our team would love to assist you. Contact Life Smiles of Owasso at 918-274-3779.