Although the teeth can upset the balance in the bite (occlusion) and temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), it is surprising how often TMJ/occlusal problems arise from elsewhere in the body, and may sometimes be resolved by osteopathic treatment alone. This page explores two major non-dental causes.

Developmental

The TMJs are the meeting place between the lower jaw bone (mandible) and the base of the cranium/skull, and can be put out of balance if the bones of the cranium or face are restricted or distorted. These bones may be compressed or asymmetrical due to unresolved moulding from birth (see Babies). The nature of the distortion may vary, but TMJ and occlusal problems are a common result.

For example, anything which impairs the development of the sinuses and nasal passages is likely to mean that the child habitually breathes through the mouth. The passage of air through the nose is an important stimulus to the nasal passages to develop, so without that stimulus the bones which form the middle part of the face are held back in their development, and the teeth in the upper jaw become crowded. ENT infections and glue ear may also form part of the picture. Cranial osteopathic intervention can release restrictions and help the bones of the head and face to develop normally, sometimes in association with dental orthopaedic treatment.

Body Alignment

The body is one interconnected whole, and anything that puts part of the body structure out of balance could have a knock-on effect anywhere else in the body. Any altered function in the feet, legs, hips, spine, neck or shoulders will affect the tension in the muscles and ligaments between the head and neck. This is because we want our organs of sense – our eyes and ears – to be level, even though our body may not be. This can in turn disturb how the teeth meet (the occlusion) and the balance of the TMJ.

The balance in the body can be upset by any number of causes: injury, such as an old fracture or sprain, postural habit such as playing the violin or habitually holding a telephone between the shoulder and the ear, and disease, such as arthritis, bone disorders or any disease or scarring which disturbs the body's connective tissue.

It is advisable to check out these possible causes with an osteopath before seeking purely dental solutions to TMJ/occlusal problems.