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Dental Somatic Dysfunction & Dental Somatic Integration

As we evolve in our thinking and appreciation of the wholeness of our being, we begin to understand that what we view as the "stomatognathic system" [stoma= mouth or opening, gnathic = chewing mechanism] is not limited to the teeth, gums, jaw, and associated TM joints and masticatory muscles. It is time to take a broader view. It is important to keep in mind that when we discuss a particular aspect of the body or its function we are inclined to speak of it as an entity unto itself, as a convenience of cognition and communication.

A Bad Bite Affects Cranio-Mandibular-Cervical Proprioception and Function;

In reality the body is an integrated whole, there are no separate systems. Structure and function cannot be separated.
Structural imbalance or disharmony within the cranio-mandibular system can have profound influences through the body as a whole. These imbalances can range from simple situations where a single tooth {or filling, crown, etc.} may be hitting with more pressure than appropriate, and more complex situations where there is an overall disharmony of the bite and jaw relationship to the body.
Either situation may have profound influences within the musculo-skeletal system and the central nervous system, as well as through the body's electromagnetic energy circuits.

The Lower Jaw Is a Link in the Chain of Structures Supporting the Balance of the Head and Neck;

The complex anatomy of the body is such that there is an intimate interdependence of all myofascial and skeletal components. Postural balancing is the result of a finely tuned feedback mechanism balancing muscular forces in 3 planes.
The net effect is that alterations of the bite can influence the muscular chain of the body and vice versa. In this diagram we can see the reciprocal actions of the head, neck, and jaw muscles.

The Teeth are like Door Stops Determining the Position that the Jaw assumes in Relation to the Skull when it closes.

When the teeth and supporting jaw structures are correctly developed and properly aligned an erect head posture will be encouraged.

If the Teeth are Malposed, Improperly Repaired, Replaced, or Missing; the Mandible will shift on closure with resultant Compensations within the Musculature of the Head, Neck, Shoulder Girdle and Beyond.

The patterns of compensation within the neck will be determined by the faults within the bite. If the jaw is retruded, for example, the person may have a forward head posture. This leads to altered neuromuscular function and postural mechanics, and often results in a tendency for neck problems {cervical subluxation /fixation}.
The reverse is also true; a cervical fixation arising as a result of stress or injury may alter the bite, and can even lead to dental symptoms [ie., a sore tooth].

In fact, the Body is a Closed Kinematic System with a Change Anywhere affecting the Whole System.

I have seen a few cases of people developing a toothache after injuring a toe; they had altered their gait and in turn their posture to avoid putting weight on the sore toe.
Compensation within the head and neck, led to changes in their jaw muscles, temporarily altering their bite. This lead to excess pressure on one or more teeth causing soreness of the ligaments supporting the tooth in its socket.

State of the art: Dental Somatic Integration

  There is a new field evolving that we describe as Dental Somatic Integration. In this work of Dental Somatic Integration we draw upon all the advances made previously in Orthodontics & Oral-Facial Orthopedics and combine this knowledge with an understanding of how the body works.
    In this new field which provides an answer to many different health problems, we work closely on your behalf with other practitioners, in fields such as Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Medicine, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, etc.
    Dento-Somatic Integration is a process by which we facilitate the integration of the body, so that the jaw system is working in harmony and supporting balance throughout the whole.

Case report #1

L.G. presented for dental treatment, requiring a crown to be placed on her upper right molar to restore it . The tooth had previously been treated with root canal therapy, at which time it had been shortened to take biting pressure off of it.

About a month after we had placed a provisional acrylic crown , L.G. called me to report that she had an amazing experience. The heel of her right had been giving her a burning intermittent pain for two years. As soon as we placed the temporary crown on this tooth the pain disappeared. In fact it stayed away for four weeks only to return that morning after the temporary came loose from her tooth.

At our next visit I removed the temporary crown and evaluated the causal chain between her foot pain and her tooth using kinesiology {muscle response testing}. It seemed that the absence of support for the bite on this tooth was permitting a slight torquing of the mandible when she closed her mouth. This in turn was interfering with the micro motion of the bilateral maxillary bones and at the same time inducing a torsion of the sphenobasilar junction. It was fascinating to see the meridian energetic influences generated by this dental -cranial stress. Both the Bladder meridian and Triple warmer reacted kinesiologically throughout their entire course, as if the energy transmitted along them were blocked. As soon as I replaced the temporary crown and re-evaluated the cranial and meridian indicators they where completely non- reactive. L.G.’s chronic foot pain was resolved by restoring the integrity of her mouth with a crown on 1 tooth.

Case report#2

D. B.’s chief complaint was right groin and foot pain of some months duration. Chiropractic care had not relieved her discomfort. She was awakening in the AM with foot pain and tension. She consulted me regarding the potential benefits of Dental Somatic integration. The patient had a retruded mandible{ ClassII Div II} with a missing upper left first molar, the second molar had drifted forward. She had a prominent click of her left temporomandibular joint. I advised her of the need for orthodontic/ orthopedic correction of her jaw. She was initially reluctant to proceed, but agreed to wear a lower repositioning appliance. We fitted the appliance to bring her jaw forward providing support to the unstable joint that was clicking on the left side, as well as providing better muscular support.

She returned two weeks after the appliance was fitted reporting complete elimination of the groin pain and 80% reduction in her foot pain. There was still areas energetically blocked at the ankle and middle of her foot. An acupuncture needle was used at along the gall bladder meridian on the side of her calf to open the energy flow to these constricted areas. The patient experienced complete relief of her chronic groin and foot pain.