Everyone’s face is unique, but have you ever wondered if your jaw is symmetrical? While a slightly unbalanced jaw is common and often unnoticeable, a significant imbalance can lead to various problems, both aesthetically and functionally. In this article, we’ll peel back the layers of this issue and explore the world of jaw balance.
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Understanding Jaw and Posture
Our jaw, particularly the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), can significantly influence our posture. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with four simple tests to identify if your jaw might be the hidden culprit behind your postural imbalances.
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
Before we dive into the tests, let’s understand the basics. The jaw joint we’re discussing today is known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint is where the condyle, a bone in the jaw, meets the temporal bone of the skull. If you place your fingers just in front of your ear and open your mouth, you’ll feel the condyle move. This movement needs to be smooth, with the condyle rotating forward and downward. If there’s an imbalance or tension in this joint, it can have repercussions on your overall posture.
Is Your Jaw Creating an Imbalance?
Test 1: The Three-Finger Test
To start, we’ll employ a simple self-assessment method. Take three fingers and try fitting them inside your open mouth. If this action causes pain, or if you find it challenging or find yourself squeezing your fingers to make them fit, this could be an indicator of TMJ issues.
Test 2: Cross Bite Examination
The second test revolves around identifying a ‘cross bite’. A cross bite occurs when the lower jaw deviates to one side, suggesting uneven tension in the jaw muscles. One side might be tighter while the other remains lax, causing the jaw to deviate either left or right. This isn’t merely a jaw issue. Because the lower jaw connects to the shoulders, a cross bite can translate to a forward projection of a shoulder or a posterior rotation of a glute. It essentially causes torsion in your body, creating imbalances, especially in the transverse plane.
Test 3: Missing Teeth and Lingual Dysfunction
Missing teeth, barring the wisdom teeth, can lead to what’s known as a lingual dysfunction. Every time you speak or swallow saliva, the tongue naturally fills the space left by the missing tooth. Over time, this creates imbalances since the tongue attaches to the hyoid bone, which is indirectly linked to the shoulder blade. The result? Potential rotations in the transverse plane and tilts in the frontal plane, leading to asymmetry in shoulder or hip height.
Test 4: Listen for the Noise
Lastly, a clear indicator of TMJ issues is any unusual noise when you open your mouth. Position your fingers on the condyle, as mentioned earlier, and listen as you open your jaw. If you hear cracking or screeching, it could mean your TMJ or meniscus is compromised.
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