Your Posture and Your Dental Health

You know many of the common things that result in dental health concerns including not brushing or flossing enough, forgoing regular visits to my Valparaiso dental office, smoking, and even eating foods high in sugar. But did you know that your posture can also affect your oral health? Straighten up, put your shoulders back, and read on to find out how.

It’s All Connected.

You remember the song that first taught us all anatomy, right? The one where we learned the foot bone was connected to the leg bone. Turns out, this elementary explanation to the way our bodies are structured is right on. And that’s where we can run into problems if we have bad posture. It’s ideal to have your head, neck, and spine aligned. However, this isn’t always the case. A lot of people sit or stand with their heads a bit too far forward, which throws off the entire system. When the head goes forward, the shoulders tend to follow and the jaw actually moves backwards. This causes your bite to fall out of place, leading to a misaligned jaw and potentially TMJ disorder, migraines, and other uncomfortable problems.  

Signs of a Problem.

There are several key warning signs that you may be suffering from a bad bite, whether caused by posture or not. If you notice any of the following, call your dentist in Valparaiso.

• Pain the neck or jaw
• Worn down teeth
• Headaches
• Discomfort while chewing

Test It.

Want to know if your posture is a little out of whack? Test it using one of the methods below.

• The Mirror Test – All you need for this test is a full-length mirror. Face the mirror and really look at yourself. Are your shoulders level? How about your hips? Do your kneecaps face anywhere but at the mirror? Are your ankles bending in or out? If your shoulders and hips are in line, your knees are forward, and your ankles are straight, your posture is pretty good.   
• The Wall Test – No full length mirror? No problem. Just find a wall and place the back of your head and buttocks against it, and slide your heels six inches apart. Take your hand to feel how far the wall is from your neck and your lower back. The ideal is about an inch or two.

If you think your posture may be the reason for your pain or dental concerns, schedule your appointment at my Valparaiso dental office today. We can help identify the root of the problem, analyze potential solutions, and work together to find the best option for you.

Accepting patients from Valparaiso, Portage, Chesterton.

About The Author

Dr. Joseph Majka

After earning his dental degree in 1993, Dr. Joseph Majka provided dental care for migrant farm workers’ children through the Indiana State Department of Health. Months later, he began practicing family and cosmetic dentistry. For years, he was involved in different charitable activities, providing free dental care for the underprivileged in the community. Dr. Majka has attended several continuing education courses that cover all aspects of dental care and is affiliated with numerous dental associations.

Read The Full Bio