Why are braces, retainers, and the need to have wisdom teeth pulled so commonplace? What did humans do before modern dentistry? A research study from Stanford University suggests that these problems are relatively new in our history. Researchers posit that the human jaw is shrinking, and it’s not the result of genetics but of modern behavior and lifestyle adaptations.
Our jaws aren’t reaching their growth potential, and it’s causing us pain and discomfort. This development has fed into the issues caused by TMJ disorders and, in many cases, likely worsened them. We need more dental procedures than ever, and malfunction at the TMJ may be the reason why.
What Has Changed?
Societal revolutions such as the agricultural and industrial revolutions have drastically changed the way people interact with the environment. These researchers’ findings suggest that things we do and the things we eat have evolved at a rate much faster than our genetics can keep up with, which has caused the smaller jaws we attribute TMJ disorders to and the less-toned muscles of the face and oropharynx we blame for sleep apnea.
What Can We Do?
The cause of diminishing jaw size, according to the researchers involved in this study, is behavioral, which is great news. Our jaw problems being behavioral means we maintain agency in changing the trend.
- Change the way we hold our jaws
- Change what we eat
- Change the way we sleep
Consequences of TMJ
Maintaining the status quo for jaw self-care risks the impending effects of TMJ disorders. Jaws that are not fully developed put additional strain on adjacent muscle groups, the joint itself, the airway, and dental alignment. TMJ disorders can cause:
- Chronic pain
- Joint inflammation
- Sleep apnea
- Sleep deprivation
- Lockjaw
TMJ Treatment in Lynnwood, WA
Dr. Buck’s approach to treating TMJ disorders is cutting-edge. With a focus on epigenetic growth and remodeling of the jaw, Dr. Buck is able to provide patients with improved quality of life. If you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms such as clenching, grinding, difficulty chewing, or sleeping, it may result in an undiagnosed TMJ disorder. To learn more about your child’s options for treatment, call Dr. Buck today at (425) 361-0968 or visit our contact page here.
