Jaw Pain & Orthodontia | SERVING NEW CANAAN & WESPORT – LOCATED IN RIDGEFIELD CT

Temporomandibular joint disorder affects 5-12% of the general population, but it’s not the only cause of jaw and dental pain that can be treated with osteopathic medicine.

Dr. David Johnston at Osteopathic Wellness Center specializes in cranial osteopathy, which uses gentle manipulation to relieve jaw pain and promote orthodontic healing. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Ridgefield, Connecticut, or book an appointment online.

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Jaw Pain & Orthodontia Q&A

What is a primary cause of jaw pain?

Jaw pain is often caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which refers to a variety of problems in the bones, cartilage, nerves, and muscles that form the Joint.

You have two temporomandibular joints, one on each side of your face where your lower jaw connects with your skull. TMJ disorder often develops when:

The jaw is out of alignment
Discs between bones are displaced Cartilage is damaged by arthritis
The joint is damaged by trauma or injury Jaw pressure increases due to teeth grinding

When you have problems in your TMJ, you may experience pain when you chew or speak and develop clicking or popping in your jaw. In severe cases, the joint can become partially or completely locked in place, so you can’t open your mouth, chew, or speak.

Chronic headaches and migraine-like headaches commonly develop due to TMJ disorder. Pain in your jaw can easily lead to headaches because they share common nerves and muscles.

What other orthodontia problems are treated with osteopathic medicine?

Orthodontia, or misaligned and irregular teeth, places exceptional stress on the bones and muscles of your face, head, and neck. As a specialist in cranial osteopathy, Dr. Johnston can help you regain muscle balance and strength, while also relieving pain and promoting your body’s natural ability to heal.

Dr. Johnston collaborates with holistic dentists to treat conditions related to your teeth, jaws, mouth, and face. Osteopathic treatments, including cranial osteopathy, effectively treat a variety of dental problems, such as:

Abnormal bite (overbite, underbite, crowding) Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
Open mouth breathing
Speech problems

Dr. Johnston also treats pain in your head, neck, and shoulders, whether the pain arises from orthodontia or another problem in your body.

What is cranial osteopathy?

Cranial osteopathy uses very gentle finger pressure and massage techniques to manipulate your skull. Using these techniques, Dr. Johnston can stimulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and promote the overall health of tissues covering your brain. This type of therapy helps restore balance to your nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

To learn more about cranial osteopathy and how Or. Johnston can help with your dental problem, call Osteopathic Wellness Center or book an appointment online.

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