Experts in the field of advanced dentistry have recently discovered something remarkable:
New research suggests that subtle changes in the size, shape and position of the lower jaw to the upper jaw, and the way the teeth come together in one's mouth can dramatically affect one's physical and mental health; Regardless of whether those changes occurred naturally, via an accident, or were made by dentists performing routine dental procedures.
"Changes occurring to the teeth also change the position of the lower jaw in relation to the skull," says Dr. Larry Lytle, one of America's pioneers in laser dentistry and an expert in dental neurology. "And even a miniscule variation of normal jaw position will cause muscles in the jaw and neck to tighten in an attempt to return the jaw to normal position. This tightening of muscles, there are 68 pair of muscles which influence the jaw, restricts blood flow and interrupts the normal signaling functions of the autonomic nervous system, often triggering a variety of mental and physical problems."
Dr. Lytle says those affected by this syndrome, called Dental Distress Syndrome, can experience a wide range of unexplained physical and mental symptoms, including:
allergies depression body pains and numbness
cold hands and feet constipation bladder and kidney complications
dermatitis dizziness fatigue
forgetfulness frequent urination gynecological problems
ulcers headache hearing loss
indigestion insomnia nervousness
sexual dysfunction sinusitis worry
suicidal tendencies hypertension and many other symptoms
"Many of the symptoms of Dental Distress Syndrome are considered by doctors to be normal symptoms of stress," says Dr. Lytle. "This may explain why Dental Distress Syndrome is often not properly diagnosed."
According to Dr. Lytle, Japanese researcher Dr. Koichi Miura first affirmed there was a connection between jaw alignment and nervous system impairment after his team ground down the teeth of test monkeys on one side and discovered the monkeys could no longer swing from trees using the arm on the side where the where their teeth were shortened.
ADDRESSING THE SYMPTOMS OF DENTAL DISTRESS SYNDROME - "DDS"
Dr. Lytle says there are three ways to alleviate the unwanted symptoms triggered by DDS:
1. Massage: Tight muscles in the jaw, neck, and shoulders can be loosened by various massage techniques. Often, symptoms will disappear a few minutes after muscles relax, and restricted arteries open and become able to effectively deliver blood (and oxygen) to the brain.
2. Low Level Laser Treatment: Low level laser light can be applied to the jaw, neck, shoulders, and back to immediately relax muscles by treating reflex trigger points, called proprioceptive points. The laser can be applied, as needed, to keep muscles relaxed and circulation unimpeded.
3. Bite Tabs and Guides: A longer-term solution, Bite Tabs can be applied to the surface of the back teeth to allow the jaw to close at the proper angle. Dental guides can be worn over the upper teeth to keep the jaw at an ideal angle when the mouth is closed.
"The combination of laser treatment with the appropriate dental device has a synergistic effect on health and can keep an individual free from DDS symptoms," says Dr. Lytle.