Migraine, jaw, neck, other pains can be caused by how you chew

MANILA, Philippines - Did you know that migraine and muscle pains around the neck area and upper spine can be the result of dental problems?

“These symptoms are commonly referred to in the dental profession as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pains, which occur when a person’s chewing function is not in harmony with the position of the jaws to the skull,” says US-trained dentist Dr. James Sagawa.

“It’s one of the most frustrating experiences for a dentist to encounter patients that present themselves with these types of pain with no obvious signs of dentally related disease such as tooth decay or abscess of the teeth or gums,” Dr. Sagawa points out.

Citing his years of clinical practice, Dr. Sagawa says his long exposure to these types of dentally related problems led him to find a practical and non-invasive diagnosis and treatment.

“The reason for these types of pain and discomfort is usually a misalignment of the bite, whether congenital or because of other causes, creating a strain on the facial and oral muscles, the joints and bones of the jaw all working to compensate for the abnormality and to keep both the upper and lower teeth in functional symmetry,” Dr. Sagawa explains.  

He observes that if the muscles were the pre-hereditary weak link in the misalignment of the teeth or jaw, these would eventually give in, making the person experience pain that could extend or spread to the cranial region and the upper area of the spine, shoulder, and neck.

“In other scenarios where there is a breakdown of the dentition, the teeth are the weak link.  Here, we see worn-down dentition, and many times, night grinding (bruxisum).  Now, if the bone supporting the teeth (periodontium) is the weak link, this can be part of the periodontal disease process. where we see the loss of the tooth-supporting bone and, hence, mobile teeth, and many times, the loss of perfectly good teeth,” he adds.

Whichever is the case, Dr. Sagawa feels the best solution to prevent pain and TMJ discomfort while promoting dental health and longevity is to restore the proper function of the upper and lower teeth.

As Dr. Sagawa points out, a harmonious bite function to promote dental comfort and longevity is where the back teeth (molars and bicuspids) protect the front teeth (incisors) from all vertical or up and down forces.  In reverse, the front teeth’s sole function is to protect the back teeth from any side-to-side or front-and-back chewing forces.

Using this philosophy in treatment, he has shown how a properly aligned bite (occlusion) will not only help ensure TMJ health and comfort but also help prevent pain and breakage of restored teeth, therefore dental longevity.     

 “Many times this can be done in a practical and non-invasive treatment. Other options are to restore the function using composite materials, crowns, bridges, and/or implants,” says Dr. Sagawa, a member of the American Dental Association and Hawaii Dental Association.

Dr. Sagawa also holds licenses in Hawaii and Oregon, California and is a practicing consultant at the Smiles by Dr. Cecile clinic at the third floor of the Dusit Thani Hotel in Ayala Center, Makati City (www.smilesbydrcecile.com, telephone numers 840-4284 and 867-3333 local 3415, or e-mail cecile.1122@gmail.com).

Smiles by Dr. Cecile clinic is owned and run by Dr. Cecile Infantado, a cosmetic dentist who trained in Hawaii, and was educated at the University of California Los Angeles. She is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.