Physiotherapy is generally associated with treatments for the back, shoulders or knees. However, the muscles of the neck and head and jaw can also be rehabilitated. Dental physiotherapy deals with the cranio-cervical-mandibular system and is used to reduce pain and the effects of chronic diseases and injuries. Its aim is to restore the normal mobility of the temporomandibular joints and to relax the area around the masticatory organ - the muscles inside and outside the mouth.
What methods does dental physiotherapy use?
At dental rehabilitation consist of exercises and treatments, the aim of which is to correct disorders and complaints of the masticatory organ and the entire stomatognathic system, the latter having an impact on chewing, speech, swallowing, breathing and the expression of emotions. Dental physiotherapy is used in every department of dentistry: in endodontics, i.e. diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, orthodontics treating malocclusion and correcting dental abnormalities, prosthetics and maxillo-facial surgery.
The use of appropriate physiotherapy techniques makes orthodontic treatment more comfortable and enhances its effects .
In dental physiotherapy a distinction is made:
- manual therapy,
- kinesiotaping,
- physical therapy.
In manual therapy, post-isometric muscle relaxation, which is a special technique for stretching soft tissues, is used, as well as classic massage, which includes skin rolling and trigger point therapy.
Kinesitherapy, on the other hand, is most commonly found in the form of exercises to strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility, as well as facial and whole head massages to relax muscles and mobilise joints. Kinesiotaping, on the other hand, involves the use of special tapes that limit excessive jaw movement and reduce muscle tension. It is most effective for treating pain and dysfunction in the craniomandibular region and cervical spine.
Dental physical therapy also includes:
- laser treatments,
- ultrasound therapy,
- thermotherapy,
- through cutaneous nerve stimulation.
Causes of temporomandibular joint disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders are affecting us with increasing frequency. This is because they result from a common lifestyle and affect them in particular:
- stress,
- inappropriate eating habits,
- low physical activity,
- chewing gum,
- habitual pen biting,
- nail biting.
- negligence of oral hygiene,
- carious lesions,
- missing teeth,
- untreated bite disorders,
- bone atrophy,
- wearing dentures,
- past surgical or cosmetic procedures.
In order to remove temporomandibular joint discomfort, it is first necessary to treat caries, fill cavities and correct malocclusions, and follow recommendations for changing lifestyle and unsuitable habits. Only after this stage can the patient carry out dental rehabilitation procedures.
What ailments can dental physiotherapy help with?
Dental physiotherapy is necessary when the patient experiences complaints and disorders of the masticatory organ, manifested, among other things, by the following:
- pain in the teeth, jaw, mouth, face or head,
- crackling and popping in the temporomandibular joints,
- problems with swallowing and chewing, with opening and closing the mouth,
- tinnitus,
- ear pain especially occurring when eating and opening the jaw wide,
- tearing from the eyes or a sensation of the eyeball blowing up.
Dental physiotherapy particularly helps with:
- malocclusion and postural defects,
- tinnitus,
- pain in the jaw, jaw, mouth, face or even the whole head,
- teeth clenching,
- gnashing of teeth,
- teeth grinding.
- fitting bite correction appliances,
- mechanical injuries resulting from a fall, impact or car accident,
- degenerative changes in the masticatory system,
- craniofacial surgery,
- tooth extraction,
- migraines and tension pains.
There are also many defects that affect the craniofacial region, which is why dental physiotherapy often goes beyond the jaw area to include the whole body - head, spine and even pelvis.
Although dental physiotherapy may be associated with a luxury service, it must not be forgotten that disorders of the masticatory organ are very distressing and, over time, can lead to serious health consequences.
