Why is chewing so important?
You probably think you chew properly and that you don't have this problem. But after reading this post, you might change your mind about that.
Unilateral chewing, in addition to causing imbalances in the chewing muscles, contractures in the neck muscles, and displacements of the shoulders, spine, and pelvis, ultimately affecting overall posture, preferentially stimulates the activity of the opposite cerebral hemisphere. Tension headaches, fatigue, facial asymmetry, throat and ear problems, and vertigo are some of the main symptoms.
The midline, the line that passes between the central incisors, gives us an indication of which side chews more. If everything is balanced, with the mouth closed, the upper midline coincides with the lower midline. If chewing is unilateral, the midline will be shifted to the right or left depending on the chewing side.
Ideal chewing should be bilateral and alternating. That is, chew on the right side, swallow, chew on the left side, swallow, and so on. This ensures harmonious development of the mouth, balanced brain stimulation, and overall well-being of the entire body.
Unfortunately, this does not always happen, and we perform predominantly unilateral chewing, overloading the entire system.
Bilateral chewing offers even more benefits: the cranial muscles are stressed and relaxed in a balanced way, without creating overload or tension in one side relative to the other. The balanced contact of the two dental arches transmits signals to the sinuses and ear canals, promoting the continuous drainage of mucus, which would otherwise stagnate and cause sinusitis and otitis.
It is recommended that this habit should be taken into account within the pediatric dental diagnosis because it can be detected at an early age, thus allowing for early therapy and the establishment of an alternate or bilateral masticatory function for the harmonious development of the stomatognathic system.
At MIDSA Dentistry, we offer RFA treatment to help you. If you want to improve your quality of life, schedule an appointment with us.
