Dentistry and Osteopathy

The face is composed of a number of different bones. Some of these bones are very delicate, and they are intricately linked together in a very complex way. All the bones of the face, like those in the rest of the skull, are free to move very minutely, which they do in a gentle rhythmical way. However, undue stress in the muscles around the face and jaw may restrict the normal movement between the bones, and can have very wide reaching effects in the whole body. One of the most common causes of such stresses is malocclusion, i.e. when teeth are not in proper relation to each other and/or the jaw joints, and the jaw automatically shifts to a new position in order to compensate for the misalignment of the teeth.

We offer a unique interface with Alex Taylor, a local osteopathic practitioner who uses cranial osteopathy to complement the work we do in treating patients with malocclusion.  The importance of the relationship between dentistry and cranial osteopathy cannot be overstated. Conditions affecting the mouth and teeth have a very direct effect on the rest of the body. Osteopathic treatment using the cranial approach is gentle, safe and effective. Very specific, skilled, light pressure is applied where necessary to assist the natural ability of the body to release stresses and tensions.

Osteopathy is used to treat head, neck and face pain i.e. trigeminal neuralgia and jaw joint dysfunction. It can also be very useful in cases of dental overcrowding, particularly in children, by increasing arch width and reducing the need for more invasive dental treatment.

“Osteopathic medicine, founded well over a hundred years ago, understands that if your bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons are in all good structural balance, then your nervous system, circulation and therefore your whole body will function well. Osteopathic treatment does not target the symptoms only (although this is the basis of short term pain relief) but treats the underlying, abnormal structural pattern that has resulted in the symptoms in the first place. Osteopaths use a wide range of techniques, from massage to joint manipulation, cranial, exercise rehabilitation, dietary advice, ergonomics and self-management. The result is the effective relief and management of pain. Osteopaths see patients as young as the newly-born right up to the elderly, along with pregnant women to athletes.” (Excerpt taken from Osteopathic Medicine by Gavin Burt.)

For more information see www.osteopathy.org.uk