How is your posture right now? Ideally, your head, neck, spine, and hips form a perfectly straight line, correctly supporting all your joints and muscles. However, for many people, this is more of a once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence rather than an everyday habit. Unfortunately, chronic slouching can lead to unpleasant consequences, like back soreness. In fact, if not corrected, your bite could be at risk too! To learn how posture affects bite alignment, read on!
Why Bite Alignment Matters
At first, it might not seem like a misaligned bite is much to be concerned about. However, if your teeth don’t come together properly, you’re significantly increasing your risk of experiencing one or more of the following concerns:
- Excessive wear and tear on your teeth.
- Teeth grinding/clenching.
- Dental problems, like tooth decay and gum disease, from crooked or spaced-out teeth.
- Nutritional deficiencies.
- Discomfort while chewing.
How Posture Plays a Role in Your Bite
Have you ever slept in an awkward position, and woken up with a sore back? Or rolled your ankle and felt discomfort throughout your entire leg? That’s because our bodies are intricately connected through a series of nerves, ligaments, and muscles. If something is off, like your posture, it won’t take long for the domino effect to take place.
For example, when you slouch, your skull sits farther back on your spinal column, putting pressure on your neck, back, and jaw. Over time, this force can shift your teeth out of position, and your bite will no longer come together evenly. Fortunately, if you’ve realized the importance of proper posture a bit too late, your orthodontist can restore your winning smile with braces.
Tips for Correcting Your Posture
Now that you know all about the importance of good posture, you may be wondering, “Where should I start?” First, throughout the day, lift your chest, roll your shoulders back, and take a deep breath. This will not only help you breathe deeper, but it will also relax your jaw, open your chest, and align your posture. Next, keep your core engaged to support your upper body, taking some of the pressure off of your back. Lastly, set a reminder on your phone. When the alarm goes off, check your posture. This will help you get out of the habit of slouching.
Now you know the important role your posture plays in your bite alignment. If you chronically slouch, then there is no time like the present to practice better habits! If your teeth have already shifted out of position, then schedule an appointment with an orthodontist today.
About the Author
Dr. Sam Alkhoury has been helping patients in and around Grafton achieve the straight, healthy, beautiful smiles of their dreams for decades now. For him, your oral health and overall wellbeing are important, which is why he focuses on educating patients on how to care for their teeth and improve their quality of life, starting with their posture! If you have any questions about the causes of misaligned teeth or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 508-839-9350.