The Link Between Teeth and Posture
The connection between the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), dental bite (occlusion), and posture has been the subject of clinical studies and scientific research for many years. Over the past few decades, the use of gnathological devices, commonly known as mouthguards, to balance occlusion and improve posture has steadily increased.
More and more sports doctors and coaches, encouraged by solid clinical results, are recommending gnathological treatments and the use of custom-fitted gnathological devices (mouthguards).
Athletes often clench their teeth due to physical exertion or performance anxiety
41 Clinical Studies Involving 852 Athletes
Clenching During Effort or Stress
Another review (Acute Effects of Wearing Bite-Aligning Mouthguards on Muscular Strength, Power, Agility and Quickness in a Trained Population: A Systematic Review) found that since athletes naturally clench their teeth during physical activity, using customized oral devices that stabilize and align the bite can lead to beneficial functional effects, especially in the lower limbs,enhancing jump performance and knee extension movements.
TMJ Dysfunction Can Affect Hip Mobility
A further study (Influence of the Temporomandibular Joint on Range of Motion of the Hip Joint in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) reported that TMJ dysfunction plays a significant role in limiting hip mobility in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This highlights the deep connection between the temporomandibular joint and the hip joints.
Conclusions
Occlusal treatments and bite devices help restore neuromuscular balance, which can enhance athletic performance by addressing issues related to the TMJ, bite alignment, and posture.
Athletes should consider using a custom-fitted bite device not just for protection, but also for its potential to enhance performance, particularly in activities that rely on lower-body strength and power.
It’s essential that athletes consult qualified professionals, such as dentists specializing in gnathology, to ensure the bite device (mouthguard) is tailored to their specific anatomical needs.
Only personalized gnathological treatments using calibrated bite devices can help optimize the neuromuscular system, improve posture, and ultimately enhance athletic performance.
Scientific Literature
(Influence of wearing mouthguards on performance among athletes: A systematic review)
Rongkai Cao 1, Xuehan Zhang 1, Yifan Xu 1, Wei Zhao 1, Piaopiao Qiu 1, Weicai Liu 2
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
The effects of jaw clenching on muscular strength and power performance: A systematic review
Adrià Miró 1, Bernat Buscà 1, Joan Aguilera-Castells 1, Jordi Arboix-Alió 1
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
Influence of the temporomandibular joint on range of motion of the hip joint in patients with complex regional pain syndrome. Michael J Fischer 1, Kathrin Riedlinger, Christoph Gutenbrunner, Michael Bernateck
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19539119/
Prediction of Ergogenic Mouthguard Effects in Volleyball: A Pilot Trial
Antina Schulze 1, Martin Busse 1
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
The Effect of Wearing a Customized Mouthguard on Body Alignment and Balance Performance in Professional Basketball Players
Hae Joo Nam 1, Joon-Hee Lee 2, Dae-Seok Hong 1, Hyun Chul Jung 2
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
Effects of wearing a customized bite-aligning mouthguard on powerful actions in highly trained swimmers
Adrià Miró 1, Bernat Buscà 1, Mònica Solana-Tramunt 1 2, Joan Aguilera-Castells 1, Jordi Arboix-Alió 1, Fred Vergnoux 2, Raúl Arellano 3 2
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
Effects of Jaw Clenching While Wearing a Customized Bite-Aligning Mouthpiece on Strength in Healthy Young Men
Bernat Buscà 1, Jose Morales, Mònica Solana-Tramunt, Adrià Miró, Mario García
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27003454/
At Studio Mura, we SPECIALIZE IN GNATHOLOGY and offer personalized care to help you rebalance your neuromuscolar system.
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