Connecting Heads

The TMJ / Chiropractic Connection

November 20, 2013 at 1:45 pm Leave a comment

19 November, RAC Country Club, Epsom.

Dr André Hedge arranged this study day on behalf of the British Society for the Study of Cranio-Mandibular Disorders (BSSCMD).

Dr Skip Truitt gave a presentation demonstrating that most malocclusions were orthopaedic problems and most involved some derangement of the Temporo-Mandibular Joint. He began by classifying a range of presenting symptoms and followed this by explaining the protocols he has for each category.

He drew our attention to the relationship between the optic plane, the otic plane and the maxillary plane. A major reason for these planes being off kilter is an under-developed maxilla. This directly involves not only the optic plane and the maxillary plane through the maxillary bone but also the otic plane through the association of the temporal bone with the TMJ.

Angela Winter (Chiropractor) gave a thorough explanation of her work regarding posture and body alignment. Tom Robinson (Sports Massage Therapist) demonstrated his techniques to relax muscles and improve circulation. Both these practitioners work closely with André and this is particularly helpful for patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. His protocol is: podiatrist, massage, chiropractics, cranial osteopathy and then orthopaedics/orthodontics.

Skip ended the programme with an excellent presentation on airways. Problems can arise from constriction of the nasal, naso-pharyngeal or the pharyngeal airway. Many of these are caused by a less than ideal position or shape of the maxilla. ie; a narrow palate, a maxilla that is short or positioned distally, or a mandible that is trapped back by any of these factors.

Nasal breathing is far superior to mouth breathing due to the following:

1. Air is moistened and filtered.

2. A vortex is formed which delivers the air to the lungs at the correct speed.

3. Air is warmed.

4. Anti-bacterial Lysosomes are present.

5. Nitric oxide is added which increases the uptake of O2 at the alveolar membrane.

6. Mouth breathing flushes out more CO2 which reduces respiratory rate/sleep apnoea.

It is his belief that insufficient oxygen uptake in child night time mouth breathers is often the cause of ADHD.   

This meeting was sponsored by Triple “O” Dental Laboratory which  makes most of the orthopaedic appliances in the UK and has now introduced their new product called “Smile-Tru”. This is an aligner system but has the added benefit of expert diagnostic support. See www.smiletru.com and www.tripleodentallabs.com

Entry filed under: TMJ. Tags: ADHD, BSSCMD, Dr Skip Truitt, orthopaedics, Smile-Tru.