Dr. Laurence Dion, Airdrie chiropractor, can help treat TMJ and oral motor functions.

SOLEIL CHIROPRACTIC, AIRDRIE, AB

TMJ & Oral Motor Function


From infant latch, to children needing help with feeding/articulation or oral habits, to pediatric and adult TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorder), proper assessment and treatment of these disorders is best achieved via a collaborative approach. Each professional will assess and treat through a different lens, making for thorough clinical management and better outcomes.

Interventions

  • Gentle hands-on care, including intraoral assessment and treatment for ALL ages.
  • Neuromuscular re-education for the tongue.
  • Breathing exercises and manual therapy to restore functional movement, autonomic function, and stress balance.
  • Education for parents and home exercises for body tension and suck training for infants.
  • IBCLC consult, referral to orofacial myologist, and tongue tie release consult booked with pediatric dentist when appropriate.

All Ages:

The upper spine is intricately connected to the jaw. Connections between TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorders), breathing, and posture are detailed in many studies. These studies examine the influence of dysfunctional breathing and describe the effects of poor core strength and diaphragm function on TMJD. Overuse and over development of accessory breathing muscles, forward head posture, altered proprioception, increased compression of the cervical, cranial and mandibular joints, hypermobility or hyperactivity in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and craniofacial pain all contribute to the development of TMJD. This can all present as headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, and muscle tension.

Chiropractic care has many benefits for all ages, including treatment for TMJ - visit Dr. Laurence Dion, Airdrie Chiropractor.
Chiropractic care has many benefits for all ages, including treatment for TMJ - visit Dr. Laurence Dion, Airdrie Chiropractor.

Infants & Kids:

Craniofacial growth depends on proper suck, swallow, nasal breathing, and chewing. Early identification and intervention can help navigate challenges more confidently. Tethered oral tissues often respond to conservative management. Depending on the extent that these structures affect function, it is important to seek care early so we can facilitate referral and prepare your little one for a procedure with a pediatric dentist when clinically suitable. For example: In just one week of measuring FLIP (flow, latch, injury, pain) scores, Breastfeeding Dysfunction Prediction went from 75-95% to 40-75%. This is incredible progress with only conservative management. The FLIP survey is a research validated tool to objectively measure a baby's progress.