Dr. Stoll,
I noticed in one of your posts that you said your teeth should never touch, unless you're chewing. Did you mean that literally and as an absolute, or just as a general guideline?
Because although I never thought I had a problem with clenching my teeth, I became more conscious of it after reading what you said, and I noticed that I clench down every time I swallow throughout the course of a day, even when not eating or drinking. So is this something I should try and change? It does feel very strange to me when I swallow without letting my teeth touch, but if that's what I should be doing, then that's what I'll do.
Thanks for the help, and I was still hoping you could help with my biofeedback post a little further down.
Tony
Follow Ups:
Re: TMJ
Posted by Walt Stoll on December 14, 1998 at 08:50:48:
In Reply to: TMJ posted by Tony on December 13, 1998 at 00:33:41:
Dear Tony,
Thanks for the question. If you have it so must many others.
The problem is with the habit of CHRONICALLY allowing the teeth to touch. Brief touching is no problem.
Once you understand WHY teeth touching is a bad thing, you will figure this out for yourself. There are 22 bones in the skull that are in constant motion to pump the cerebrospinal fluid that provides at least 75% of all the nutrients (including oxygen) to the brain. As soon as the teeth rest together, this pumping motion is locked in place.
There are many other effects; from blockage of the venous return from the sinuses, via the pterygoid plexus, to tooth misallignment; ear problems and TMJ pain & damage, etc.
Just touching the teeth together briefly like when chewing, swallowing or talking, etc., is no problem.
Walt