23/07/2020
Dental occlusion refers to the position of upper teeth relative to the lower ones. Dentists classify this state as three classes:
Class 1: Upper teeth cover one-third of the lower ones
Class 2: Overbite
Class 3: Lower teeth protrude ahead of the top ones
Now, the influence of dental occlusion on posture remains a debated topic in the scientific literature.
Two studies published in the PLOS One Journal noted small, yet consistent strength gains in subjects with an adjusted lower jaw, and improved symmetry in running patterns amongst participants.
Researchers from the University of Turin examined the effect of the jaw's angle on spinal alignment. Their study, published in the Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology confirmed a forward sway of the spine
The result of the first study showed that alterations in alignment of the teeth were related to poorer control of static balance
The second study showed that balance improved in patients when their malocclusions were corrected. It was also noted that the correction of malocclusions had a greater impact on posture and balance when the patients were fatigued versus when they were well-rested.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25674772/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26876449/
