It’s not a crossover we read about often: a dentist referring to a chiropractor when they’ve reached an impasse with a patient. Yet, as both paradigms deal with jaw musculature and pain, it may be one worth exploring. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ, at the side of the jaw near the ear) and craniomandibular (further up towards the temples) dysfunction is an aspect of functional health that can cause pain and headaches if not treated. It also affects up to 15% of people in their lifetime, and women in their third and fourth decades of life are most likely to be affected.
A lesser-known fact is that posture may also affect or be affected by dental occlusion—or the way upper and lower teeth fit together. Many chiropractors train in cranial chiropractic care and, in doing so, care for patients with challenges when it comes to facial pain. A two-patient case series recently published in the Asia Pacific Chiropractic Journal had covered a case report in which dental impasses were successfully solved when chiropractic care was introduced to the care regime. It proves a fascinating showcase of a novel co-management strategy for a common condition.
The cases in question were that of a 41-year-old woman who presented for chronic TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction and a 43-year-old male who was referred to a chiropractor by his dentist following a full mouth reconstruction.
In the first case, the female patient had a five-year history of painful and limited chewing associated with TMJ dysfunction, with an initial onset of symptoms so severe that she was not able to close her mouth. Eventually, with the dentist’s management, she was able to close her mouth and began wearing a night-guard. Despite the use of the dental device, she still reported grinding her teeth.
A chiropractor’s examination revealed multiple subluxations, neck and shoulder tension, sacroiliac hypermobility syndrome (category 2) and sphenobasilar range of motion imbalances.
The male patient had been referred by his dentist post-Invisalign orthodontic modifications, as the dentist had concerns about pelvic, cervical and cranial involvement secondary to a full mouth reconstruction. The patient had suffered a motor vehicle accident some years prior. While he felt able to function and regularly took part in yoga, there were ongoing range of motion reductions. He used a dental splint to maintain functional changes to his mouth and teeth alignment.
He began chiropractic care, and a chiropractor’s examination found marked reduced internal hip rotation, right-sided deviation, and left-sided ‘click’ in his mouth.
Both patients were cared for using the Sacro-Occipital technique, TMJ and Cranial diagnostic strategies. Alongside chiropractic care, these two patients remained under dentist’s management and used the Aqualizer device to support their TMJ pain relief.
While the original case report, published at the reference below, has full clinical findings specific to each patient, here are the key take-aways:
- They were both managed using the sacro-occipital technique, TMJ and Cranial diagnostic strategies and had subluxations adjusted.
- They both used the Aqualizer as directed by their dentist to help reduce TMJ pain.
- Both experienced improved TMJ function, reduced pain and improved joint translation without crepidus.
- Both experienced general relaxation of the cervico-cranial muscles
- Both had improved postural and subluxation readings.
While there is a paucity of chiropractic literature about dental co-management, there is evidence that the spines position can affect occlusion which in turn can affect the neck, spine and pelvis. Interestingly, chiropractic studies have revealed that chiropractic care increases bite force. When comparing evidence on dental occlusion and the spine, this research takes on new importance.
Perhaps there’s a bit more to see when it comes to the benefits of dentists and chiropractors working together.
References:
Panahpour A, Blum CL. TMD – Chiropractic and Dentistry: Two case reports. Asia-Pac Chiropr J. 2025;5.4. www.apcj.net/papers-issue-5-4/#PanahpourBlum
Haavik H, Ozyurt M, Niazi I, Holt K, Nedergaard R, Yilmaz G, Turker K (2018), “Chiropractic Manipulation Increases Maximal Bite Force in Healthy Individuals,” Brian Sciences, 2018, 8, 76; doi:10.3390/brainsci8050076
