The Teeth are a Gateway to your Well-Being by Dr. Jiyoung Jung | TEDx Talks
The most important function of the teeth is to develop and stabilize the craniofacial structure-to simply hold your skull, so your brain can function properly.
The dental evaluation includes vertical and horizontal alignment of the head and neck. Asymmetrical facial development can be improved and stabilized by influencing teeth. Then brain and autonomic nervous system function will be improved since the body has reached the homeostasis, which is the most stable and balanced state of the body.
My Personal Journey to Understanding Dental Health
My own health journey began with conventional dental treatment. Due to a small jaw, several teeth were removed, a common approach among dentists. Years later, I developed a persistent dry cough that lasted over a year, leading to multiple medical interventions. The situation became so severe that I once broke a rib from coughing and was diagnosed with cough variant asthma.
As my health complications mounted—frequent respiratory infections, allergies, and skin rashes—I decided to explore alternative approaches. A pivotal moment came when my yoga teacher recommended a book that revealed a profound connection between dental structure and overall health.
The Hidden Importance of Jaw Development
Most modern humans have underdeveloped jaws due to factors like soft diets, pollution, reduced breastfeeding, and improper breathing and swallowing patterns. An underdeveloped jaw means insufficient space for teeth and tongue—imagine a large car in a small garage.
Most modern humans have underdeveloped jaws due to factors like soft diets, pollution, reduced breastfeeding, and improper breathing and swallowing patterns. An underdeveloped jaw means insufficient space for teeth and tongue—imagine a large car in a small garage.
Through advanced dental training, I gained a revolutionary perspective: teeth are not just functional components for chewing or aesthetic purposes, but critical elements of our cranial system. The human skull comprises 22 bones and 12 pairs of cranial nerves, with teeth intricately embedded in the upper and lower jaws.
Teeth: More Than Just Chewing Tools
The trigeminal nerve, the largest nerve in humans, connects teeth to our nervous system. Every tooth and its surrounding ligaments are richly supplied with sensory and autonomic nerve fibers. This makes teeth extraordinary sensory organs capable of perceiving immense amounts of information.
The trigeminal nerve, the largest nerve in humans, connects teeth to our nervous system. Every tooth and its surrounding ligaments are richly supplied with sensory and autonomic nerve fibers. This makes teeth extraordinary sensory organs capable of perceiving immense amounts of information.
Critically, the most important function of teeth is not chewing, talking, or smiling—it’s supporting the craniofacial structure to enable proper brain function. When teeth are misaligned or missing, the entire cranial system becomes compromised.
Holistic Body Alignment
Dr. Roger Sperry, a Nobel Prize winner in Brain Research, noted that over 90% of the brain’s output maintains the body’s position in its gravitational field. The less energy spent on posture, the more available for healing, digestion, and cognitive functions.
Body alignment is crucial. When the head, eyes, ears, and teeth are properly aligned, movements become efficient. Misalignment forces compensatory mechanisms, such as forward head positioning, which can create cascading health issues.
A Collaborative Approach to Wellness
Addressing dental health requires a comprehensive, collaborative approach. As a dentist, I work with chiropractors, nutritionists, functional therapists, and sleep physicians to develop holistic treatment strategies.
Remarkably, we can potentially grow and develop bones at any age by providing correct guidance. The goal is to preserve natural teeth and develop the jaw without surgical intervention.
Key Recommendations
- Appreciate and care for your teeth as vital health indicators.
- Preserve damaged teeth through conservative treatments.
- Consider dental visits as whole-body health assessments.
- Explore natural solutions for persistent health challenges.
As Miguel de Cervantes wisely said, “Every tooth in man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” Your teeth are quite literally the gateway to your overall well-being, residing right under your nose.
How Dr. Jung Can Help
Your sleep & airway focused dentist in Mansfield is an excellent starting point for addressing sleep concerns because we are skilled in recognizing the signs of this condition, especially those related to oral and facial development. Dr. Jung can identify the dental impacts of sleep apnea. Our familiarity with your oral health history makes us well-positioned to detect and address these issues. Dr. Jung has also undergone specialized further education and training to address sleep apnea, making her an expert in these areas. Here are some of our specialized services:
- Collaborative Care: We collaborate with other healthcare professionals for holistic care, addressing any related respiratory or sleep issues.
- Laser Therapy: The DEKA QuiteNite laser can be used in various ways to help treat sleep disorders. This is done by tightening areas in the mouth that could limit airflow, which causes snoring. This is a painless procedure.
- Oral Appliance Therapy: Most of our patients benefit a great deal from sleeping with a special mouthguard that encourages proper jaw alignment and nasal breathing. Learn more about oral appliance therapy here.
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