What Does Breathing Have to Do With Your TMJ?
As a TMJ dentist in Burlington, I’m often asked how something as basic as breathing can impact the health of your jaw. The truth is, breathing and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are more connected than most people realize.
At Chittenden Dental, I focus on identifying the root causes of discomfort, and breathing patterns are a major factor in many cases of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
Understanding the TMJ and Its Role
Your TMJ is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It plays a critical role in speaking, chewing, and even facial balance. When this joint is misaligned or under strain, it can lead to TMD, which includes symptoms like jaw pain, clicking, migraines, and neck tension. What many don’t know is that improper breathing—especially through the mouth—can directly affect the function of this joint.
How Breathing Impacts Jaw Health
When you breathe through your mouth instead of your nose, your tongue tends to rest low in the mouth rather than on the roof where it should be. This altered tongue posture can cause changes in jaw development, alignment, and muscle tension. Over time, that contributes to the breakdown of the joint and surrounding structures, increasing your risk for TMD.
In my practice as a Burlington bioesthetic dentist, I’ve seen how addressing breathing habits can dramatically improve TMJ symptoms. Bioesthetic dentistry is a philosophy that focuses on restoring natural function and harmony to the bite, face, and airway. Breathing is a foundational part of that.
A Holistic Approach to TMJ at Chittenden Dental
At Chittenden Dental, we don’t just treat symptoms—we look at the bigger picture. As someone who practices bioesthetic dentistry, I evaluate how your bite, jaw, and airway all interact. If poor breathing is contributing to your jaw issues, we can develop a plan to retrain breathing patterns, improve tongue posture, and restore balance to the TMJ.
Whether it’s through oral appliance therapy, bite correction, or airway support, the goal is always to relieve pain and restore natural function. That’s what sets a bioesthetic dentist’s office in Burlington apart—we go beyond quick fixes to deliver long-term solutions.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you’re struggling with jaw pain or other signs of temporomandibular joint disorder, I encourage you to schedule a consultation. As your Burlington bioesthetic dentist, I’m here to help you understand how something as simple as breathing may be affecting your jaw—and what we can do to fix it.
– Dr. Mike Morris, Chittenden Dental
