Chiro

Before choosing a chiropractor, osteopath or dentist understand their area of
expertise and how each will benefit you. Consider a practitioner that is trained in one of
the disciplines mentioned here!

See youtube video:
The Neck & Back Pain Cure They Don't Want You to Know About

Chiropractics
The cranial method of chiropractics is one of the most effective therapies for treating the
symptoms of tongue chewing. Whether
you believe in chiropractic therapy or not it is important to understand that like with any practice
including medical doctors all
chiropractors and chiropractic practices are not alike. You must find a doctor that addresses your
individual needs. The good thing
is that you will know if its working after the first visit. If you walk out of the office chewing no matter
how experienced they may be, find
someone else!

Chirodontics and Craniomandibular Therapy refer to interdisciplinary healthcare approachs
with the understanding that the patient care should ultimately come first. Within the realm of
Craniomandibular Therapy and Chirodonics there is mutual research cooperation between
dentists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and physical therapists. “Craniomandibular” refers to
dysfunction or conditions affecting the cranium (skull) mandible (jaw) and posture and the
relationship of the occlusion (bite).

Osteopathic Craniopathy; Cranial Sacral Therapy;
Chiropractic Craniopathy; SOT-Chiropractic - are all names for therapeutic disciplines based on
the Osteopathic Cranial Technique developed by Dr. William Sutherland, D.O an osteopathic
physician in the early 1900’s.

The Osteopathic Cranial Technique was based on the phenomenon of the Cranial-Sacral
respiratory motion. Dr. Sutherland discovered that in order for the brain and nervous system to
function properly the bones of the skull had to accommodate motion, this motion was known as
the “Primary Respiratory Mechanism”. Osteopathic Craniopathy or Cranial Osteopathy is still being
practiced by a small number of osteopathic physicians.

Chiropractic Craniopathy began its development in the 1920s by Major B. DeJarnette, D.C., D.
O., DeJarnette taught osteopathic methods of releasing cranial stress to the chiropractic
profession and called it Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT). There are two
chiropractic organizations that support the development of Chiropractic Craniopathy, they are the,
Sacro Occipital Research Society International (SORSI) and Sacro Occipital Technique
Organization (SOTO-USA)

Craniosacral Therapy was established In 1983 by Dr. John E. Upledger an osteopathic
physician, popularizing the terms. Craniosacral or Cranial Sacral Therapy. Mostly non-primary
health care providers, such as massage therapists typically practice Craniosacral Therapy. The
use of passive light touch and energy balancing is the fundamental technique involved in
Craniosacral Therapy
See youtube video:
Feeling Emotional

Chiropractic Neurology
Chiropractic neurologists offer a non-drug, non-invasive treatment focusing on motor activity
especially the development of the postural muscles in association with function and brain activity.
Anything affecting postural muscles will influence brain development and anything affecting the
brain will affect musculoskeletal balance.
See youtube video:
Chiropractic Neurology

Correcting the cranial function and releasing stress on the central nervous system is the ultimate
goal in all of these disciplines.

http://www.sorsi.com/
http://www.soto-usa.org/
http://www.chirodontics.com/home.htm

Dental Appliances and Craniodontics TM
Craniodontics (relationship between the function of the teeth and the skull)
Dental appliances (orthopedics/orthodontics) may be used in conjunction with a variety of dental
functional problems including alignment, TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) and bruxism
(teeth grinding). While these appliances may be beneficial they often do not solve the underlying
problem. Craniodonics focuses the attention on the fact that use of dental
orthopedics/orthodontics or any restorative dental procedure that directly changes the occlusion
or bite will affect the alignment of the skull. The bones of the skull are joined together by means
of sutures, which act as expansion/contraction joints. When a patient has a malocclusion or
crooked teeth, a distortion occurs to the alignment of the skull. This misalignment in turn causes
an increase in the tension the fibrous membranes that support the skull. These fibrous
membranes are innervated with sensory nerves. Bruxism and possibly tongue chewing may be a
result of the bodies attempt to relieve this tension. Even if the patient has seemingly straight teeth
distortions may be present that could setup increased tension within these inter-cranial
membranes.   Craniodonics uses extremely light weight removable appliances to correct functional
problems rebalancing the skull bones restoring normal function. Unfortunately few doctors have
ever focused in on this connection and resulting treatments have failed to correct the underlying
cause(s).
For more information on Craniodontics visit: www.icnr.com

The tongue and jaw muscles are of the strongest in the body. Tongue chewing is an oral habit
that exerts tremendous force on the bones and the teeth therefor severely affecting the overall
occlusion. This must be considered when attempting any orthodontic treatment. Is the
malocclusion a result of the tongue chewing habit or is the tongue chewing a result of the
restrictions presented by the misalignment else where? If the tongue chewing were to continue
during treatment or return after dental appliance are removed there is no way the alignment will
hold.

Dental Appliance Images

Habit Appliances
Wearing a habit appliance may be the most practical solution for tongue chewers. While I have
not personally used one or know of anyone that has, it would seem like a logical approach for this
condition. These appliances are designed to retrain the tongue and encourage normal tongue
function.

Issues with habit appliances:
1. Few dentists have experience with type of devices although they are very simple in design and
function.
2. If the tongue chewing is physiological or neurological and not habitual they will not address
primary component.
3. The use of these appliances are dependent on the tolerance of the patient. The appliance may
become a distraction and while
the patient may not chew on his or her tongue they may get frustrated with the appliance.
4. Habit appliances could actually make tongue chewing worse if the cranial component is not
addressed.

I am currently working on developing a light wire functional habit appliance that addressed both
normal tongue function and cranial dynamics.

If anyone has used these devices successfully for tongue chewing please send me an email with
your experience!
info@tonguechewing.com For more information on habit appliances visit: http//www.jonsdental.
com