Dental Inflammation
Many of us are aware of the connection between our mouths and overall health. But did you know dental inflammation goes beyond just your oral microbiome and cavities? While bacteria in the mouth can influence systemic inflammation, there’s another critical factor at play—the neurological, vascular, and fascial connections between the teeth, heart, and entire body.
The concept of central sensitization teaches us that dysfunction in one area of the body can create widespread effects elsewhere. Nowhere is this more evident than in the head and mouth—structures that, when inflamed or restricted, can influence the entire body. The dysfunction in teeth can also lead to issues in the Tempro Mandibular Joint (TMJ joint) and cause jaw pain.
Through Fascial Counterstrain (FCS), we can assess and clear these dysfunctions, restoring proper circulation, nerve function, and lymphatic drainage to prevent and reverse systemic issues caused by oral inflammation.
How Dental Inflammation Affects the Body
When the periodontal ligaments become inflamed, the repercussions extend far beyond the mouth. The oral cavity is a hub of neurological, vascular, and lymphatic connections that directly impact the heart, digestive system, and nervous system.
- Periodontal Ligament Inflammation & Heart Valve Dysfunction
- The periodontal ligaments contain rich sensory and autonomic nerve fibers that communicate with the central nervous system.
- Inflammation in these ligaments can end up affecting heart valve function and inflammation in the valves.
- Vascular Impact: How Blood Flow to & from the Teeth Affects the Abdomen & Legs
- The veins that drain the teeth connect to the deep venous system, which also manages circulation from the abdomen and lower extremities.
- When fascial restrictions interfere with venous drainage from the mouth, it can contribute to poor circulation in the abdomen and legs, leading to congestion, swelling, and reduced blood return to the heart.
- Arterial supply to the teeth shares pathways with the circulation feeding the abdominal organs and lower limbs, meaning restrictions here can reduce oxygenation and nutrient delivery to these areas.
- FCS helps restore proper vascular flow, ensuring healthy arterial supply and venous drainage throughout the body.
- Neurological Impact: The Vagus Nerve, the HPA Axis & Inflammation
- The vagus nerve is the body’s primary anti-inflammatory regulator. When inflammation in the oral cavity affects the dental and then trigeminal nerves, it can suppress vagal tone, reducing the body’s ability to calm inflammation.
- The HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system) is also impacted by chronic stress signals from inflamed dental tissues, keeping the body in a heightened sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state.
- This creates a systemic inflammatory response, affecting digestion, metabolism, and overall health.
Fascial Counterstrain helps regulate these systems by releasing restrictions in the cranial, cervical, and autonomic nervous system pathways.
Conclusion
Inflammation in the mouth is not just a local issue—it can disrupt circulation, heart function, digestion, and nervous system balance. With Fascial Counterstrain, we can identify and clear these hidden dysfunctions, restoring proper blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and nerve function throughout the body.
By understanding the deep connections between dental health and whole-body inflammation, we can take proactive steps to prevent and reverse chronic dysfunction—one release at a time. Book a consultation today to see how your teeth are impacting your overall health!