Nowadays, smartphones and computers have become an indispensable part of daily life. Specialist Dental and Maxillofacial Surgeon Prof. Dr. Birkan Taha Özkan explained that long-term poor neck posture in front of a digital screen causes serious damage to the jaw joint and teeth. Prof. Dr. Özkan said that jaw joint problems concern an average of 6 million people in Turkish society.
Specialist Dental and Maxillofacial Surgeon Prof. warns digital screen addicts. Dr. Birkan Taha Özkan said, “In long-term digital screen addiction, forward head posture positions the jaw forward, which causes many disorders such as structural changes in the alignment of the jaw and shifting teeth.
The forward head posture associated with screen time can put excessive pressure on the jaw joint, leading not only to pain but also to serious jaw alignment problems. The Jaw Joint is one of the most complex joints of the body, and the healthy functioning of this structure is directly related to correct foot, back, neck and jaw posture. Jaw Joint Disorders are also caused by lifestyle choices and habits that disrupt jaw alignment. “The increase in the time people spend with technological devices has caused these problems to become more common,” he said.
“IT BECOME A TRIGGER OF JOINT DISORDERS”
Making explanations about how the disease occurs, Özkan said, “Continuous tilting of the head downwards puts unnecessary load on the jaw joint. Over time, this pressure creates excessive stress on the jaw joint and becomes a trigger for jaw joint disorders. When your head tilts forward, your jaw muscles work overtime to maintain balance. This can cause strain and pain in the jaw joint. Another habit that often goes unnoticed is clenching or grinding your teeth while focusing on the screen. Stress related to device use may cause you to unconsciously clench your jaw. This can lead to chronic problems in the jaw joint area.
Over time, these strains impair the natural functionality of the jaw joint. The pressure and tension in the jaw joint also causes damage to the gums. Stress and incorrect jaw position can lead to gum recession and sensitivity in tooth roots. Imbalance in the jaw joint disrupts the natural closure of the lower and upper jaw, causing alignment problems in the teeth. This, combined with improper loading of the teeth, can lead to tooth wear, fracture, and chewing difficulties. As the jaw joint disorder progresses, the excessive load on the teeth may cause the teeth to move out of place, tooth root inflammation or tooth loss. Teeth clenching habits, in particular, accelerate this process and may lead to tooth loss at an early age.
LISTED THE SYMPTOMS
Prof, who lists the symptoms of jaw and teeth problems due to long-term wrong posture on the digital screen. Dr. Özkan said, “When viewed from the side profile, lower jaw protrusion, limitation in jaw movements, pain or clicking sounds, pain or sensitivity in the jaw and teeth in the morning, sensitivity due to cracking, breaking or abrasion in the teeth, recession and bleeding in the gums, pain and jaw fatigue during chewing, teeth “Digestion difficulties, headaches and tinnitus occur due to loss of chewing in grinding,” he said.
“REDUCES MUSCLE TENSION AND RELIEVES THE PRESSURE ON THE JAW JOINT”
Prof. makes suggestions for organizing daily habits to prevent Jaw Joint Problems and maintain good jaw posture. Dr. Birkan Özkan said, “You can keep your chin in a natural position, without tilting your head, by keeping the phone, tablet or computer screen at eye level. This reduces unnecessary pressure on the jaw and neck. Take short breaks every 20 minutes. Massaging your jaw or doing jaw stretches reduces muscle tension and relieves pressure on the jaw joint.
Arrange your work area ergonomically. Keep your spine upright by using a chair that supports your back. Aligning your girth correctly will also reduce the pressure on your jaw. Since there is a risk of tooth slippage due to the risk of jaw slipping, get a dental-mandibular facial examination to ensure that your teeth are in a key-lock relationship, that is, in a regular relationship when closing between the jaws. For personalized dental and jaw treatment, have your detailed clinical and radiographic examination performed by your dentist or oral surgeon. “Early diagnosis and personalized treatment options are very important,” he said.
“JAW JOINT DISORDERS ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE JOINT ONLY, BUT ALSO THREAT YOUR TEETH”
Finally, Prof. Dr. Birkan Taha Özkan said, “The contribution of technological devices to our lives cannot be considered surprising, but unconscious and long-term addictive use can have permanent effects on your jaw and dental health. Jaw joint disorders are not limited to the joint alone, they also threaten your teeth. By protecting your jaw and dental health in the digital age, you can both improve your quality of life and prevent serious consequences such as tooth loss. Do not forget to get expert support when necessary. “Because a healthy jaw is the key to a healthy life,” he said.
(UAV)