How Your Bite Could Be the Root of Your Back Pain
When you think of posture and spine health, you probably imagine sitting up straight, avoiding heavy lifting, or doing yoga. But did you know your bite can play a surprising role in your overall posture? At Kim Dentistry, your trusted Lansing dentist, Dr. Caroline Kim takes a holistic approach to oral health because your smile is connected to so much more than your mouth.
Whether you’re from Lansing or nearby areas like East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, or Dewitt, MI, this might be the dental insight you didn’t know you needed! To improve your bite and save yourself from back pain, contact our Lansing dental office by calling (517) 886-1100.
How Dr. Kim Improves the Smiles of Lansing Patients
At Kim Dentistry, we don’t just straighten teeth—we assess how your smile interacts with the rest of your body. As one of the best dentists in Lansing, MI, Dr. Kim combines advanced dental techniques with a personal touch to give patients in Lansing, Holt, Grand Ledge, and surrounding areas real solutions—not just quick fixes. Here’s what our patient, D’ Stanee J. had to say:
- “Dr. Kim and her associates make each visit wonderful and pleasant.
They work with you and give great suggestions and tips for your dental health.
No matter the question or concerns, the staff answer with kindness.
They also keep you aware/up to date on services that could benefit you, and can assist with gathering any information you need on said service.”
Whether it’s orthodontic care, bite adjustments, or general dental wellness, Kim Dentistry is your go-to for comprehensive care from a top dentist near you.
What Is a “Bad Bite”?
A “bad bite,” also known as malocclusion, happens when your teeth don’t align properly. This could mean your upper teeth stick out too far (overbite), your lower teeth overlap (underbite), or your teeth don’t meet evenly.
It might seem like a cosmetic issue at first, but over time, a misaligned bite can throw off the natural alignment of your jaw. This small shift can lead to muscle strain, jaw tension, and even changes in how you hold your head—ultimately affecting your posture and spinal alignment.
How Does Your Bite Affect Your Spine?
Your jaw is connected to a group of muscles and bones that stretch all the way down your neck and into your back. If your bite is off, it can cause:
- Tension in the neck and shoulders
- Forward head posture
- Uneven weight distribution when standing or walking
- Chronic headaches or jaw pain (TMJ issues)
These issues can worsen over time, leading to discomfort in your back, hips, or even knees.
Signs Your Bite Might Be Affecting Your Posture
- You feel pain or stiffness in your jaw, neck, or shoulders
- One shoulder sits higher than the other
- You experience frequent tension headaches
- Your chiropractor keeps adjusting the same spots
- You clench or grind your teeth, especially at night
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to get your bite checked. Contact the best dentist near you by calling (517) 886-1100.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a leading Lansing dentist, Dr. Caroline Kim offers customized treatments like Invisalign®, bite adjustments, and orthodontics to help patients in Lansing and nearby areas achieve better function and comfort.
Not always, but bite problems are a common cause. If you’re dealing with jaw tension or TMJ symptoms, the team at Kim Dentistry in Lansing can assess the issue and provide gentle, effective treatment to relieve your discomfort.
Straighten Your Smile, Support Your Spine at Kim Dentistry!
Your smile isn’t just for selfies—it’s a powerful part of your body’s alignment system. If you’ve been chasing neck or back relief with little success, it might be time to take a closer look at your bite.
At Kim Dentistry, led by one of the top dentists in Lansing, MI—is here to help you find solutions that support your whole body, not just your teeth. Whether you’re in Lansing, Okemos, Mason, or East Lansing, contact Kim Dentistry by calling (517) 886-1100.