My trip to the Dentist

I don’t know about you but I LOVE going to the dentist. If you know me I will go on for hours about all the dental appointments and BINGO cards of dentists I’ve been to (like Dentist, Orthodontist, Periodontist, Endodontist, Prosthodontist, and Oral Surgeon.. I’ve checked all the boxes!)! I think because I’ve had to go through lots of dental visits, it’s been more of a learning to love it kinda thing – also I do LOVE having someone clean my teeth, it’s the best!

Why is a Pelvic PT bragging about her dental experiences?

Because dental, gum, and jaw health matters – but especially its connection to the pelvic floor!

So many patients that have TMJ, jaw, headaches, migraines, or other jaw/head/neck issues can have similar pains, aches, and troubles in the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor dysfunctions like pudendal nerve issues, vulvodynia, vaginismus, constipation – you name it – I’ve seen it

WHY?!

Our nervous system. You’ve heard the adage that we’re all connected, right? Well, they’re right! A pelvic health PT looks at and treats MORE than just the pelvic floor. We are looking at your entire body – Head to Toe! – the pelvic floor and core just happen to be right smack in the center of it all. How your jaw (clenching and grinding habits), your shoulders, your abdominal gripping, your hip weaknesses, your foot arch – they all contribute to pressures placed on your pelvic floor and beyond!

Dentist Visit Tips:

Talk to your dentist and hygienist before the visit aka Communicate. If you prefer a room away from the noises, lights, and sounds of other dental patients, ask to be somewhere quieter if able. Some offices will have little TVs in the ceiling, or headphones, that can be helpful to quiet some extra unwanted noise. 

Get comfortable. Ask for a blanket if you’re cold or nervous (today I had XRays done and I was like, “Do people just ask to keep this heavy lead blanket on all the time?!?!” So, heads up my dentist office might be getting weighted blankets soon haha) 

If something hurts or is uncomfortable- TELL THEM! ‘But Kelly my mouth is wide open’. Use your hands! Your eyes! Your voice. Don’t just grin and bear it. 

Ask for breaks if you do get jaw pain or have a history of tension issues. Ask for or bring your own pillows to go under your knees or arms/elbows. Ask for them to re-adjust or add neck pillows if able/allowed. You’re gonna be there for an hour, so have it be a comfortable hour. 

Breathe. Instead of crossing your arms or fingers tightly during the exam/cleaning, place one hand on your belly and one hand on your diaphragm (rib cage area) and try to focus on breathing through one of those areas. 

Focus on what you can contro. In addition to your breath, can you feel or wiggle your toes? Can you tap rhythmically with your fingers onto your rib cage? Can you feel how wide your jaw is – can you try to relax the muscles in your lower jaw? Your upper jaw? Does it feel like your cheek is touching your ear lobe, try to let it go. 

If no one listens to you or changes your care plan and you’re able to – change dentists! Remember YOU are the consumer! Ask to change hygienists, dentists, or practices all together. 

I doubt your hygienist or dentist will ask you about your pelvic floor, but if going to the dentist makes your pelvic floor clench or butt hole tighten up, it might be a sign to seek out help for pelvic floor dysfunction in addition to your TMJ or headache issues. You’ll probably help both issues by making your appointment today with a Pelvic Floor PT like me!