Thread by @mythoughtfood

The crushing strength of our jaws goes beyond breaking food apart.

Your lower face also guides your movements, and few discuss this link. The nerves of your jaw relay insight about your head's position to your brain.

This message directs your muscle tone when you move.

@posture_pro and my dentist were the first two health professionals to show me the link between the jaw and movement. They also pointed out how many people clench when they train.

I paid more attention, and noticed better core bracing when my jaw muscles relaxed during a rep.

Your jaw is part of your inner radar with your tongue and teeth called the Stomatognathic system. They map out your head together for your brain to set the right muscle tone.

This communication happens day and night.

(Picture sent to me by @AESCLEPIUS0 )

The system goes on overdrive when you clench, and the disturbed signal leads to an improper muscle tone.

- Neck tension
- Misaligned joints
- Poor core control

This study from the Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology examined the link between posture and jaw alignment.

Many factors can lead to chronic clenching and other jaw-related disorders. Your solution may need you to work with different health professionals to address the various roots of the problem.

Start by paying more attention to your jaw when you train, and take it from there.

Your guide to a healthy jaw:

- Apply proper tongue posture
- Breathe through your nose
- Massage your Masseter muscle daily
- Relax your jaw when you lift
- Address nutrition and deficiencies (@Grimhood )
- Manage your stress levels (@JohnConstas)

https://twitter.com/mythoughtfood/status/1235709160064528384?s=20