Bite Problems Linked to Headaches in Children and Adolescents

Headaches are frequently the most reported symptoms of TMD (temporomanibular disorder) in children and adolescents. The correlation between recurrent tension-type headaches, TMD, and tenderness to palpation of the jaw muscles has been well established. This supports the theory that recurrent headache disorders in children and adolescents are most often of the muscle tension/contraction type.

Studies have shown that Overbite, overjet, and posterior crossbite showed significant associations with increased risk for headaches. The combination of all three of these occlusal (bite) factors increased the risk even more.
After excluding patients with known migraine headaches (diagnosed), neurological disorders, trauma-related conditions, and other possible disorders related to the head and neck, the recurrent, tension-type headache was targeted in children and adolescents. The occlusal factors found to have a statistically significant relationship to headaces are similar to those for TMD. These include:

• unilateral posterior crossbite









• anterior open bite









• overjet greater than 6 mm.









Headaches have also been strongly correlated to oral functional habits such as clenching, grinding, nail biting, and lip or cheek biting.

The tension type of headache is the most common, and it has the most damaging socioeconomic effect on the general population of any health disorder and also has a profound impact on the quality of life for children and adolescents.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial screening by age seven. This gives Dr. Bhatia the best chance to guide jaw growth and correct harmful oral habits.

Halloween Fun!

It's that time of the year.... broken brackets and extra pokey wires due to all the sticky sweet treats!

In honor of this day full of gooey goodness we're posting a BRACE-FRIENDLY recipe from Got Braces? The Braces Cookbook by Pamela Waterman and Brenda Waterman, Recipes You and Your Orthodontist Will Love

Fudgy Cocoa Bites
Using cocoa powder instead of melted baking chocolate is one of the secrets to baking soft cookies (another is using shortening instead of margarine or butter). If you're looking for a change from brownies, this is a great melt-in-your-mouth alternative.

1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 9 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla, using an electric mixer and beating until smooth. Add eggs and mix until blended. Mix flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder slowly into shortening mixture, using low then medium speed.

Drop by tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Makes about three dozen. Store in a covered container to keep the softness.

Impression-Less Options at Bhatia Orthodontics

We are excited to offer our patients the very latest advancements in orthodontic technologoy with the introduction of the iOC Digital Impression Photo Scanner.

- Eliminates messy gooey impression material that can cause gagging

- The accurate images are used to create much better fitting appliances, ensuring shorter treatment times and better results

- Faster turn around time from the lab for appliances, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen