The Invisible Balance of Oral Health

Interview with Margarida Raposo – Biofeedback Therapy

Modern dentistry goes beyond the structure of the teeth. We now understand that oral health is closely linked to muscular balance, neuromuscular function and the control of jaw tension.

At beclinique, we take an integrated and personalised approach. We spoke to Margarida Raposo, who is in charge of biofeedback therapy at our clinic in Lisbon, about how this innovative technique has helped patients with bruxism, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and orofacial pain to regain comfort and quality of life.

1. For those who’ve never heard of it, what exactly is biofeedback therapy?

Biofeedback acts as a form of ‘physiotherapy’ for the nervous system! Essentially, it works at the level of cellular communication using gentle electrical impulses, promoting self-regulation and general well-being. How? By using certified technology that identifies and corrects potential imbalances in the body. It analyses how the body responds to different stimuli and corrects any altered cellular frequencies in order to restore physical, emotional and mental balance.

2. In which clinical situations is it most appropriate?

Biofeedback offers benefits in clinical conditions involving chronic or acute pain, neurological disorders and conditions associated with stress and anxiety. For example, it has become a widely used therapy amongst elite athletes, as it helps to optimise muscle mobility, reduce fatigue and enhance sporting performance. This is somewhat similar to the situation in dentistry, as it treats very specific muscles and joints that are constantly engaged and whose tension has a significant impact on people’s daily lives, for example in cases of TMJ disorders (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), bruxism or jaw tension.

3. Many patients are unaware of the muscle tension they build up. How does biofeedback help to ‘train’ the body to self-regulate?

That’s right! Muscle tension, and not just that – there’s also nervous tension, joint tension, gastrointestinal tension…

Every patient is a unique case with their own individual responses. With biofeedback, we do not offer standardised solutions, but rather personalised training programmes that work with each person’s individual response. We treat the causes, not the consequences. We know that stress is the leading cause of illness in today’s world. Biofeedback provides patients with crucial information on this subject, motivating them to change their lifestyle in a way that promotes good health. Less stress means greater happiness and a better quality of life.

4. Bruxism is an increasingly common problem. How can biofeedback therapy help those who suffer from this condition?

Bruxism is an involuntary habit which, having multiple causes, often worsens during periods of stress, anxiety or sleep disturbances. We know that clenching or grinding one’s teeth has a severe impact in terms of tooth wear, muscle tension and even headaches; therefore, by helping to retrain the nervous system, biofeedback makes a positive contribution to stress management, enabling the patient, over time, to clench their teeth less, even after they have finished wearing braces. In other words, it trains the body to change its behaviour, to reduce excessive muscle activity, thereby relieving pain in the TMJ and the head, and reducing wear on tooth enamel.

5. What distinguishes this approach from conventional treatment for orofacial pain or TMD?

Biofeedback differs from conventional treatment mainly in that it is an active, educational and behavioural approach focused on the patient’s self-regulation, in contrast to passive treatments such as occlusal splints or mouthguards. Biofeedback is intended to complement other treatments, or to support the patient whilst these are being carried out, by reprogramming the nervous and muscular systems so that they do not cause pain or clicking sounds when the mouth is opened. It is therefore an excellent alternative to the excessive use of medication and does not cause side effects, as it does not introduce any chemical substances into the body, focusing instead on natural self-regulation.

6. Is the treatment invasive? What does a biofeedback session actually involve?

No, it is a completely safe, painless and non-invasive method. Each session lasts approximately one hour and is a relaxing and gentle experience – sometimes so relaxing that some people fall asleep during the session. We begin with a brief conversation; it is important to understand how the client is feeling going into the session. We find out how they are feeling and what concerns them most. They then lie down comfortably, and sensors are placed on their body to pick up electrical signals such as autonomic nervous system activity, heart rate, stress patterns and emotional response, amongst others. The software contains a database of the vibrational signatures of thousands of substances, organs and emotional states. By comparing the user’s signature with these patterns, the system detects where there is resistance or excessive resonance, which points to areas of blockage or inflammation. Following this analysis, gentle stimuli are applied to help the body train its natural capacity for self-regulation. Many people report improvements soon after their first few sessions.

7. What benefits do patients most commonly report after starting biofeedback therapy?

There are numerous benefits that patients can experience. It is possible to reduce pain, alleviate anxiety and lower stress levels, reduce fatigue and muscle tension, aid weight loss and regulate appetite, improve sleep quality, enhance memory, concentration and mental clarity, and strengthen the immune system, amongst many other benefits. Just as with physical exercise, the effects can be felt from the very first sessions, but it is consistent practice that leads to profound and lasting results. I believe that health is not merely the absence of illness, but the art of living in balance and with vitality. To achieve this, we need to look after the body as a whole – body, mind and emotions in harmony. Putting health first above all else.