Press Release No. 09\/2026 \u00b7 September 2026 \u00b7 Munich<\/p>\n\n
In honor of Dental Health Day on September 25, the dental practice is providing information on the connection between tooth alignment, chewing function, and lifelong oral health<\/em><\/p>\n\n Munich, September 2026 \u2013 To mark <\/strong>National Dental Health Day on September 25, Dr. Matthias Epple\u2019s orthodontic practice at M\u00fcnchner Freiheit will provide information on the connection between tooth alignment and chewing function. The theme for the 2026 event is \u201cHealth Starts in the Mouth \u2013 Chew Your Way to Fitness!\u201d and highlights the importance of chewing. Located in northern Munich, the practice has been caring for many families for years\u2014starting with the first checkup in childhood. The message: Proper tooth and jaw alignment is more than just a matter of aesthetics\u2014it\u2019s the foundation for a lifetime of healthy chewing. <\/p>\n\n Why Tooth Alignment Is Key to Good Chewing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Chewing is one of the most common daily activities\u2014and at the same time, it is an important foundation for nutrition and well-being. For the upper and lower jaws to work together optimally, the teeth must align properly. If teeth are crowded, tilted, or misaligned, or if the upper and lower jaws do not align properly, chewing function can be impaired. Possible consequences include uneven stress on individual teeth, strain on the chewing muscles and the temporomandibular joint, and difficulty breaking down food. This is exactly where orthodontics comes in: it aligns the teeth and jaws to create an even, functional bite. <\/p>\n\n Straight teeth are easier to care for<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Properly aligned teeth also affect daily oral hygiene. Crowded or misaligned teeth create crevices that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and dental floss. Plaque tends to accumulate in these areas more easily, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Easily accessible, evenly spaced teeth, on the other hand, are easier to keep clean\u2014a benefit to oral health that goes far beyond mere appearance. <\/p>\n\n Early Detection: Jaw Development in Children<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Orthodontic treatment is particularly effective when developmental issues are detected early. In children, the growth of the jaws and face can be guided in a targeted manner as long as it is not yet complete. Habits such as prolonged thumb-sucking or chronic mouth breathing can also affect jaw development. Experts therefore recommend an initial orthodontic consultation during elementary school\u2014not to begin treatment immediately, but to ensure the right time is not missed. This ties directly into the theme of the awareness day: Paying attention to healthy jaw development early on lays the foundation for proper chewing function later in life. <\/p>\n\n Things parents can look out for:<\/p>\n\n Shopping Habits in Adulthood<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The relationship between tooth alignment and chewing does not end in adolescence. Orthodontic treatment can also improve function in adults\u2014for example, prior to receiving prosthetic restorations, in cases of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, or when tooth alignment has changed over the course of a person\u2019s life. A functional evaluation reveals how the teeth, muscles, and temporomandibular joint work together and forms the basis for a personalized treatment plan. <\/p>\n\n \u201cA harmonious bite is the foundation for a lifetime of effortless chewing\u2014and it\u2019s not just a matter of aesthetics. Paying attention to jaw development early on can save your children a lot of trouble later on.\u201d \u2014 Dr. Matthias Epple<\/em><\/p>\n\n About Dr. Epple’s Practice \u2013 M\u00fcnchner Freiheit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Dr. Matthias Epple\u2019s orthodontic practice at M\u00fcnchner Freiheit offers modern treatments for children, adolescents, and adults, with a focus on digital diagnostics and aesthetic solutions. It is part of the KFO network of orthodontic practices, which has five locations.\u201cProtective gear fits better, is more likely to be worn, and effectively prevents injuries.\u201d \u2013 Dr. Matthias Epple<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n
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