Why does someones mouth appear twisted?

Under normal circumstances, our bodies exhibit a symmetrical appearance, with facial symmetry being particularly evident. The philtrum, located in the center of the face, should ideally be aligned with the centerline. However, in some individuals, the philtrum may be slightly off-center, resulting in an asymmetrical appearance. There are various reasons for this phenomenon, including personal chewing habits favoring one side of the mouth or misaligned teeth.

Case 1: Misaligned teeth and abnormal occlusion can cause a deviated philtrum. Orthodontic treatment is recommended to correct this issue.

Case 2: Maxillofacial deformities may also contribute to a deviated philtrum. Surgical correction may be necessary in these cases.

Case 3: Tumors in the oral and maxillofacial soft tissues or bones can also lead to a deviated philtrum. Surgical removal of the tumor is typically required.

Case 4: Habits of chewing on one side can cause asymmetrical facial features, including a deviated philtrum. It is recommended to change this habit and chew on both sides evenly.

Case 5: Facial paralysis, also known as Bell's palsy, can be caused by facial exposure to cold or nerve infection. This condition can lead to a deviated philtrum. Treatment typically includes oral medication such as Mecobalamin and complex vitamin B, as well as acupuncture. Recovery is usually complete within 1 to 3 months, with few patients experiencing long-term sequelae.

Case 6: Stroke, including cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction, can cause damage to brain cells on one side, leading to neurological deficits on the contralateral side. This can manifest as facial asymmetry, including a deviated philtrum. The treatment focuses on managing the stroke, and in some cases, the deviated philtrum may persist as a long-term sequelae.

2.1 Shock: Shock is one of the most common critical and life-threatening conditions in clinical practice. Stimulating the philtrum acupuncture point can quickly raise blood pressure and shorten the recovery time in patients with shock. For example, in patients with severe hemorrhagic shock who have received adequate fluid resuscitation, stimulating the philtrum acupuncture point can advance the effect of raising blood pressure and regaining consciousness by 15 to 30 minutes or longer.

2.2 Convulsions: Acupuncture at the philtrum point is effective in treating convulsions, particularly those caused by high fever in children. Combined with acupuncture at other points or medication, it can achieve satisfactory control of convulsions.

2.3 Acute Lumbar Sprain: Acupuncture at the philtrum point or in combination with other acupuncture points can be used to treat acute lumbar sprains. Inserting the needle 0.5 inches along the nasal septum and applying heavy twisting and lifting techniques can create a sensation of pain and distension at the needle site. Leaving the needle in place for 30 minutes while manipulating it every 5 to 10 minutes can achieve satisfactory results.