When worn too much, MORAs can cause the patient's teeth to move so far out of proper position that orthodontics or facial reconstructive surgery is needed to correct the deformity. They also claim that a rhythm exists in the flow of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and that diseases can be diagnosed by detecting aberrations in this rhythm and corrected by manipulating the skull. Proponents include dentists, physical therapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors. The theory underlying craniosacral therapy is erroneous because the bones of the skull are fused to each other, and cerebrospinal fluid does not have a palpable rhythm. Auriculotherapy is a variation of acupuncture based on the notion that the body and organs are represented on the surface of the ear.
Proponents claim it is effective against facial pain and ailments throughout the body.
Its practitioners twirl needles or administer small electrical currents at points on the ear that supposedly represent diseased organs. Complications from unsterile and broken needles have been reported. Some dentists claim to specialize in the treatment of bad breath. Such dentists have no special expertise and are primarily interested in increasing their income by selling unproven products. The active ingredient is chlorine dioxide, which is also used as an algaecide in swimming pools.