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Your “Bite” And How It Affects Your Oral Health
- Posted on: Sep 15 2016
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The way your teeth fit together is called your “bite,” and everyone’s bite is different. Your bite is also known as the alignment or occlusion of your teeth. Your bite may cause you problems if it is “off,” and it may even affect your overall health and wellness. Malocclusion, the term for teeth that are out of alignment, is a very common cause of tooth and jaw pain and even tooth temperature sensitivity.
If your teeth or jaw hurt or if your teeth are sensitive, continue reading to learn more about malocclusion as a cause of tooth or jaw pain, discomfort or sensitivity:
- Are your teeth wearing away? Severe tooth wear is a sign that your bite is not spot on. If all the enamel on the biting edges of your teeth is worn away, a darker colored surface (dentin) will appear which wears down much faster than tooth enamel. This can be especially damaging when it involves your lower front teeth.
- Does your jaw hurt when you bite down? If so, there may be a relationship between your alignment and your temporomandibular jaw joint (TMJ). The pain may be associated with a structural disorder, but may also originate in the muscles that move your jaw.
- Does clenching your teeth cause pain? Clenching or tapping your teeth together is a way to find out if a new crown or filling is too “high.” If your bite is on the mark, you should be able to bite hard and grind your teeth together in all directions without discomfort.
It’s true that the most common dental problems are tooth decay and gum disease, but malocclusions can cause added pain and damage.
If you are experiencing problems with your bite, call to schedule a consultation appointment, today. We value you, our patient, and customize our approach to fit your dental needs.
Posted in: Dental Health
