The way the teeth fit – or fail to properly fit – when we bite down and press the upper and lower rows of teeth together are a serious matter of dental health. When the teeth fit as they should, it can be a huge plus and a benefit to overall dental health because it helps avoid all sorts of other problems. But for many people the way the bite synchs or fits is not quite right.

Even if the bite is only slightly out of line or skewed, it can lead to a host of problems including discomfort, pain, and the inability to properly chew or speak. Dentists refer to the way teeth come together when the jaw is shut by the technical term “occlusion.” The business of occlusion involves more than just the position of the teeth, too, and is typically influenced by three main things – the bones around the mouth, the muscles and nerves that work the area of the jaw and mouth, and the teeth themselves.

Different kinds of occlusion or bite problems happen when the bite is off-center. Maybe the teeth protrude too far to the front. The upper teeth may be more forward than the rear teeth, for example, creating a typical sort of buck tooth look. Or it may happen the other way around where the bottom teeth jut out or extend beyond the row that is on the top. Perhaps when you bite the teeth on the top row are off to the left or to the right of those underneath on the bottom row, for example, and this is a so-called “cross bite” problem.

The reason it presents a problem when the teeth are not naturally centered is that they grind together against one another in a manner that can cause the individual teeth to be misshapen, cracked, or damaged. The upper and lower canine teeth may be rubbing against each other all the time, for instance, and this unnatural pressure and abrasion can eventually wear through the teeth or cause the roots of the teeth to loosen and the gums to recede and get infected. One of the most common ailments related to occlusion is TMJ, which is a problem related to the jaw being out of joint or out of proper alignment and position. TMJ can lead to discomfort including severe chronic headaches and soreness and cramping sensations in the muscles that support the jaw.

Clenching, grinding, gnashing, and other results of having teeth that are improperly aligned are all related to the position of the bite, and once the bite is not set correctly it affects nerves and muscles and can even influence our posture – creating soreness in the neck, for instance. To avoid the complications related to the dental bite, always consult the dentist whenever there is any unexpected discomfort and any hint that your bite is off center. The dentist will test the bite using bite molds, take steps to rectify the situation, and have you feeling better soon with a better functioning bite and much better looking smile.

Author Bio: Dr. Gianino has based his dental philosophy on patient respect and genuine relationships, taking the time to learn about the smile of your dreams – the smile you deserve. You can visit his website at DrGianino.com. He would love to hear from you.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: history of dentistry, dentistry, dr gianino, dental care