Occusal Disease Treatment
Have you ever noticed your teeth feeling unusually sensitive when you bite down? Or perhaps you wake up with a sore jaw and a headache that just won’t quit. While these might seem like separate annoyances, they often point to a single, underlying issue: occlusal disease.
Occlusal disease affects the way your teeth fit together (your “bite”). When your bite is misaligned, it creates destructive forces that can damage your teeth, muscles, and jaw joint. It is one of the most common dental disorders, yet it frequently goes undiagnosed because many patients don’t realise their symptoms are connected. Understanding this condition is the first step toward relieving pain and protecting your smile for the long term.
What Is Occlusal Disease?
Simply put, occlusal disease is a misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the upper and lower dental arches. Ideally, when you close your mouth, your teeth should fit together like gears in a machine—smoothly and without friction. When this doesn’t happen, your jaw muscles have to work overtime to force the teeth into a comfortable position.
This constant struggle creates stress. Over time, this imbalance doesn’t just annoy you; it actively breaks down your oral health. Unlike a cavity or gum disease, which are caused by bacteria, occlusal disease is caused by friction and force.
Recognising the Signs and Symptoms
Because occlusal disease manifests in many ways, it can be tricky to identify without a professional exam. However, your body often gives you warning signs. Common symptoms include:
- Tooth Wear: You may notice your teeth look shorter or flatter than they used to.
- Sensitivity: Teeth become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures due to enamel erosion.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: Excessive pressure can cause teeth to fracture repeatedly.
- Gum Recession: The force on the teeth can cause bone loss and gum tissue to pull away.
- Muscle Pain: Soreness in the jaw, face, or neck, often worse in the mornings.
- Headaches: Frequent tension headaches are a hallmark of bite problems.
- Popping or Clicking: Noises in the jaw joint (TMJ) when opening or closing your mouth.
The Cost of Ignoring the Problem
Ignoring a bad bite is risky. If left untreated, occlusal disease is progressive. What starts as minor sensitivity can escalate into severe tooth wear that requires extensive reconstructive dentistry. The constant stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can lead to chronic pain and permanent joint damage. Furthermore, untreated occlusal issues can cause dental restorations (like crowns or fillings) to fail prematurely because they are subjected to forces they weren’t designed to withstand.
Restoring Harmony: Treatment Options
The good news is that occlusal disease is treatable. The goal of treatment is to create a stable, balanced bite where your muscles can relax, and your teeth are protected.
- Occlusal Adjustment (Equilibration): This involves reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth very slightly. By removing tiny interferences, your dentist can allow your jaw to close in its optimal position without resistance.
- Bite Guards (Orthotics): A custom-made appliance worn over the teeth (usually at night) can protect them from grinding and allow the jaw muscles to relax.
- Orthodontics: Braces or clear aligners can move teeth into the correct position to establish a healthy bite.
- Restorative Correction: If teeth are already severely worn or damaged, crowns or veneers may be needed to rebuild the tooth structure and correct the bite simultaneously.
Protecting Your Smile
Prevention is always better than a cure. Regular dental exams are crucial because your dentist can spot the early signs of wear—like flattened molars or small cracks—before you even feel pain. If you suspect your bite feels “off” or you catch yourself clenching your jaw, mention it during your visit.
By addressing occlusal disease early, you save yourself from pain and expensive dental work in the future. A balanced bite means a healthier, longer-lasting smile.
