What You Need to Know About Occlusal Disease

guy-confused-about-toothacheYou may know that your teeth do not quite fit together appropriately but you may not be familiar with the potentially devastating effects of this problem. In fact, you may consider some jaw soreness or misalignment something that is just a fact of life – some patients even assume looking for a way to improve their bite is strictly cosmetic in nature. We are here to tell you, however, that occlusal disease is a serious problem that we can address to improve your daily comfort as well as your long-term oral health. Wondering if this concern pertains to your experience and why seeking treatment is essential? Consider the following:

Your Bite Is Important

In a perfect scenario, your top and bottom teeth fit together comfortably when you bite down. Your bite feels good, you can speak and chew effortlessly, and you never reach up to massage tired jaw joints. We encourage patients to recognize that beyond the aesthetic value of an aligned smile is oral health. When teeth fit together poorly, a variety of problems may occur that may cause immediate discomfort as well as long-term damage.

About Occlusal Disease

This disease occurs when your teeth are poorly aligned and may include unbalanced jaws. As a result, you cannot close your mouth comfortably. You may even find that you have difficulty chewing and speaking articulately. Think about what happens in the case of occlusal disease: teeth may tap together or slide against eachother, which results in worn tooth surfaces. This sets the stage for teeth grinding, sensitive teeth, and further damage. Cracked teeth provide easy entry for bacteria, which may lead to decay or infection. In addition, an inability to comfortably bite down may place stress on your jaw joints, leading to TMJ dysfunction. If these issues describe you, seek occlusal disease treatment with us, so you may enjoy comfort and optimal oral health.

ABOUT YOUR DOWNEY DENTISTS:

Dr. Hadis Reyhani, Dr. Ben Reyhani, and Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh, DDS, provide a wealth of combined experience, along with innovative technology and personalized care, to help improve our patients’ dental health so they can enjoy smiling again. To schedule a consultation, call Downey Family Cosmetic Dentistry today at (562) 472-2433.