Occlusal

It's entirely possible that you have never heard of occlusal disease. Just because you've never heard of occlusal disease, however, doesn't mean that you can't have it. Occlusal disease is caused by a misaligned bite, when the jaw joints, mouth muscles, and teeth don't work together in perfect harmony. When you have a bite that is not aligned, damage to your teeth can build up on a daily basis.

Luckily, if caught early, occlusal disease is treatable—and that treatment is less costly, more effective, and less invasive than when occlusal disease is left undiagnosed. At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics, we are experts in treating occlusal disease. Keep reading to learn more about how occlusal disease is diagnosed and treated.

What Is Occlusal Disease?

Everyone experiences wear and tear on their teeth. Your teeth and jaw are in motion whenever you talk, eat, or drink. However, for some people, there is abnormal wear and tear happening with their teeth, and this can cause occlusal disease.

A misaligned bite can cause costly damage to teeth—not to mention pain and discomfort. Your dental care provider should be completing biannual exams in which they look for signs of occlusal disease. You can also be on the lookout for some of the symptoms of occlusal disease. They include:

  • Chipped, cracked, or worn-down teeth
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold, or both
  • Loose teeth/teeth that move
  • Jaw pain (when opening/closing mouth or chewing)
  • Grinding of teeth/clenching of teeth (often at night)
  • Receding gums
  • Bone loss around teeth
  • Facial pain or frequent headaches
  • Notches in teeth at or below the gum line
  • Wear in teeth enamel

If you notice any of these symptoms (or a combination of them), it's time to take your concerns to your dentist or prosthodontist. They will be able to provide a comprehensive exam—paying close attention to your bite—and determine if you are, indeed, suffering from occlusal disease. They will work with you to come up with a treatment plan which will ease your pain and discomfort and set you up for a healthier mouth.

Treatment for Occlusal Disease

Once your dental care provider has confirmed that you do have occlusal disease, it's time for treatment. There are a variety of options to choose from, and your dental provider will work with you to determine the best course of action for your particular case.

Orthodontics

If your bite is misaligned, your prosthodontist may suggest orthodontics, or braces—either traditional or Invisalign—to help correct that bite. Many people may think of braces as something only for kids. This is not the case. Many adults choose to straighten their teeth for a whole host of reasons, including a misaligned bite.

Bite Balancing

Also known as dental equilibration, this treatment involves minor modifications being made to reshape the biting surfaces of your teeth. These changes will create a bite that is more even and puts less stress on your teeth.

Restoration

If your teeth are chipped or cracked, crowns or veneers can help restore your teeth to their former glory. Crowns can cover up a chipped or cracked tooth, leaving a smooth surface behind for biting, while veneers can be placed on the front of a tooth that is chipped or cracked, creating a natural look and a better bite.

Nightguards

If you clench or grind your teeth unconsciously during the night, this is called bruxism. A custom nightguard can help to alleviate this type of wear and tear on your teeth. Your dentist or prosthodontist can take an impression of your teeth (upper or lower, or both), and then create custom guards which will fit your teeth exactly.

How to Maintain a Healthy Bite

A good oral hygiene routine can help you to maintain a healthy bite. Make sure to get yourself a quality toothbrush and toothpaste. Brushing and flossing twice a day can ensure that bacteria don't eat away at your enamel and weaken your teeth, making them ripe for cracks and chips. Be sure to take your time when you brush, and make sure to reach each one of your teeth, front, back, and top.

A healthy diet will also help you to maintain a strong bite. There are foods you can incorporate into your daily menu that will support teeth health. Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt are loaded with calcium and protein, both excellent for strengthening bones and teeth enamel. Leafy greens such as kale and spinach are also high in calcium—along with many vitamins—and can help with the upkeep of your tooth enamel.

Apples and other fibrous fruits help to clean bacteria from teeth and don't contain acid in the way that citrus fruits do. Raw veggies such as carrots and celery are a great choice, too. They can give your jaw a workout and clean your teeth along the way.

While it's good to bite on raw veggies and fibrous fruits, there are things you should avoid biting. It can become a habit to bite our fingernails or chew on pen caps or ice. These may seem harmless, but over time, these actions can cause wear on tooth enamel and cause chips and cracks in your teeth.

Finally, don't forget those routine trips to the dentist. At each check-up, your dentist can examine your bite to make sure that it's properly aligned, and they will also carefully look at each of your teeth to find any chips or cracks which may be impacting your bite. Catching occlusal disease early is the best way to have it taken care of in the least invasive way possible.

Concerned You May Have Occlusal Disease?

If you've experienced any of the symptoms listed above, you may have occlusal disease. Keep in mind that the earlier occlusal disease is diagnosed, the easier (and less costly) it is to treat.

At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics—your Spokane, WA, area prosthodontist—we would be glad to welcome you to our office, talk about what you're experiencing, and come up with a plan to take care of your specific issues and restore your bite. Contact our office for an appointment today.