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Occlusal Disease: Everything You Need To Know

Occlusal disease is a damaging process that can occur as a result of an improperly positioned bite. Every time the teeth come together, forces are imparted to them. Teeth, muscles that work the jaw, and the jaw joint are all built to endure these stresses when the teeth are properly aligned. However, when there are bite discrepancies, this imbalance can produce difficulties with the teeth, muscles, jaw joint, or a combination of all three. This disease process is the most frequent and, at the same time, the most undetected dental problem.

WHAT EXACTLY IS OCCLUSAL DISEASE?

Occlusal illness is a broad word that refers to a variety of medical diseases affecting a person’s bite. It can be caused by a variety of factors, the most prevalent of which is an uneven bite and bruxism. The occlusal illness causes symptoms that worsen over time if left untreated. It can eventually cause severe oral pain, substantial tooth deterioration, and possibly tooth loss.

What are the symptoms of occlusal disease?

  • Natural teeth with abnormal wear and fractures: worn, chipped, thinned, flattened, or fractured teeth.
  • Previous dental treatment (fillings/crowns) that is cracked or fractured
  • Sensitivity of the teeth to heat and/or cold
  • Tooth Mobilization (loosening of teeth)
  • Teeth shifting
  • Recession in the gums
  • Grooves/indentations on teeth’s exposed root surfaces
  • Localized bone loss around teeth that is severe
  • Jaw pain, clicking, popping, and/or locking while eating and doing other jaw activities
  • Muscle soreness in the head and neck
  • Headaches that aren’t explained: headaches caused by tension
  • Teeth clenching/grinding or other practices involving tooth contact during the day or night

Causes of occlusal disease

The following are some of the reasons for occlusal disease to help you understand how it can happen:

  • Dental attrition – Attrition is the wear caused by tooth-on-tooth contact. You chew a lot throughout your life, and the enamel ultimately wears down. This is a normal component of the aging process, and it is also a prevalent problem for those who have bruxism (teeth grinding).
  • Abrasion – This is enamel loss caused by utilizing your teeth for purposes other than eating. For instance, you may use your teeth to unscrew bottle caps, grasp pins, or bite your nails.
  • Abrasion caused by toothpaste – This is a type of abrasion caused by brushing too forcefully. To avoid harming your teeth, employ a moderate brushing motion.
  • Erosion – When your teeth wear away from acidic substances that are not produced by germs, this is referred to as erosion. Carbonated beverages and acidic fruit juices are common examples.

What is the treatment for occlusal disease?

When the occlusal disease is detected early, it is possible to prevent further damage and make treatment much easier. If therapy is delayed, the damage worsens and the treatments become more expensive. Mild contouring of the teeth to stabilize the bite, restorations of worn teeth, orthodontic therapy to better align the teeth, or a combination of all three can be used as treatment. 

Occlusal illness prevention begins with a comprehensive examination and diagnosis. Unfortunately, this check is not often included in a routine dental exam. More sophisticated problems can be avoided with early intervention, and when more serious damage has already occurred, reliable long-term therapy is predicated on maintaining a stable and pleasant bite in which the teeth, muscles, and jaws operate in harmony with each other.

We hope that this blog has enlightened you with knowledge on occlusal disease. Occlusal disease is a dangerous condition that can result in tooth loss and other painful dental issues. So, if you want the best Occlusal disease treatment in Florida, come to modern dental smiles. Give us a call right away!

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