Is Your “Bite Off”, and Why is it Important?

Drs. Charlie Arthur and Stephen Moorkamp recently completed advanced dental education at the Spear Education Center in Scottsdale, Arizona on Occlusion and Occlusal disease. Occlusal disease, like periodontal disease, is a generic term that covers many conditions associated with the bite, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This serious condition can not only cause unnatural wear and damage to your teeth, but also affect the tissues that support your teeth and lead to fascial pain or headaches. If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms there is a possibility you could have occlusal disease: pathologic or unnatural wear of teeth, fractured teeth and fillings, tooth sensitivity, notches in the base of the teeth, headaches and/or muscle pain in head or neck area.

Occlusal disease has many causes, but the two main problems involve an unbalanced bite and premature tooth wear from involuntary teeth grinding (bruxism). Grinding can cause many problems with teeth and, in some cases, cannot be prevented from happening. The effects that grinding has on the teeth and surrounding tissues can however be controlled to help prevent painful and long-term damage. This is done by ensuring that the bite disperses forces evenly among teeth and that teeth are protected from these parafunctional habits. One common way to achieve this is through the use of a bite guard. Think of it like the tires on your car, if properly balanced, the tread life will last longer. Having your bite balanced and uniform will mean a healthier future for you and your teeth.

At Moorkamp and Arthur Family Dentistry, in Rolla, Missouri, we are dedicated to helping patients with the most advanced up to date dental techniques to provide preventative health-based dentistry. Visit us at 912 N. Cedar Street in Rolla, Missouri or call 573-364-1345 to schedule an appointment today.