What is Occlusal Disease?

Occlusion, when used in the dental context, means the coming together of the upper and lower teeth, which is also known loosely as your “bite.” Your bite is important because occlusal issues can lead to other, more severe problems.

There are three main diseases that most commonly affect our teeth: tooth decay (cavities), gum (periodontal) disease and bite (occlusal) disease. The first two are easily detected and treated, however the last one, occlusal disease, is not always that obvious.

Some symptoms of occlusal disease are:

• Worn teeth
• Sensitivity
• Cracks
• Loose teeth
• Breaking teeth
• Sore muscles
• Painful jaw joints
• Headaches
• Sleep apnea

Recognizing occlusal disease early is essential in order to minimize the damage to your oral health. If you notice or experience any of the symptoms above, you should make sure your dentist is aware of them. Working together with your dentist will help keep occlusion working for your health and not against it.

If you think you might have occlusal disease, contact us today or visit our website for more information.