Many different things can cause tooth pain, from a cavity to an abscess and anything in between. It’s always wise to see your dentist in Mt Pleasant if you’re experiencing pain as it’s typically a sign that something is going on inside your mouth that should be checked out. But one thing that’s often overlooked when it comes to tooth pain is your bite or the way top teeth meet the bottom teeth when biting down. The truth is, a bad bite, or malocclusion can also cause unexplained pain.
What’s a Bad Bite?
The way your upper teeth and lower teeth come together when you bite down is an important part of your oral and overall health. After all, proper bite function helps with your ability to chew, swallow, and even breathe. A healthy bite also makes it easier to care for teeth and lowers the risk of enamel erosion and jaw pain. If your upper teeth fall slightly over your lower teeth and the points and grooves in your back molars fit together like a puzzle, chances are you have a good, healthy bite. If they don’t, it’s more likely that you have a bad bite. Bad bites can cause jaw pain, enamel erosion, bad breath, dry mouth, and many other dental problems that will require visits to your dentist in Mt Pleasant.
Types of Pain Caused by a Bad Bite
While many bad bites have obvious signs, such as “buck teeth” or a lower jaw that protrudes, others aren’t as obvious until there’s pain involved. Some types of pain that may be a sign of a bite include:
What Causes a Bad Bite
Bad bites are usually considered a problem reserved for kids or teens, but adults can develop bad bites too. Most bad bites are the result of genetics, but others can be contributed to things such as:
4 Different Types of Bad Bites
Bad bites can present themselves in a variety of ways, but many can be classified into four main types of bad bites. The four different types of bad bites are:
The best way to know for sure if a bad bite is to blame for any pain you have is to see your dentist in Mt Pleasant. They’ll talk to you about whether or not a bad bite is causing your pain as well as the best way to alleviate your discomfort.