Occlusal disease is a general term that applies to a broad range of conditions that affect a person’s bite. There are  several causes , but occlusal disease can often be traced to an unbalanced bite (one side of the mouth bears more pressure during eating), crooked teeth or involuntary teeth grinding/clenching (  bruxism ). WholeHealth Family Dentistry  describes how occlusal disease occurs as follows:

“In a balanced bite the muscles, jaw joint, and teeth function in harmony. The front and back teeth have protective functions that allow for healthy functioning of teeth. If the bite is not balanced destructive forces are applied to the teeth, muscles, and joint resulting in repetitive stresses. These bite discrepancies can translate into symptoms in the teeth, muscles, joint, or a combination of all three.”

Occlusal disease is a major contributor to tooth loss and can have a significant impact on your overall oral health. However, it’s an insidious condition that frequently goes undiagnosed. For example, abnormal wear and tear on the teeth due to misalignment is often attributed to part of the aging process, since some degree of wear occurs naturally — even for those with normal alignment. For this reason, occlusal disease is known as “  the silent oral disease .”

With the signs of occlusal disease easy to overlook or mistake for other conditions — even by some dentists — be aware if you experience  the following symptoms :

While you may suspect you have occlusal disease, only a  dentist can make a definitive diagnosis. Your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination — including X-rays — of your teeth, gums and jaws to detect signs of this condition. An evaluation of your jaw joint, bite alignment, and head and neck muscles can help identify symptoms associated with occlusal disease. Talk with your dentist about any symptoms you’re experiencing. This can help them “connect the dots” to make a diagnosis of occlusal disease if this is where the evidence leads. An accurate diagnosis made early on is necessary to prevent it from becoming a complex dental problem.

Occlusal disease can be easily corrected with today’s advancements in technology. There are  four available treatment options that you can discuss with your dentist to ensure the best course for your situation.

The best way to avoid the long-term effects of occlusal disease is to schedule regular appointments with your dentist. Early treatment is the key to a bright and healthy smile that will stay with you for years to come!

At  24/7 Local Dentist , it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including  dental ,  orthodontic , and  periodontal services . Our dental specialists include our general dentist,  Dr. Nilofer Khan , general dentist associate  Dr. Yang , our periodontist,  Dr. Amir Danesh , and our endodontist,  Dr. Sabek .