Hi, Dr. Michael Cai here from Pitt Street Dental Centre in Sydney CBD.
Did you know that your bite alignment isn’t just about how your smile looks? In fact, it plays a crucial role in your overall oral health. There are three major ways that a misaligned bite can cause long-term issues.
Let’s go through them together!
First, it affects your gum health. Crooked or crowded teeth trap more plaque and bacteria, making them harder to clean and increasing the risk of gum disease. Gaps between teeth can also lead to excessive plaque buildup, contributing to periodontal issues.
The second one is misaligned bite, which impacts your jaw joints and facial muscles. Misaligned teeth can place extra strain on your TMJ, also known as your jaw joint, leading to jaw pain, tension headaches, or even clicking and locking of the jaw over time.
And finally, it can accelerate uneven wear on your teeth. When your bite isn’t balanced, some teeth take on more pressure than others, causing them to wear down faster.
For example, conditions like an anterior open bite, where front teeth don’t touch, can wear out molars too quickly. Or a posterior OPENBITE, where back teeth don’t meet properly, can lead to something called rodent syndrome, where the front teeth shrink and wear down at an alarming rate.
So, if you’ve noticed uneven wear, jaw discomfort, or difficulty cleaning between your teeth, it might be time to have your bite assessed. Here at Pitt St Dental Centre, we have helped thousands of patients with these issues, so we can definitely help you.
Simply DM us or give us a call to organise your consultation. See you in the next video!
