3 Signs That Indicate You Might Have an Issue with Your Bite

Most of the time, when your smile looks healthy, and you’re not in any pain, it is likely that you will believe you have great oral health. However, one thing that people don’t take into consideration, and that could cause issues down the road, is whether or not they have the proper bite alignment. What’s more, while some signs of an improper bite alignment are obvious (pain and discomfort) others are not, and you will have to look a bit closer at your smile and the condition of your teeth.

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1. You “Fail” the Clench Test.

One day, when your mouth is empty (as in you are not chewing anything), you should clench your teeth together and squeeze hard. If clenching your teeth together for a few moments causes you discomfort, your bite might be off.

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What’s more, if you didn’t know, sensitive teeth can be a direct result of an improper bit due to a new crown or filling being too “high.” Therefore, the clench test is also a good way to discover if that is the case. Inevitably, if it hurts when you perform the clench test and notice that you have pain when your teeth come into contact with one another, it is possible that you have an improper bite due to a new crown or filling being too high.

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2.You Notice Severe Wear on Your Teeth.

Take a close look at your teeth, and look for severe wear as this is yet another sign that your bite might not be perfect. Also, if you notice that certain areas of your teeth appear darker/more yellow than others, it is likely that the enamel has worn away. If you do see these darker spots, it’s important to schedule a dentist appointment to determine what is causing your enamel to wear away. While certain acids wear your enamel down, it could very well be caused by an improper bite alignment.

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3.Biting Causes You Consistent Discomfort and Pain.

If biting causes you consistent discomfort or pain to your jaw joint, it is possible that you have an issue with your bite. While the pain could be associated with a structural disorder in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the pain you experience there could also be caused by the muscles accommodating an irregular bite. If you are experiencing pain, it is wise to schedule an appointment with your dentist to pinpoint the cause.

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When it all comes down to it, a poor bite can cause a myriad of dental issues, and if you believe that you are showing any signs of an improper bite, it’s time to get in touch with your dentist. In fact, the longer you wait, the greater the chance that you will have bigger dental issues down the road.