A bad bite can have a significant impact on your dental health, resulting in adverse effects now and down the road. Your teeth should align perfectly so the top and bottom levels meet at the same time when you bring them together. If your bite is misaligned, a dentist can correct it. Dr. David K. Skeels has treated many patients with bad bites at his Rochester, NY, office and explains how to determine if yours is problematic.

Symptoms & Consequences of a Bad Bite

You might notice signs of a bad bite simply by looking at your teeth. Symptoms include pain, sensitivity, and damage such as cracks or chips. You also might detect misalignment, teeth crowding, and loose or worn-down teeth. Misaligned teeth even can manifest as problems in other parts of the body, such as spasms in the jaw muscles, popping or clicking in the jaw joint, regular headaches, and pain radiating from anywhere above the shoulders.

Depending on the particulars of your bad bite, the consequences can be wide-ranging over time. One of the most common is the deterioration of the gums and jawbone, which can result in tooth loss. Teeth might get infected often, requiring regular root canals. You also might suffer from debilitating migraines and other chronic pain. The temporomandibular joints — the hinges that connect the jaw and skull — often will experience severe pain and limited movement.

Dentists’ Treatment Options for a Bad Bite

Fortunately, your family dentist has methods for treating a misaligned bite. They will analyze your teeth and jaw to identify problems and find the best ways to correct them. The solution could be an orthodontic treatment such as braces, or you might require surgery if the issue is severe. Your dentist also can repair problems that result from a bad bite, such as installing an implant to replace a lost tooth and prescribing oral or topical treatments to correct recessed gums.

Early detection of bite problems lets you find the most effective solutions. The next time you visit your dentist for a teeth cleaning, ask them whether you have irregularities with your bite. Call Dr. David K. Skeels at (585) 467-7000 or contact the office online to schedule an appointment. Visit the practice’s website for more information about their procedures, including orthodontics and Invisalign®.