Have you ever wondered what your family dentist is looking for when they ask you to bite or open wide while holding your jaw? They are checking your dental occlusion — the way your upper and lower teeth meet. Your dentist checks it to determine if there are problems with your jaw or bite that could lead to other health issues.

Malocclusion, the misalignment of the jaw and teeth, can cause severe problems with not only your mouth but overall well-being. A misaligned bite can wear down or flatten your teeth, break fillings and crowns, and make your teeth sensitive to temperature changes.

Malocclusion is caused by a variety of issues, such as crooked or missing teeth. Misalignment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) causes TMJ syndrome. If your jaw sometimes clicks, pops, or locks in place, see your family dentist for an exam to determine treatment options.

Even if you don’t have malocclusion, you could develop TMJ syndrome, which produces a host of side effects. If you wake up with a tender or stiff jaw, headaches, or migraines, you might be grinding your teeth in your sleep. This action not only strains the muscles in your neck and shoulders but wears down your teeth, which eventually could lead to malocclusion problems.

Luckily, there are ways to relieve TMJ syndrome and malocclusion, but treatment depends on the cause. If you are grinding your teeth, your treatment plan might be as simple as managing stress and getting more rest. If you have crooked teeth, you might need braces or alignment trays to shift them. Schedule an appointment with your family dentist to identify the root of the issue and review corrective measures.

If you are having jaw problems, make an appointment with the team at Lisa Valderueda, D.M.D. in Waipahu, HI. Their welcoming staff will make your dental health a priority. They offer a broad range of services, from exams and teeth cleanings to dental veneers and other forms of cosmetic dentistry. Call (808) 676-5711 to make an appointment and visit their website for more information about the practice and its dental care team.