Maintaining Your Bright Smile: Understanding How Your Bite Shifts Over Time

Experiencing dental discomfort can be quite bothersome, and while cavities or root canals may come to mind, the root cause could lie beyond your teeth. Complications related to your bite, known as your neuromuscular bite, might be the culprit. If you’re facing soreness and irritation, it’s essential to explore neuromuscular dentistry as a potential solution. At Metro Decatur Dental Group PC, we are dedicated to providing modern dental solutions to restore your beautiful smile and overall dental health.

Understanding Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular dentistry revolves around the functioning and positioning of your jaw. It involves how your lower and upper teeth meet, influenced by the synergy between your muscles, teeth, and joints. When your neuromuscular bite is misaligned, it can lead to overworked muscles while trying to connect your upper and lower teeth, resulting in various painful dental issues.

Factors Leading to Bite Misalignment

Over time, your neuromuscular bite may undergo changes that cause misalignment. Here are some contributing factors:

• Gradual Shifting of Teeth: As you age, your teeth have a natural tendency to shift forward and inward, leading to narrowing of the lower jaw. This shift can result in teeth crowding or overlapping, exerting pressure on the jaw and adversely affecting your neuromuscular bite.
• Lip Aging: Aging can cause changes in your lips, making them thinner and smaller. This natural tightening puts additional stress on your teeth, leading to further shifting.
• Loss of Tooth Enamel: Enamel erosion can occur over time due to wear and tear, acidic consumption, bruxism, or injury. When you lose tooth enamel, it can alter the shape of your teeth, contributing to misalignment.
• Carrying Stress in the Jaw: Unknowingly clenching, biting down, and grinding your teeth can lead to enamel wear, as well as cracked, chipped, or broken teeth, which further impacts your neuromuscular bite.
• Periodontal Disease: Untreated gum disease can erode the bone structures supporting your teeth, causing them to shift, loosen, or even fall out, leading to misalignment.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial for the health of your teeth, your neuromuscular bite, and your overall well-being.

Seeking Neuromuscular Dentistry Solutions at Metro Decatur Dental Group PC