3 problems with a Chicago “bad bite”

by | Dec 12, 2014

3 problems with a “bad bite”

TMJ disorder, snoring, sleep apnea, Chicago dentistMillions of Americans suffer from pain issues on a daily basis. Sadly, many of them may never know that recurring symptoms of headaches, migraines, face and jaw pain may all be the result of a “simple” bad bite. This issue is often overlooked as something that is unfortunate, but nothing more. If you suffer with any of these three problems, however, your misaligned bite may be to blame.

1. TMJ

TMJ disorder often results from a bad bite. When your teeth stop fitting together properly, your body instinctively tries to find a coping mechanism. Unfortunately, that usually results in teeth grinding and jaw clenching. This repetitive behavior puts extraordinary pressure on your jaw joints and eventually leads to physical damage of the joints, along with these pain issues:

  • Headaches or migraines that are both chronic and severe
  • Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
  • Jaw pain
  • Facial muscle spasms

2. Sleep apnea or snoring

It may surprise you to learn that an improperly aligned bite may also cause snoring and sleep apnea. When your teeth shift and no longer fit together, your jaw also moves out of alignment. This changes the normal functionality of your jaw when biting or chewing, but it also makes a difference in how it is “at rest.” If it falls back incorrectly, it may cause an obstruction of your airway when you sleep and lead to snoring and/or sleep apnea. A simple splint helps to move the jaw forward into its proper position to resolve the misalignment and it helps to resolve your sleep issues as well.

3. Postural issues

Poor posture can also result from a bad bite. This occurs when your body tries to compensate for the change in jaw position. Often this means people hunch forward subconsciously to try to realign all their bones and joints, but instead this causes more pain in your neck, shoulders, back and arms.

What is the best treatment?

The treatment varies, depending on the actual cause of your misalignment. Contact your Chicago dentist, for a full examination of your teeth structure and jaw alignment. Whether you need TMJ treatment, dental work to correct your bite or a simple splint, your dentsit can help to get you back to a proper alignment, reduce your pain and improve your overall well-being.