Learn More About Bite Problem

Here are the different types of bite problems:

• Crossbite.
  This misalignment occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth or the top teeth go behind the bottom teeth.
  
  
• Underbite.
  An underbite is when the lower jaw sticks out in front of the upper jaw. This malocclusion (bad bite) can cause tension headaches and TMJ disorders if not addressed.
  
  
• Openbite.
  An open bite happens when the back teeth are touching, but the front teeth on top and bottom don’t meet together, creating an almost “O” shape. This bite problem is often the result of thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or breathing through the mouth.
  
  
• Deepbite.
  The upper front teeth are too far forward and cover the lower teeth too much.
  
  
• Protrusion. Protrusion occurs when the upper front teeth stick out, and the upper jaw is too far forward while the lower jaw is set back. A deep bite is often found in conjunction with protrusive front teeth.

People with malocclusion tend to have more difficulty pronouncing certain words because of the misalignment of their upper and lower teeth or poor bite. To make it more clear, the positions of your teeth and bite affect the position and movement of your tongue, so if they aren’t aligned, it can affect how you speak. Although, this can vary depending on the severity of a bite problem.

Additionally, a study discussed that if someone has a bad bite or their teeth do not line up correctly, they are more likely to make errors when speaking. Another research found that anterior open bite and posterior crossbite often cause speech problems due to changes in tongue positions.

Improving the alignment of your bite can improve your oral health in numerous ways. When your teeth and jaw are properly aligned, the function of your teeth can improve, making chewing or biting more comfortable and reducing any pressure in the jaw areas. Moreover, having a proper bite allows you to brush and floss more efficiently, which helps improve and maintain your oral hygiene.

It can be easy to tell if you have a bite problem, particularly in severe cases. However, there are other signs and symptoms that indicate poor bite, including the following:

• Discomfort when biting.
  One of the first signs of a bite problem is discomfort when biting. If you’re feeling pain in your jawbone or muscles surrounding your jaw, this can often indicate that you have an issue with your bite.
  
  
• Misaligned teeth.
  If the position of your teeth is asymmetrical or the upper and lower jaw line do not meet together, this is a noticeable sign that you have a poor bite.
  
  
• Frequent sores on the tongue.
  When checking for a bad bite, pay close attention to your tongue. Generally, when the alignment of your bite is off, your tongue is more prone to cut and wound as it rubs against the teeth.

A poorly aligned bite can create hard-to-reach nooks and crevices in your mouth, which can allow food particles to get easily trapped in these areas. Unfortunately, reducing these debris with a toothbrush or floss can be difficult, leading to plaque and tartar building up. This can eventually lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease, which can all pose a threat to your oral health without an appropriate course of action. This is why consulting a dentist is essential to check your bite problem and recommend a treatment that is suitable to your case.