What is occlusal disease and what causes it?
Occlusal disease is a number of conditions that occur when the upper teeth position to or contact to the lower teeth in a dysfunctional or harmful way. This can be called functional malocclusion. Malocclusion then is more than just crooked teeth, crowded teeth or overbite. Occlusal disease may be associated with cracked, drifting, worn, loose or sensitive teeth; with muscle or joint pain or headache; with restricted jaw movement; or with the perception that the teeth close together in an uncoordinated or unnatural manner. Clenching and excessive tooth grinding or bruxism is the most common destructive parafunctional habit. Other harmful habits like biting on objects and intense gum chewing can be damaging. Occlusal trauma is another condition and it happens when tooth surfaces meet stressfully even during regular function. The condition called temporomandibular dysfunction is multifaceted in nature and may have a psychological overlay. The beginning stage usually involves inflammation
