Bite Misalignment Vs. Tooth Decay: How Can You Tell the Difference?

How your teeth come together has everything to do with how you chew. If you’re hitting too high on a certain side, then you’re putting stress on your teeth every time you eat. If you’re feeling pain when you eat, though, it might not be because your bite needs to be adjusted, as tooth decay is known to cause similar symptoms. If you’re experiencing tooth pain in Owensboro, KY, we’ll tell you what you need to know about the two.

Common Symptoms

With a misaligned bite, you’re likely to have problems chewing, which can mean anything from clicking sounds in the jaw, biting down on your cheeks or tongue, or difficulty speaking. With tooth decay, you’re likely to feel more sensitivity in your teeth on hot or cold foods. You may also be able to see dark spots on the tooth or general discoloration. In general, tooth decay is likely to cause straight pain while you’re eating, though it’s worth noting that a bite issue can too. One general difference between the two is that you’re more likely to feel tooth pain in a decaying tooth even when you’re not eating, though this is not a hard and fast rule.

Treatment for Tooth Pain in Owensboro

The best way to tell the difference between the two types of tooth pain is to visit a dentist in Owensboro who can evaluate your teeth. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we’re to do more than just diagnose the problem. From restoration to bite adjustment, the range of options can truly run the gamut. Instead of wondering what’s wrong, and potentially putting your smile at risk at the same time, you should make an appointment so you can correct the problem (sooner rather than later).