For Physicians
Guide to Occlusal Disease
Occlusal disease is the non-harmonious interrelationship of the TMJs, the associated muscles and the occluding surfaces of the teeth caused by:
- An unbalanced bite
- Premature tooth wear from bruxism
Here are some signs you might see:
![Signs of occlusal damage](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/gtwpuxv0/production/5976086b1d9bfead3c639c229e537fb182e99556-350x206.jpg?w=350&h=206&auto=format)
Chipped and/or broken anterior teeth.
![Evidence of occlusal damage](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/gtwpuxv0/production/cf8b310891d3968d6e1e13390a23a29938157c38-350x207.jpg?w=350&h=207&auto=format)
Flat canine teeth and receding gingiva which
sometimes reveal small divots at the gingival margins.
![Evidence of flat canine teeth](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/gtwpuxv0/production/699a59f4c3c3381e9b6439bd0b1b53bf96b1c12a-350x210.jpg?w=350&h=210&auto=format)
Smile is “shrinking.”
![Shrinking teeth](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/gtwpuxv0/production/9f97b20934f3ae125cc52993fa9b3045da9605b7-350x254.jpg?w=350&h=254&auto=format)
Broken molars.
![Broken teeth](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/gtwpuxv0/production/b1ecd011cb57acd95ffcf2b33772ec88bbe45935-350x256.jpg?w=350&h=256&auto=format)
Overall tooth sensitivity or pain.
Here are some signs that are not as visible:
![Unobvious signs of dental sensitivity or pain](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/gtwpuxv0/production/0951646f4ba2900241ec1374f3d291a1f3e728e9-350x251.jpg?w=350&h=251&auto=format)
Displacement of the TMJ disk related to ligament and muscle distortion.
![Ligament and muscle distortion](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/gtwpuxv0/production/baad3d55a95ffdb01904764943067326ef0cef33-350x250.jpg?w=350&h=250&auto=format)
Muscle pain from maladaptation.
© DeWan Dental Wellness 2012 Photos/Graphics © BiteFX 2012