Yes, overlapping teeth can indeed cause pain and discomfort.
Understanding Pain from Overlapping Teeth
Overlapping teeth, also known as dental crowding or malocclusion, occur when there isn't enough space in the jaw for teeth to fit properly, causing them to twist, overlap, or become displaced. While cosmetic concerns are common, this condition can also lead to tangible health issues, including discomfort and pain.
How Overlapping Teeth Cause Pain
According to information published on September 6, 2017, overlapping teeth can lead to pain and discomfort as you bite and chew.
This pain often arises because:
- Uneven Pressure: When teeth are misaligned or overlap, the forces exerted during biting and chewing may not be distributed evenly across the dental arches. Some teeth or areas might take excessive pressure, leading to discomfort or soreness in the teeth themselves, the gums, or even the jaw joint (TMJ).
- Irritation: Overlapping teeth can rub against adjacent teeth, the gums, or even the inside of the cheek or tongue, causing chronic irritation and discomfort.
- Difficulty Eating: The pain and discomfort during chewing can significantly impact your ability to eat. As noted in the reference, this can make it difficult to eat many types of food, limiting your diet and potentially affecting nutrition.
Related Issues Contributing to Discomfort
Beyond the direct pain from biting and chewing, overlapping teeth can contribute to other oral health problems that might cause pain:
- Increased Risk of Decay and Gum Disease: Overlapped areas are harder to clean effectively with brushing and flossing. This leads to plaque buildup, increasing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can cause sensitivity and pain.
- Excessive Wear: Misaligned teeth can rub against each other abnormally, leading to uneven wear of the tooth enamel over time. This can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, resulting in pain or sensitivity, especially with hot or cold foods.
While overlapping teeth can have a negative impact on various aspects, including potentially affecting public interaction in certain professions, the physical discomfort during daily activities like eating is a significant health issue associated with the condition.
