Many people wonder if their molars should touch. A healthy bite, known as occlusion, involves a precise relationship between upper and lower teeth for proper function and oral well-being. Understanding the normal and functional positions of your molars is important for maintaining a comfortable chewing system and knowing when professional attention is needed.
The Ideal Resting Position for Molars
In a healthy mouth, molars should generally not be in constant contact when the jaw is at rest. Instead, a small space, known as the “freeway space” or interocclusal rest space, should exist between the upper and lower teeth. This natural gap allows the jaw muscles to relax, preventing fatigue and unnecessary strain. This space typically measures 2 to 4 millimeters.
Maintaining this space is crucial because continuous contact can lead to excessive tooth wear and muscle tension. For optimal resting posture, the lips should be gently closed without strain, and the tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth, just behind the upper front teeth. This position supports proper jaw alignment and encourages nasal breathing.
When Molars Are Designed to Touch
While molars should not continuously touch at rest, they are designed to make contact during certain functional activities. Molars primarily engage during chewing (mastication) and swallowing. During these actions, the upper and lower molars interlock precisely to efficiently break down food. This contact allows for effective grinding and pulverizing of food, preparing it for digestion.
The cusps and grooves of the molars are shaped to fit together like gears, distributing chewing forces evenly across the biting surfaces. This functional contact is brief and purposeful, contrasting sharply with sustained contact at rest. Proper alignment ensures efficient food processing and maintains tooth integrity.
Understanding Bite Problems and Molars
Problems arise when molars do not make proper contact, or when they touch too much or incorrectly. When molars fail to meet adequately, it can lead to conditions like an open bite, where a gap exists between the upper and lower teeth even when the mouth is closed, or a crossbite, where some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Malocclusion, or a “bad bite,” can also manifest as crowded or misaligned teeth, preventing proper molar contact. These issues can result in difficulty chewing, speech problems, and uneven tooth wear.
Conversely, excessive or improper molar contact can also cause significant issues.
Conversely, excessive or improper molar contact can cause significant issues. Bruxism, which involves teeth grinding or jaw clenching, often occurs unconsciously, especially during sleep. This activity can lead to symptoms including flattened, chipped, or fractured teeth, worn tooth enamel, and increased tooth sensitivity. The forces generated during clenching can be substantial, which can damage dental restorations and expose the inner layers of teeth.
Beyond tooth damage, improper molar contact can strain the jaw muscles and joints.
Beyond tooth damage, improper molar contact can strain the jaw muscles and joints. This can manifest as jaw pain, muscle soreness, headaches, and a clicking or popping sound in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Other signs include gum recession, a feeling that the bite is “off,” or pain when biting down on specific teeth.
When to Consult a Dental Professional
If you experience persistent discomfort or notice changes in how your molars meet, consult a dental professional. Indicators that warrant a dental evaluation include ongoing jaw pain or tenderness, frequent headaches, or a feeling that your bite is misaligned. Difficulty chewing certain foods, or pain when biting down, also suggests a potential bite problem.
Visible signs such as excessive or uneven tooth wear, chipped or fractured teeth, or increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures should prompt a visit to your dentist. Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw are also important symptoms to address. Only a dental professional can diagnose a bite problem and recommend appropriate treatment.