Whether or not it's bad if your back teeth don't touch depends on the reason why.
Here are some possible scenarios:
- Normal variation: Some people naturally have a slightly open bite, meaning their back teeth don't touch when they bite down. This can be perfectly normal and doesn't necessarily cause any problems.
- Malocclusion: If your back teeth don't touch due to a misalignment of your teeth or jaw, this is called malocclusion. This can lead to problems such as:
- Difficulty chewing: If your back teeth aren't properly aligned, it can be difficult to chew food effectively.
- Excessive wear: When your teeth don't meet properly, the force of chewing can be unevenly distributed, leading to excessive wear on your teeth.
- Jaw pain: Malocclusion can also lead to pain in your jaw, neck, and head.
- Other factors: There are other factors that can cause your back teeth not to touch, such as:
- Missing teeth: If you're missing one or more back teeth, the remaining teeth may shift out of position, causing your back teeth not to touch.
- Gum disease: Gum disease can cause your teeth to loosen and shift, which can also lead to your back teeth not touching.
If you're concerned about your back teeth not touching, it's important to see a dentist for an evaluation. They can determine the cause of the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.
