There are all sorts of things that can go wrong with the way the jaw and teeth develop. Although, in many cases, these problems are spotted during childhood or adolescence so they can be corrected, this is not always the case.

One such problem that's more common than you might think is an incorrect bite. Some people can go through life with a bite that doesn't line up properly and not experience any serious symptoms, leaving them completely unaware. But there are also plenty of people who are suffering various issues because of their bite, without realising what the cause is. Here are some signs to look out for, and if you think you could have a problem with your bite, see a dentist. Your bite can be corrected using orthodontic treatments, which will vastly improve your life.

Inexplicable headaches

There are a lot of potential causes of headaches, so your jaw probably wouldn't be the first thing you think of if this is something you're experiencing. But if you've eliminated other potential causes, it could well be your bite. It's all to do with the connections between your jaw muscles and others in your head, which can become painful when the jaw is under strain. If you get a lot of headaches you can't explain, you should see a doctor, who may refer you to a dentist.

Pain in the jaw

The most logical symptom of an incorrect bite is a painful jaw, but that doesn't mean you've necessarily considered your bite. Some people put it down to other dental problems or assume it's unrelated to the mouth at all.

Worn or loose teeth

When the teeth don't meet properly, they can grind far more than they would normally. This can mean they become worn quite quickly, which you might notice if you look in your mouth. However, it can also cause a lot of sensitivity, which should alert you.

The grinding and pressure can also, after some time, lead to teeth becoming loose. Any time your teeth feel noticeably loose, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

Toothache

Like headaches, there are a lot of potential causes behind a toothache. Often, it's because of decay, but not always. The wearing away of teeth caused by a misaligned bite can cause pain in the long run, but the pain might not originate from teeth at all. It's difficult to really tell where an ache is coming from in your mouth, and it might actually be the jaw that hurts due to the stress of a poor bite.