Editing Toothache (section)

=====Occlusal trauma=====
[[Occlusal trauma]] results from excessive biting forces exerted on teeth, which overloads the periodontal ligament, causing periodontal pain and a reversible increase in tooth mobility. Occlusal trauma may occur with [[bruxism]], the [[parafunctional habit|parafunctional]] (abnormal) clenching and grinding of teeth during sleep or while awake. Over time, there may be [[attrition (dental)|attrition]] ([[tooth wear]]), which may also cause dentin hypersensitivity, and possibly formation of a periodontal abscess, as the occlusal trauma causes adaptive changes in the [[alveolar bone]].<ref name="Carranza11th"/>{{rp|153–154}}

Occlusal trauma often occurs when a newly placed [[dental restoration]] is built too "high", concentrating the biting forces on one tooth. Height differences measuring less than a millimeter can cause pain. Dentists, therefore, routinely check that any new restoration is in harmony with the bite and forces are distributed correctly over many teeth using [[articulating paper]]. If the high spot is quickly eliminated, the pain disappears and there is no permanent harm.<ref name="Carranza11th"/>{{rp|153,753}} Over-tightening of [[Dental braces|braces]] can cause periodontal pain and, occasionally, a periodontal abscess.<ref name="Carranza11th"/>{{rp|503}}