There are a few reasons why back teeth might hurt when you bite down. If your teeth are sensitive, biting down could cause pain or discomfort. Another possibility is that you may have a cavity or other dental issue in your back teeth. If you’re experiencing pain when you bite down, it’s essential to see a dentist determine the cause and receive treatment if necessary.
Most common reasons why your back teeth hurt when eating:
1. The Back Tooth Or Filling Hits Harder Than Others
It’s not uncommon to experience tooth pain after a dental procedure. This is because the tooth or filling can hit harder than the others. When this happens, it can be very uncomfortable to eat.
If you are experiencing this type of pain, don’t worry! Our dentists at Pearl Shine Dental can help adjust your bite so that the pressure is more evenly distributed. We do this by measuring and evaluating your bite using special marking paper. Once we have identified areas sitting higher than the others, we will help adjust your bite accordingly. This will help remove the pressure off those specific teeth and make eating more comfortable.
2. Large Cavity in a back Tooth
If you’re experiencing toothache or teeth sensitivity after eating, it’s likely due to tooth decay or a cavity. A cavity can cause teeth sensitivity for most people and can even lead to pain when consuming sweets. Sometimes, food can get stuck in large cavities, putting extra pressure on the tooth and causing pain. Additionally, a cavity filling can also fall out if too much pressure is applied, leaving food particles to get stuck in the area and cause pain.
Advanced tooth decay can also lead to a severe aching of teeth each time you chew or bite down – a feeling often exacerbated by sensitivity to food. If you experience strange sensations or rough edges when biting down, schedule an appointment with our dentist as soon as possible. Our dentist will be able to evaluate your condition and work to prevent further tooth decay.
3. Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is a buildup of pus that can form around the root of your tooth. A spot is caused by bacteria that enter the tooth through a crack or cavity. Once the bacteria reach the pulp (the innermost layer of the tooth), they can begin to multiply and cause an infection. If you have an abscess, you may experience pain when biting down, swelling, redness, and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
If you think you may have an abscess, it’s essential to see our dentist right away. Our dentist will be able to drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection.
4. Grinding Your Teeth at Night
Do you find yourself waking up with a headache or sore jaw? You may be grinding your teeth at night without even realizing it! Teeth grinding (also called bruxism) is a common condition that can cause great pain and damage to your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, the constant pressure can lead to tooth sensitivity and cracks, chips, and wear on the teeth. Additionally, bruxism can cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), leading to pain in the jaw and face.
If you think you may be grinding your teeth at night, our dentists can help. We offer mouthguards that can be worn at night to protect your teeth from grinding. We will also work with you to find the underlying cause of your bruxism and help you find ways to reduce or eliminate it.
5. Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause pain, sensitivity, and bleeding. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, irritating and inflaming the gums. Additionally, tartar can lead to gum recession, exposing the roots of your teeth and making them more sensitive.
If you have any symptoms of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding gums, make sure to see our dentist immediately. Our dentist can clean your teeth and remove any tartar buildup. We will also work with you to develop a good oral hygiene routine that can help reduce your risk of gum disease in the future.
6. Root Canal
A root canal is a treatment used to save a tooth damaged by decay or infection. During a root canal, the damaged pulp (the tooth’s innermost layer) is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Root canals are often necessary when the damage to a tooth is too great for a simple filling.
If you think you may need a root canal, it’s essential to see our dentist right away. Our dentist will be able to evaluate your tooth and determine if a root canal is the best treatment option. If a root canal is necessary, our dentist will perform the procedure quickly and efficiently to save your tooth and reduce pain.
7. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common condition that can cause pain or discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods. Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by brushing too hard, using whitening products, or wearing dental braces.
If you have tooth sensitivity, our dentists can help. We offer a variety of treatments that can help reduce or eliminate the pain associated with sensitive teeth. We will also work with you to find the underlying cause of your sensitivity and help you find ways to reduce or eliminate it.
8. Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can cause various problems, including pain, difficulty eating, and embarrassment. Missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
If you have missing teeth, our dentists can help. We offer a variety of dental implants that can replace your missing teeth and restore your smile. We will also work with you to find the best way to care for your new teeth and keep them healthy for years to come.
9. Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen at any time and often require immediate treatment. Common dental emergencies include toothaches, chipped teeth, cracked teeth, lost fillings, and crowns.
If you have a dental emergency, our dentists can help. We offer various emergency dental services that can help relieve your pain and restore your smile. We will also work with you to find the best way to prevent future emergencies from happening.
10. Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a severe condition that can cause pain, difficulty eating, and weight loss. Oral cancer can also lead to disfigurement and even death.
If you think you may have oral cancer, it’s essential to see our dentist right away. Our dentist can perform a physical examination of your mouth and order tests to confirm the diagnosis. If oral cancer is found, our dentist will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help you manage the condition and improve your quality of life.
How do you stop your back teeth from hurting?
There are a few things you can do to stop your back teeth from hurting:
- First, make sure you’re brushing and flossing regularly. This will help remove any plaque or tartar that may be irritating your gums.
- You can also try using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
- If your back teeth are still hurting, make an appointment to see a dentist.
A dentist can evaluate your teeth and find the underlying cause of the pain. Once the cause is determined, our dentist can provide you with treatment options to help relieve your pain and improve your oral health.
