You might have a dental problem if you experience tooth pain and sensitivity when chewing. This could be a sign of tooth decay or a root canal infection. Luckily, restorative dentistry treatments are available to repair dental damage, alleviate tooth pain, and restore oral health. So don’t wait – if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity when chewing, see your dentist today! Do your gums also hurt, or just teeth? If you experience gum pain when eating, check out this article.
Why do my teeth hurt when I chew or bite down? There are many reasons why teeth may hurt when biting down.
Here are the most common reasons:
1. Cavity
One common reason is a cavity. A cavity is a hole in the tooth that can be caused by tooth decay. When bacteria from food and drinks combine with saliva on the teeth, they can form acids that can eat away at the enamel of the teeth. This can create a cavity, which will cause pain when biting down.
2. Gum disease
Another common reason for tooth pain when biting down is gum disease. Gum disease is a condition that affects the gums and bones around the teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If plaque is not removed with regular brushing and flossing, it will harden into tartar. Tartar can irritate the gums and cause them to become inflamed. This can lead to gum disease, which will cause tooth pain when biting down.
3. Cracked tooth
Other reasons teeth may hurt when biting down, such as an exposed nerve or a cracked tooth. If you are experiencing pain when biting down, it is best to consult your dentist to determine the cause and find a solution. Treatment for tooth pain will vary depending on the underlying cause. Cavities can be treated with fillings, while gum disease may require more extensive treatment.
Cracked teeth may need to be repaired with a crown or root canal. If you are experiencing tooth pain when biting down, it is best to consult your dentist to determine the cause and find a solution. Treatment for tooth pain will vary depending on the underlying cause. Cavities can be treated with fillings, while gum disease may require more extensive treatment. Cracked teeth may need to be repaired with a crown or root canal.
4. Teeth grinding
This can cause the teeth to wear down over time and lead to pain when biting down. Teeth grinding is often caused by stress, but it can also be due to other factors such as an abnormal bite or misaligned teeth. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, it is best to consult with your dentist so they can provide a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
5. Sensitive teeth
Some people also experience tooth pain because of sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth can be caused by some things, such as gum disease, tooth decay, cracked teeth, or worn enamel.
Wearing down of the enamel can happen because of acidic drinks, eating chocolate, hard brushing, or teeth grinding. If you have sensitive teeth, there are many things you can do to help relieve the pain. These include using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, avoiding acidic drinks, and avoiding hard brushing. You should also consult your dentist to find the underlying cause of your sensitive teeth so they can be treated.
6. Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is an infection that can occur in the teeth or gums. It is usually caused by bacteria that get into the tooth through a crack or cavity. A dental abscess can cause severe pain when biting down. If you think you may have a dental abscess, it is essential to see your dentist as soon as possible to treat it. Treatment for a dental abscess may involve antibiotics, a root canal, or an extraction of the tooth.
7. Wisdom teeth
Another common reason for tooth pain when biting down is wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the back molars most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They can sometimes become impacted and do not erupt through the gum line correctly. This can cause pain when biting down and other symptoms such as swelling and infection. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see your dentist for a consultation. Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted if they are impacted or causing problems.
8. Crown is too high
A crown is a dental restoration that covers a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns can sometimes be too high, so they do not fit properly in the mouth. This can cause pain when biting down and other problems such as difficulty chewing. If you think your crown may be too high, it is best to consult with your dentist so that they can adjust or replace it.
My tooth hurts when I bite down, it is a Dull pain. What can I do at home to ease the pain?
If you’re experiencing tooth pain when biting down, a few things could be causing it. The most common causes are cavities, gum disease, and cracked teeth. If you’re not sure what’s causing your pain, the best thing to do is consult with your dentist. They’ll be able to determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
In the meantime, here are a few things that may help relieve your pain:
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Avoid acidic drinks
- Avoid hard brushing
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
If your pain is severe, consult with your dentist right away. They may recommend a more aggressive course of treatment, such as antibiotics, a root canal, or an extraction of the tooth.
