If you’ve ever experienced tooth pain while chewing, you know how frustrating it can be. It’s important to understand the potential causes of this discomfort in order to find the appropriate treatment. In this article, we will explore some common reasons why your tooth may hurt when you chew.
Understanding the Pain
Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. Just like when you touch a hot stove, your body immediately tells you to move away from the danger. The same principle applies to your mouth. Tooth pain is your body’s way of communicating that there is an underlying issue that needs attention.
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As endodontists, our aim is to relieve your pain by preserving your natural tooth whenever possible. Our goal is to treat the root cause of the pain and restore health and balance to your mouth. This requires a thorough examination to identify the source of the pain.
Potential Causes of Tooth Pain While Chewing
There are several potential reasons why your tooth may hurt when you chew. It’s important to remember that the best course of action is to see a dentist or endodontist who can diagnose your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan. Here are ten possible causes:
1. A Cavity
A cavity can cause sensitivity and pain. While smaller cavities may be painless, deeper ones can lead to increased sensitivity and discomfort. Seeking treatment promptly is essential since cavities do not heal on their own.
2. Crack or Fracture in the Tooth
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Sometimes, small cracks or fractures in teeth are symptomless. However, if the crack is deep and exposes sensitive pulp or nerves, you may experience pain while biting down. The appropriate treatment for a crack or fracture depends on the severity of the damage, so it’s important to consult your dentist for an examination.
3. High Crown or Filling
If a filling or crown is too high compared to the surrounding teeth, it can create tension and pain when you bite down. This issue often arises after a recent treatment. Your dentist can resolve this problem by adjusting the crown or filling to match the height of the other teeth.
4. Misalignment of the Jaw
When your jaw doesn’t align properly, it can cause chronic pain while biting down or chewing. This pain is different from localized pain caused by a cavity or damaged tooth, as it can affect your entire jaw or mouth. The appropriate treatment for misaligned jaws depends on the severity and cause, and orthodontics may help in some cases.
5. Dental Abscess
Pain focused on a specific tooth may be caused by a dental abscess. A cyst or swollen area at the root’s tip can exert pressure on the tooth, resulting in pain, especially during chewing or biting down. An endodontist or dentist should examine the tooth. In less severe cases, a root canal may resolve the pain, while more severe cases may require extraction. Regular dental care and cleanings are important to prevent abscesses.
6. Tooth Injury
Trauma or accidents can damage or injure your tooth, leading to pain. Cracks and fractures are common injuries resulting from tooth trauma. Treatment options depend on the extent of the damage, and your dentist will assess the tooth before recommending a suitable course of action.
7. Sinus or Nasal Congestion
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Sinus pressure and tenderness can cause pain that feels like a toothache. This is because of the proximity of the sinuses to the teeth. If your dentist determines that your pain is due to sinus issues rather than dental problems, consult your doctor for appropriate treatment. Addressing the congestion, pressure, or infection can provide relief.
8. Overuse
Excessive use or stress on a tooth can make it feel tender and sore when biting down. There is a small ligament that connects your tooth to the bone, and habitual teeth grinding, clenching, or chewing on hard substances can strain this ligament, causing discomfort. Your dentist may recommend a mouthguard for nighttime use if grinding is the cause of your pain.
9. Gum Disease
Gum inflammation or gum disease can cause pain in both the gum tissue and teeth. If your gums are sore, red, tender, or bleed while brushing or flossing, your dentist may determine that gum disease is the reason for your discomfort. Treatment options depend on the severity, and prevention is key. Daily flossing, twice-daily brushing, and regular dental check-ups are essential. More severe cases may require care from a periodontist.
10. Failed Root Canal
Sometimes, a previous root canal may fail, leading to pain in a specific tooth. If you have had a root canal in the past, it’s worth investigating as a potential cause. In such cases, retreatment may be necessary, and our team at Ballantyne Endodontics is experienced in providing retreatment after a failed root canal.
Seeing Your Dentist
If you are experiencing new or worsening pain while chewing, it is crucial to see your dentist or endodontist without delay. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to reducing and eliminating the pain. When visiting your dentist or endodontist, prepare to answer questions about the intensity of the pain, activities that trigger the pain, recent accidents or treatments, the sensation you experience, current medications or treatments, and teeth clenching or grinding habits.
At Ballantyne Endodontics, our priority is to help Charlotte residents maintain their natural teeth pain-free. Depending on the source of your discomfort, a root canal or endodontic treatment may provide the solution. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn how to request a referral from your general dentist. Remember, the sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can enjoy a life without pain.
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