Within this blog we will be covering all the key points to know about what causes tooth pain when biting down. This includes why tooth pain is particularly problematic and the key causes of tooth pain.
Why Tooth Pain is Problematic
Tooth pain is not a type of pain which will simply subside over time by doing nothing. While other aches in the body can be improved through rest or taking some medication, a pain in the tooth is usually much more serious and cannot be ignored. Subsequently, visiting the dentist as soon as you notice any tooth pain is essential, and can ensure that treatment is administered speedily. Some of the key causes of tooth pain have been detailed below, as well as key information you may find useful.
Key Causes of Tooth Pain
Gum Disease
It is possible that pain when biting is caused by early gum disease. Subsequently, it is essential to have regular dental visits to ensure that any early signs of gum diseases are identified, and you can remedy the situation. Some key signs to look out for are inflamed/ bleeding gums, spacing between and drifting of teeth, significant tartar build-up and teeth mobility.
Sinus Pressure or Congestion
As the roots of some of the upper teeth are often in close proximity to the nasal sinuses, it is possible that the cause of your tooth pain is not dental but referred pain from your sinuses. For example, the sinuses could be swollen. If the sinuses are the cause of your tooth pain, then you will likely feel pain in the upper molars and or premolars.
Receding Gums and Exposure of Roots
While gum recession itself doesn’t necessarily lead to tooth pain during biting, if your roots are exposed then it can mean an extreme amount of sensitivity. Subsequently, if any food/drink does come into contact with the exposed root surface then a sharp pain will likely come about. The root cause of this gum recession can vary, and includes abrasive brushing, trauma to the area, grinding of teeth, and potential periodontal disease. Understanding the cause of your gum recession, will directly indicate how best to treat it.
Tooth/Filling/Crown Sitting Too High
If a tooth/filling/crown sits too high in the mouth, then it is possible that significant pain will be caused when you bite down. This issue is usually most noticeable just after dental treatment when the anaesthetic has finally worn off. In order to deal with the issue, you will have to have your occlusion evaluated and the problematic areas will thus be highlighted. Following this you have treatment to deal with these issues, although it is possible that simply adjusting your bite will take the pressure off and avoid pain.
Tooth Decay/Cavity
If your tooth pain has come about just after eating or drinking, then it is possible that tooth decay/cavities are the cause of this pain. These cavities will likely instigate pain after consuming certain foods, for example sweet items. If an individual has a particularly large cavity, then it is likely that food can get stuck and lead to significant discomfort. If tooth decay reaches an advanced stage, then the pulp within the tooth will likely become irritated and any form of chewing can result in significant pain each time. If you believe that you have cavity/decay, then it is essential to contact your dentist as soon as possible and prevent any worsening of the situation. Tooth pain that comes and goes with cold or sweet food and drinks can be a sign of early reversible decay, whereas if left to develop, pain can be hot food and drinks too and will not go away with time, meaning that the nerve of the tooth may be irreversibly affected.
Cracked Tooth
This issue is one of the most difficult to identify, as there are often no major symptoms apart from some pain when biting down. If you believe that you do have a cracked tooth, then try and get a dental visit booked immediately. The dentist will be the only individual who can conclusively identify if you have a tooth crack, and they will be able to pinpoint the specific cracked tooth in the mouth. This will likely involve dental x-rays, use bite tests and special diagnosis. Again, early diagnosis and treatment is the key as cracks usually get worse with time making teeth unsavable if left too late.
Dental Abscess
It is possible that the cause of dental pain when biting is due to an abscess around the tip of the root. An abscess will mean there is inflammation/cyst within the bone, and this is putting pressure against the tooth. The issues caused by an abscess can vary greatly, with major issues on certain days while they can be completely painless on other days. It is best to get it treated as quick as possible as the only possible way to fully deal with the issue is through a root canal or if severe extraction.
