Tooth pain when you bite down can really put a damper on your day and is caused by many dental issues. Cavities, cracked teeth, tooth abscesses, gum disease, etc., can all lead to discomfort when chewing. Let’s take a look at the top 10 reasons in detail.
Reasons for Tooth Pain When Biting Food
The most common reasons include:
Cavity
If your tooth hurts when you bite down, a cavity most likely may be the reason for it. Cavities are permanent damage to the enamel, resulting in a small hole on teeth. Cavities cause sensitivity, and mild to sharp pain when you bite down. Moreover, it is also possible for food particles to even get stuck in large-sized cavities.
Tooth Sensitivity
Worn-down enamel is a direct cause of tooth sensitivity and can make your tooth hurt when you bite down. When the enamel gets too thin, the nerves are left unprotected and hurt when they come into contact with stimuli.
Cracked Tooth
Minor cracks and hairline fractures are those types of dental injuries that are almost impossible to spot and are often undetectable on X-rays. You will need a trusted and experienced professional for this.
Loose Tooth
When you bite down on a loose tooth, it hurts because the tiny ligaments that hold the tooth in place are stretched and pulled. As an adult, a loose tooth often indicates something serious, like gum disease or tooth injury.
Loose Filling
There are times when your tooth itself might not be the problem, but the filling in it. Over time, it is possible for some fillings to leak or pull away from the edge. Every time you bite down on that tooth, the filling moves slightly, leading to discomfort or pain.
Gum Disease
Tooth pain is a telltale sign of periodontal disease. Gum disease destroys gums and teeth and the roots as well. As the infection worsens, your gums recede, exposing the sensitive tooth roots, and begin to swell and bleed severely.
Dental Abscess
It is a bump on the gums that is often filled with pus that forms around the gums or root of an infected tooth. Abscesses can occur due to tooth damage, gum disease, or an untreated bacterial infection in your gums.
Recurring Infection
In very rare cases, when the aftercare is not proper, a root canal treatment can fail. The infection may recur, even though the infected dental pulp was taken out during your initial treatment. Some residual bacteria or nerve tissues close to the tip of your tooth are behind your new tooth pain.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is a bite problem and a condition when your upper and lower teeth do not meet upon closing your mouth. This means that whenever you bite down, the pressure is distributed unevenly.
Gum Recession
When gums recede, the tooth roots become exposed to external stimuli. This makes the affected tooth extremely sensitive to pressure, temperature changes, and acidity. Every time you bite down, the impact on the exposed root causes pain.
Closing Note
Knowing the reasons can help you get proper treatment. If you want to learn more about this or have queries in mind, do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Omad Chaudhary, FICOI, at Enhance Dental. With more than seven years of experience, you can rely on him to find the solution to all your troubles. Call (919) 569-5719 to connect with us.