Tooth pain when biting or chewing affects everyone and should not be ignored. Often, people initially try to tough it out, but this can lead to more serious complications. As with most conditions, understanding the cause is crucial for preventing it from progressing to more severe and painful stages. At our Richmond dental practice, we have seen thousands of patients who report tooth pain while eating, and in this article, we will discuss some of the most common causes and why they cause discomfort. Below, we cover 7 of the most common causes.
Inflamed Gums
There are several possible causes of inflamed gums, which are usually characterised by a bright red or purplish-red appearance. Often, the gums may be swollen or puffed up and seem to pull away from the tooth. Another common sign is bleeding, especially after cleaning or even eating. Tenderness caused by inflamed gums is often accompanied by pain when eating. Common causes of inflamed gums include:
- Gingivitis or periodontitis.
- An inflamed periodontal ligament (PDL) functions as an absorber during eating.
Infection
Most oral infections usually cause pain, which can become very intense when eating. Patients often describe this as a sudden, sharp pain. Signs of an infection may include tenderness to touch, swelling, pus, ongoing pain, or the infected area feeling warm. Common causes of infection include:
- An abscess, such as a periapical (tooth’s root) or peridontal (gum area).
- Pericoronitis is an infection of the gum tissue often found around wisdom teeth.
- Infected tissue areas as a result of ulcers or cuts.
Damaged Tooth
There are several causes of damaged teeth; these can result from trauma, lifestyle habits such as drinking acidic beverages, or oral health problems like periodontitis. Common signs that your tooth is damaged include visible damage, an unpleasant taste or smell, and pain when eating or drinking. Aside from trauma, common causes of tooth damage can cause discomfort when chewing or biting:
- Grinding your teeth during sleep can damage them, wearing away at the tooth and even causing small cracks.
- Consuming sugary and acidic foods can make tooth enamel thinner, removing its protective layer.
- A chronic infection of the gums or in the bones that support the teeth, often causing teeth to move.
Loose or Damaged Filling/Crown
Fillings and crowns are essential for protecting the tooth. When they are damaged, they create an opening that allows bacteria to enter and may weaken the tooth. Chewing increases the force on the tooth, which can cause pain. Signs of a loose or damaged filling or crown include movement, trapped food, bad smell, and pain, especially when pressure is applied. Common signs include:
- Visible damage, a gap or a small part missing.
- The crown or filling moves slightly, often just a slight wobble.
- Small bits of food often get stuck in the crown or filling.
Tooth Erosion
The gradual wearing away of your tooth enamel gradually weakens your tooth's protective outer layer. As a result, the inner part of the tooth becomes exposed and can be very sensitive. Tooth erosion doesn’t happen overnight; it’s usually a gradual process where continuous exposure to acidic and sugary foods gradually dissolves the enamel. Often, the pain while chewing occurs because the tooth’s dentin is exposed and connected to nerves. Frequently, patients we treat show the following signs:
- A discolouring of the tooth, sometimes showing the yellow dentin.
- Jagged areas of the tooth due to erosion.
- Increased tooth sensitivity, especially from hot or cold drinks.
- Teeth become brittle and are more prone to breaking.
Bruxism
Grinding of the teeth over time can cause excessive tooth wear, wearing down the enamel, exposing sensitive areas, and leading to pain when eating. Bruxism can result in tiny fractures in your teeth, inflamed gums, and even loosening of teeth. Symptoms of bruxism to watch for include:
- Soreness in the jaw when you wake up.
- Flattened or chipped teeth.
- Limited jaw mobility, making it difficult to open, is often accompanied by popping sounds.
- Tension-related headaches.
Gum Diseases
Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, can be caused by a range of factors and may result in tooth pain when biting or chewing. This happens because of swelling and inflammation of the gums, which makes them sensitive and sore to touch. It can also lead to issues like exposed roots, loose teeth, and abscesses. Common signs include:
- Swollen and red gums that easily bleed, especially during activities such as brushing.
- Bacterial accumulation results in bad breath.
- Wobbly teeth.
- Gum recession.
Conclusion
Tooth pain whilst chewing or biting should be taken seriously; it could indicate a range of issues that could lead to something far more serious. It is crucial to seek the advice of a professional dentist who can perform a thorough examination and pinpoint the cause and solution. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Kew Road Dental.