We all know the feeling: you try to eat something, and suddenly the pain hits you.
Your tooth hurts when chewing; what do you do next? There are many causes as to why a toothache can strike, but we are here to guide you on the main ones.
Let’s take a look!
1. Cavities and Tooth Decay
One of the most common causes of toothache when chewing is cavities and tooth decay. When decay forms in the enamel of a tooth, it breaks down, becomes weak, and eventually, a hole or cavity forms.
This exposes the softer inner layer, the dentin, which is more sensitive than the enamel and can cause it to be painful when the tooth is exposed to pressure, such as when chewing. The bacteria that cause tooth decay can also cause gum disease.
Poor dental hygiene, a diet high in sugar, and an acidic environment in the mouth can cause cavities and tooth decay, both of which can lead to toothache when chewing.
2. Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth can be a difficult situation to face, especially if you have tooth pain. Cracked teeth can occur due to a variety of causes, such as chewing hard foods and objects, grinding the teeth, and trauma.
Trauma is often caused by a blow to the face or mouth or biting down on hard objects. Dehydration of the teeth can also cause cracking, which often occurs when eating certain acidic foods.
Teeth may also crack due to decay, meaning existing cavities weaken the surrounding teeth. Treatment for cracked teeth is often either a filling or a crown, depending on the severity of the crack.
If the crack is minor, it may be possible to simply fill the crack. For more severe cracks, a crown may be required. It’s important to seek the advice of a dentist immediately if you experience any sharp pain while chewing, as it may indicate a cracked tooth.
3. Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of toothache when chewing. When gum disease develops, it often causes inflammation of the gums or gum recession, which can lead to pockets of bacteria that irritate the sensitive gum tissue and lead to pain when chewing.
As the infected tissues break down, the mouth can become a breeding ground for cavities and infections, which can cause further pain and toothache when chewing.
Several other factors can lead to gum disease, such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, and poor nutrition. It is important to check in with a dental professional.
You may also visit the Westchase dentists if your tooth still hurts when chewing in order to determine the underlying cause and prevent further issues from arising.
All About What to Do if Your Tooth Hurts When Chewing
If your tooth hurts when chewing, there are many options to get relief and prevent further damage. It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible for further diagnosis and to create an individual treatment plan.
So, visit your dentist today to get your comprehensive oral health evaluation and begin your journey toward a healthier, more pain-free mouth!
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