Have you ever taken a big bite of your favourite snack only to feel a sharp pain in your tooth? Ouch! That can ruin the moment. There are many reasons why your tooth might hurt when you bite down. Here, we have eleven answers to what causes a toothache and what you can do about it.
1. Cavities
A cavity is a hole in your teeth brought on by oral decay. This happens when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at your tooth. When you bite down, pressure is applied to the cavity, and that can cause pain.
What to do: Visit your dentist. They can fill the cavity, stopping the decay and the pain.
2. Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth can be painful. The crack might be tiny, but when you bite down, it can spread, making the pain worse. Sometimes, you might not even see the crack with your eyes.
What to do: Visit your dentist as soon as you can. They can repair the crack with a special filling or, in some cases, a crown.
3. Sensitive Teeth
Do you feel a sharp pain when you eat something hot, cold, or sweet? You might have sensitive teeth. This happens when the protective layer of your teeth, called enamel, wears down, exposing the inner layer, called dentin.
What to do: Use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth, and avoid very hot or cold foods. Your dentist can also help with treatments to reduce sensitivity.
4. Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. This can expose the roots of your teeth, making them more sensitive and painful when you bite down.
What to do: Brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep your gums healthy. If you think you have gum disease, visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and treatment.
5. Abscess
An abscess is a painful infection at the root of a tooth or between the tooth and gum. This infection can cause swelling and a lot of pain, especially when you bite down.
What to do: An abscess is serious and needs immediate treatment. Visit a dental care clinic right away. They might prescribe antibiotics and may need to drain the abscess or perform a root canal.
6. Tooth Grinding
Some people grind their teeth at night without even knowing it. This is called bruxism. Grinding can wear down your teeth and cause pain when you bite down.
What to do: Your dentist can customize a mouth guard for you to wear at night. This will protect your teeth from grinding.
7. Impacted Tooth
An impacted tooth is one that hasn’t come in properly and is pushed against another tooth. This is common with wisdom teeth. When you bite down, the pressure can cause pain.
What to do: Visit your dentist. They may recommend removing the impacted tooth to stop the pain.
8. Misaligned Teeth
If your teeth are not aligned correctly, it can cause uneven pressure when you bite down, leading to pain. This is often due to crooked teeth or a misaligned bite.
What to do: Braces or other orthodontic treatments can help align your teeth properly, reducing the pain.
9. Sinus Infection
Sometimes, a toothache isn’t caused by your teeth at all. If you have a sinus infection, the pressure in your sinuses can make your upper teeth hurt, especially when you bite down.
What to do: If you think you have a sinus infection, see your doctor. They can give you medicine to treat the disease and relieve the pressure.
10. Recent Dental Work
If you’ve recently had dental work done, like a filling or crown, your tooth may be sensitive for a while. This is usually temporary and should improve as your tooth heals.
What to do: Give it some time. If the pain doesn’t go away, visit your dentist to make sure everything is okay.
11. Food Stuck Between Teeth
Sometimes, food can get stuck between your teeth and cause pain when you bite down. This can irritate your gums and make you feel uncomfortable.
What to do: Floss your teeth regularly to remove any food particles. If the pain continues, see your dentist to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem.
How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
To avoid tooth pain and keep your smile bright, follow these simple tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
- Floss daily: This removes food particles and plaque between your teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular check-ups can catch problems early before they cause pain.
- Eat a balanced diet: Avoid too many sugary snacks and drinks, which can lead to cavities.
- Wear a mouth guard if you play sports: This protects your teeth from injury.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools: Avoid opening packages or bottles with your teeth to prevent cracks.
Westend Dental Can Help You Cure a Severe Toothache
Remember, your teeth are important for eating, talking, and smiling. Taking care of them is key to preventing pain and keeping your mouth healthy. If you do experience tooth pain, don’t ignore it. Visit your dentist to find out what’s wrong to receive the best treatment.
Westend Dental is a reliable dental clinic in Winnipeg that local patients and people from all the surrounding communities prefer to visit for dental care. Our experts are well-versed in the latest technology while making patients feel warm and comfortable during dental visits.