Tooth pain is one of the most frustrating types of discomfort. After all, it would help if you had your teeth to perform several everyday functions, and perhaps the most important is to chew your food correctly. But if you’re dealing with pain every time you chew, it gets old — fast.
If you’re wondering why chewing hurts, we at Downtown Dental Studio can help. Fadi Beydoun, DMD, MS, Alexander Kimon, DMD, and Karina Zaygermakher, DMD, are dedicated to treating oral discomfort. They also know the most likely reasons you might be dealing with pain when chewing.
Cavities are one of the most common reasons why it might hurt when you chew. They result from decay that forms in your teeth when you can’t properly care for and clean them. After a while, the plaque on your teeth becomes a hard substance known as calculus or tartar. The calculus damages the tooth, creating small holes in it.
When you have an untreated cavity, the tooth root inside your tooth, which is very sensitive, is exposed. Chewing activates the tooth root, causing pain. Unfortunately, a cavity will not heal on its own, and you will require treatment in the form of a filling or a root canal, depending on the severity of the issue.
If your tooth was damaged in another way, it could also be causing you pain every time you bite down. For example, if you chipped or cracked a tooth, you might also have an exposed tooth root. This will need to be repaired in your provider’s office, and the method will depend on how severe the damage is.
Another possible cause is gum disease. Gingivitis is the early form of gum disease and doesn’t always cause pain. However, periodontitis, which occurs as the erosion and infection of the gum line worsen, will usually be painful. The gums become inflamed and swollen, making you feel pain when biting down.
If you think you might have periodontitis, it’s important to visit your provider as soon as possible. Allowing the condition to worsen will only make treatment harder; sometimes, cleaning won’t be enough. Gum surgery could be necessary.
Some people are born with misaligned teeth (malocclusion), while others may see their teeth shift over time due to wisdom teeth coming in or failing to wear a retainer. Whatever the case, when you chew with misaligned teeth, it can make the action uncomfortable because some teeth get more pressure than others.
Fixing the malocclusion—choosing a treatment like Invisalign or regular braces—could be helpful for this issue.
You might notice a pressure buildup inside your head if you've been sick recently. Congestion, headaches, and even pain when you chew can all be signs of a sinus infection. Make sure you talk to your doctor about the possibility of a sinus infection, but you should get your tooth looked at just in case it’s one of the other possible issues.
Crowns are placed when a tooth is knocked out or removed. This protects the jaw and makes it easier to talk and chew. But if the crown is loose, you may notice pain when you chew. Make sure to get your crown checked by your provider if this is the case. This can also occur with fillings and dentures.
Your temporomandibular joint can sometimes be associated with disorders that cause pain and exhaustion in the jaw bone and muscles. If your jaw hurts when you chew and you notice popping and clicking (as well as headaches, muscle spasms, and locking), you might have this disorder.
An appointment can help diagnose your specific problem. We would be happy to meet you and help you understand your pain. Simply call 212-964-3337 to make an appointment or visit our website today.
