Teeth pain is a common dental issue, and many people experience it when they bite down. Pain in the teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, including cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and bruxism. In this blog post, we will discuss why teeth hurt when you bite down and what you can do to alleviate the pain.
What Causes Tooth Pain When Biting Down?
Tooth pain when biting down can be caused by a number of factors. Cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and bruxism are all common causes of tooth pain. Let’s take a closer look at each of these causes.
Cavities
Cavities are caused by bacteria that feed on sugary and starchy foods. The bacteria produce acid that eats away at the enamel of the teeth, creating holes. Cavities can cause pain when biting down because the pressure of the bite can cause the nerve endings in the cavity to become irritated.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that produce acid which eats away at the enamel of the teeth. Tooth decay can cause pain when biting down because the pressure of the bite can cause the nerve endings in the decaying tooth to become irritated.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria. When the gums become infected, they become inflamed and can cause pain when biting down. This is because the pressure of the bite can cause the nerve endings in the inflamed gums to become irritated.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition in which a person grinds or clenches their teeth, often unconsciously. Bruxism can cause pain when biting down because the pressure of the bite can cause the nerve endings in the teeth to become irritated.
How Can I Relieve the Pain?
If you are experiencing tooth pain when you bite down, there are several things you can do to alleviate the pain.
Visit Your Dentist
The first thing you should do if you are experiencing tooth pain when you bite down is to visit your dentist. Your dentist can diagnose the cause of the pain and provide treatment to alleviate the pain.
Use a Mouthguard
If your tooth pain is caused by bruxism, your dentist may recommend that you use a mouthguard to protect your teeth from the pressure of grinding and clenching.
Avoid Sugary and Starchy Foods
If your tooth pain is caused by cavities or tooth decay, your dentist may recommend that you avoid sugary and starchy foods. These foods feed the bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay, so avoiding them can help prevent further damage to your teeth.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Using fluoride toothpaste can help protect your teeth from cavities and tooth decay. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, making them less susceptible to damage from bacteria.
Conclusion
Tooth pain when biting down can be caused by a variety of factors, including cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and bruxism. If you are experiencing tooth pain when you bite down, it is important to visit your dentist to determine the cause of the pain and receive treatment. Additionally, there are several things you can do to alleviate the pain, such as using a mouthguard, avoiding sugary and starchy foods, and using fluoride toothpaste.