Having healthy functioning teeth is a cornerstone of good health. So if you’re asking the question, “why does my tooth hurt when I bite down?” you’re likely experiencing an issue that requires treatment as soon as possible. Having a painful tooth can interfere significantly with daily activities, and even make it difficult to eat, drink or talk. So it’s perfectly normal to be concerned.
In this post, we’ll be talking about some of the causes of tooth pain when you bite down. Next, we’ll address some of the treatment options that exist for these causes.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Bite Down?
Your bite is a result of both your upper and lower teeth coming together perfectly. Any issue with the way the teeth come together, known as malocclusion, can cause an issue with uneven pressure being applied on one or more teeth. Of course, whether or not this is the issue depends on a professional diagnosis.
It’s more common, rather, to experience tooth pain when you bite down as a result of sensitivity. Underneath the tough outer layer of enamel on each tooth lies a layer of dentin, which experiences irritation when exposed to the conditions of the mouth. The tissues, blood vessels, and nerve endings that lie inside the soft, delicate pulp of the tooth are also susceptible.
Bacteria and food debris from the mouth can infiltrate the inside of a tooth and cause infection, leading to inflammation and even tissue death. This is possible if you have a cracked, split, chipped, or otherwise compromised tooth that allows foreign debris to enter it.
Treatment of Pressure Sensitive Teeth
A dentist has numerous options at their disposal with which to treat damaged teeth.
If you’re experiencing dentin hypersensitivity, the dentist may treat your teeth with a desensitizing ointment. They might also recommend a different toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth.
However, if you have a cavity, a dentist can remove bacterial debris, clean the area and seal it off with a filling. Depending on the extent of the damage, they might choose to use a dental crown instead.
If a tooth has infected pulp tissue, a root canal procedure may be necessary to save your tooth from dying. Of course, this depends on how early the issue is diagnosed – if they can’t save your tooth at all, a dentist may choose to extract it entirely. They can then replace it with a dental implant that matches the rest of your teeth.
Naturally, it’s best to maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine. This includes flossing and brushing for two minutes twice a day. This will keep bacteria that can cause dental issues under control.
Conclusion
Proper treatment of teeth sensitive to pressure depends on the correct diagnosis from a qualified dentist. Therefore, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. As you’ve read above, treatment depends on what the problem is and depends on how the dentist can best restore your teeth and prevent the problem from reoccurring.
Pearl Dentistry offers the highest-quality dental treatments with a caring approach focused on listening to the needs of our patients. We put your needs and comfort first, all while utilizing the latest in treatment techniques. For any questions or to schedule an appointment or consultation with the best dentist in Houston, TX, contact us at (713) 766-4389.
