Do you experience mouth pain when eating? Eating is one of life’s simple pleasures but can turn into a chore — and even something you dread — if you suffer from oral discomfort. The problem can get so bad that it affects your nutrition and overall quality of life.
If you’re suffering from frequent mouth pain, you might not want to socialize as much, or you may have no choice but to eat bland or softer foods that offer little enjoyment.
Understanding the reasons behind mouth pain when eating helps you take action and ease the discomfort you’re experiencing. In this article, we explore various dental and oral health issues so that you can enjoy meals again and avoid serious health complications down the line.
What Causes Mouth Pain When Biting Down or Chewing?
If you’re experiencing pain while biting down or chewing, this can make meals uncomfortable and challenging. Various issues can cause this discomfort. The good news is, in most cases, there are effective treatments available, especially if you seek assistance early.
From the misalignment of teeth, otherwise known as occlusion, to cavities and dental abscesses, there are many reasons why you might be experiencing mouth pain. No matter how mouth pain presents itself, seeking professional diagnosis and intervention is critical. And it’s not just dental problems that can cause mouth pain; external factors such as sinus pressure or internal problems like gum disease can also be a factor.
In the next section, we explore common reasons for mouth pain when chewing or biting down. You’ll get insights into diagnosis, implications, and the available treatment options. Once you know a little more about the causes of mouth pain while eating, you can take appropriate action.
High Tooth, Crown, or Filling
Have you heard the term occlusion before? This condition relates to how the teeth align when you bite down. When occlusion works in the right way, pressure is evenly distributed across all teeth and no discomfort is experienced. But if you have a crown, tooth, or a filling that sits too high, this can cause mouth pain when biting.
To discover where the issue lies, your dentist may use special marking paper to identify these high spots. Once identified, your dentist can plan treatment to adjust your bite and free you from pain. You might also notice this more after having dental work and your dentist may provide you with a pain management plan.
Large Cavities
If you’ve experienced pain caused by cavities before, you know how excruciating it can be. Did you know that certain foods, such as sweets, and beverages, such as soda, can make the problem worse? That’s because large cavities trap food, creating discomfort and pressure. However, some cavities can go unnoticed because they don’t cause any pain. Regular dental check-ups are essential for catching these concerns early before they cause more serious issues.
Dental Abscess
Can you feel a painful lump close to where your tooth meets the gum? It could be an abscess. This condition can cause significant pain when any pressure is applied, such as during eating. You might notice that the swelling comes and goes. This could be because the infection is draining and then reappearing. Root canal treatment is often necessary to address a dental abscess.
Cracked Tooth
Cracked teeth can be notoriously difficult to diagnose and often cause pain when biting down or eating. Cracks may not always be visible, and your dentist may use specialized tests and sometimes X-rays to determine the location and severity of the problem. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to relieve pain and prevent further damage.
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease; it’s typically mentioned in toothpaste and mouthwash commercials. But what is it and why should you worry about it? Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease can cause bleeding and swollen gums that cause pain when eating. Your dentist assesses gum health and recommends treatment options to alleviate pain.
Nasal/Sinus Pressure
Unfortunately, dental issues are sometimes mistaken for sinus issues leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. This is because sinus congestion or pressure can also lead to tooth pain, especially in the molars and premolars. If your dentist can’t find the reason for your mouth pain, a trip to the ENT might be in order.
Gum Recession and Root Exposure
When gums recede, tooth roots can become exposed, making them highly sensitive to temperature and pressure. If you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your teeth when eating or drinking, it could be down to gum recession and root exposure. Early identification and treatment are essential for reducing sensitivity and discomfort.
Ulcers
Mouth ulcers may be small, but they can pack a punch when it comes to mouth pain. Whether they’re on your gums, inside the cheeks, or on your bottom lip, you’ll want to get rid of them fast. Ulcers often form suddenly and often for no obvious reason. They can be particularly painful, especially when eating spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods. Fortunately, they usually clear up after a few days. Gel ointments can help to numb mouth pain caused by ulcers in the meantime.
What Happens if You Ignore Mouth Pain When Eating?
Mouth pain when biting down is often a sign of underlying tooth damage. If the pain is intermittent or manageable, you may be tempted to ignore it or put off treatment. However, ignoring the pain could lead to more serious complications, including infections, fractures, cracks, and even total tooth loss.
Bacterial infections pose the most risk as they can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body. In the worst cases, these infections could lead to life-threatening conditions, such as sepsis. The sooner you address these dental issues, the less complicated and expensive the treatment is. By taking prompt action you can prevent these serious outcomes and maintain good oral and overall health.
Don’t Let Mouth Pain Go Untreated — Book a Dental Exam Today
Various issues cause mouth pain when eating, ranging from dental abnormalities to gum disease and sinus pressure. Understanding these causes is the first step towards treatment and relief.
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are vital for preventing many of these problems, ensuring that eating remains a joy rather than a pain.
