Why Do My Gums Hurt While Eating or Chewing?

Gums that hurt when you chew can be very frustrating and alarming. The pain is often a sign that something’s not quite well with your oral health. It could be due to your gums, teeth and bite alignment or other areas of your body such as your sinuses. Let’s look at the most commonly-cited factors that cause dental or gum pain while chewing and help you determine when it’s time to consult the dentist.

Pain due to a High Filling or Crown

One of the less well-known causes for pain in the chew is the crown or filling with a high level of pressure. Following dental work, if the restoration is a little taller than your normal bite, it could cause an uneven pressure while chewing. This can lead to a soreness of the gums around the tooth as well as in the surrounding areas. A filling that is not aligned properly can affect the supporting structures surrounding the tooth, which includes the jaw ligaments and ligaments. If you’ve had a recent dental procedure and experience discomfort while chewing, you should ask your dentist to assess the dental alignment and make any adjustments required.

Could a Cavity Be Causing the Pain?

it is true that the presence of a tooth decay is likely to be the reason for the pain you experience when chewing. As they grow, cavities may cause enamel to break to expose dentin, or even the nerve within the tooth. The exposure can cause acute discomfort or sensitiveness particularly when chewing foods that are sweet hot, hard, or crunchy. Food particles can also become stuck in the cavity, creating pressure to the area, and causing pain to the tooth as well as the gum tissue around it. If not treated, cavities may lead to more serious infection, which is why it’s vital to fill them early.

Dental Abscess and Pressure Pain

A dental abscess is an infection that forms at the tooth root or between the tooth and gum. It normally results in severe, throbbing pain when pressure is exerted on the teeth during chewing.This occurs because the pressure from the pus buildup caused by the infection presses against nerves and the bone structure around the tooth. You may experience swelling, a foul taste in your mouth, or even a tiny pimple-like bump on your gum. The condition needs immediate treatment, often a root canal or extraction, depending on how severe it is. If you think you have an abscess, don’t wait—an infection that’s left untreated can spread rapidly.

Is It a Cracked Tooth?

A cracked tooth will not necessarily display visible signs, yet it can produce stabbing pain when you chew. The crack permits movement in the tooth structure, and this movement irritates the tooth’s inner pulp. Pain tends to occur only when biting or releasing pressure—typical symptoms of a cracked tooth.These cracks can be due to grinding, trauma, or biting hard. Diagnosis could involve special instruments or imaging since small fractures won’t always show up on an X-ray. If you think this, do not chew on that side and visit a dentist as soon as possible.

Gum Disease and Biting Pain

Gum diseases especially when it’s in the more advanced stage can cause discomfort while chewing. As the condition worsens, gums begin to separate from the teeth, creating pockets that hold food particles and bacteria. This can cause inflammation, infection, or discomfort during eating. Other indications are the appearance of bleeding gums and bad breath gum recession as well as loose teeth. The milder forms of gingivitis are treatable with the proper cleaning and oral hygiene. However, more severe periodontitis might require extensive cleaning or surgery to stop the destruction.

Sinus Issues That Mimic Tooth Pain

Interestingly, sinuses infections or congestion may lead to pain in the teeth and gums—particularly in the upper teeth at the back. That is because the roots of these teeth are near the sinus cavities. When the sinuses are inflamed, pressure gets built up and pushes against the roots, resulting in toothache when chewing. This kind of pain typically involves several upper teeth simultaneously and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as facial pressure, nasal stuffiness, or post-nasal drip. If the pain occurs along with cold or allergy symptoms, it’s probably sinus-related. But if the pain persists after your sinuses have cleared, it’s wise to have your dentist check to rule out a dental problem.

Exposed Roots and Sensitivity

In the event that you notice that your gum tissue has receded then the sensitive tooth’s root surface might be exposed. The areas are not covered with enamel, which makes them susceptible to pressure and temperature fluctuations when chewing. Brushing may cause discomfort in these areas. Gum recession may be caused by over-brushing or aging, grinding of teeth and gum diseases. The treatment options are toothpaste desensitizing and fluoride treatments as well as in more serious instances, gum grafting to cover areas that are exposed. If you notice a sudden increase in sensitization in a particular area look for signs of roots exposed or thin gum tissue.

When to See a Dentist About Chewing Pain

Although some minor discomfort may occur, persistent pain when chewing is not normal. It’s the body’s way of telling you that something is in need of attention. These are the signs that you should not overlook:

• Ailment that lasts longer than a few days
• A swelling of the gums or on the face
• Bad taste, or pus leaking from the gums
• Tooth sensitivities to cold, heat, or sweets
• The tooth is hurting in a specific area or in a particular area
• Gums that easily bleed or look irritated

A dentist can conduct an extensive examination as well as take necessary X-rays and identify the cause of the discomfort. The earlier you get to the point of action more quickly, the better chance you have of avoiding major issues and maintaining your smile.For compassionate, comprehensive dental care you can trust, visit Port Orange Family Dental and experience a team truly committed to your smile.