Do your back teeth hurt (also known as your molars) when you bite down on them? Don’t panic – there are a few reasons why this might be happening, and not all of them are serious. Here are a few things that might be behind the problem.
Dentin Hypersensitivity
Dentin hypersensitivity (also known as sensitive teeth) is a common dental problem that may cause pain in your back teeth. People with this condition have worn away some of their gums or tooth enamel, exposing the softer and more sensitive inner dentin layer. This can cause pain when you bite down.
Most people with dentin hypersensitivity can solve the problem by switching to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. If you have a lot of exposed dentin, your dentist might also recommend dental bonding or crowns to help you cover the most vulnerable areas.
Sinus Problems
Sinus problems don’t directly affect your teeth, but the pressure they create within your sinus cavity can sometimes feel like tooth pain. If you’ve been feeling unwell or have a stuffy nose, take a decongestant and see if it helps. You can also try saline nasal sprays or over-the-counter allergy medications to alleviate your symptoms. If nothing works, see your doctor for further treatment.
Tooth Decay
A tooth with untreated tooth decay can sometimes hurt when you bite down. If this is the case with your tooth, you might also notice pain when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet. You might also spot holes or discoloured areas on your tooth. You’ll need a dental filling to fix this problem.
Gum Disease
Severe gum disease can also cause painful sensations in your teeth. If your gums are to blame, you’ll probably notice other signs of gum disease in your mouth. Look out for swollen or tender gums, bleeding gums, heavy tartar buildup, shifting teeth, and new spaces between your teeth. A thorough dental cleaning will usually solve the problem.
A Cracked Tooth
Your molars absorb a lot of pressure during regular activities like eating and speaking. If you grind your teeth, they’re forced to endure even more. All of these stressors can cause teeth to crack, running their structural integrity and exposing the dentin and pulp to the mechanical forces and bacteria inside your mouth. This can make biting down painful.
Unfortunately, some cracked teeth can’t be saved. Others may be fixable with a large filling or a dental crown. Visit your dentist to see if you have a cracked tooth (it’s not always obvious!) and figure out what can be done about it.
Banish the Pain in Your Back Teeth
While some of the problems that cause pain your back teeth are minor issues that are easy to treat, others are much more serious. The only way to know for sure what’s causing your toothache is to visit your dentist for a checkup.
Contact Coscarella Family Dentistry today to set up your appointment and get your back teeth checked out. We’ll get to the bottom of your tooth troubles and create a treatment plan to get your molars back to peak health.
