On a good day, you are blissfully unaware of certain body parts that should be working in the background to keep you going, like your teeth. Teeth are much more appreciated when they are quiet and comfortable. Unfortunately, many of us have had to deal with painful teeth that make themselves known when we chew. Here are a few reasons why this can happen.
If any of your Teeth Hurt When Chewing, it’s important to schedule an appointment
with a dental professional as soon as possible. Waiting could result in bigger problems.
Call us today at (727) 565-1665.
1. Cracked Teeth
Over time, our teeth are subjected to wear and tear and incredible amounts of pressure from working so hard. Tiny fractures often begin to form along developmental grooves and around dental work especially when subjected to enough force. Those cracks tend to widen, causing pain in and around the ligaments and nerves of the affected teeth. Sometimes cracked teeth feel like a distinct “zinger” or acute and pinpoint type of pain that only lasts when you are chewing directly on a specific tooth.
2. Dental Work Gone Bad
We would love to tell you that your fillings and crowns will last forever, but they all have life spans, especially when your bite isn’t well adjusted or when you don’t take great care of your mouth. Fillings can chip and crack, causing pain when you chew on hearty foods. Crowns and bridges are cemented into place with a special cement or “glue” of sorts. Although this cement is very strong, it has limitations. Plaque and food acids are capable of breaking down the bond between the two materials and eventually separate, thus causing discomfort.
3. Decay
Although small cavities won’t necessarily give you any warning, bigger cavities that are getting close to the nerve canal in a tooth will definitely start to cause discomfort. Soft spots or holes in the tooth can definitely react to sugary foods, crunchy items or sudden changes in temperature.
4. Periodontal Disease
Although mostly symptom free in the early stages, periodontal disease can become painful if left untreated. When an infection process destroys the bone supporting teeth, chewing can cause one or more of them to actually move around in their sockets. This shifting can be really uncomfortable.
Contact a Dental Professional in St. Petersburg, FL
So the next question is, “How do I know which one of these issues is causing my teeth to hurt?” The answer can only come from a dental professional. If any of your teeth are not feeling comfortable, it’s very important to make an appointment with us as soon as possible. Rationalizing and waiting will almost always end in bigger problems.