Teeth naturally undergo subtle movements throughout life. While this shifting is often a normal part of aging, it can also lead to discomfort or pain. Understanding why teeth move and how this causes pain is important for oral health. This article covers common reasons for shifting, how it causes pain, concerning symptoms, and steps for relief and treatment.
Reasons Teeth Move
Teeth can shift for various reasons. As individuals age, natural changes in the jawbone and surrounding structures can lead to gradual tooth movement. Daily activities like eating and talking also contribute to minor shifts.
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth into new positions. However, after braces or aligners are removed, teeth can try to return to their original alignment, a process known as relapse, especially if retainers are not worn as prescribed. The elastic memory of periodontal ligaments, which connect teeth to the jawbone, contributes to this tendency.
Tooth loss creates gaps, allowing adjacent teeth to drift into empty spaces, disrupting dental alignment. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, causes inflammation and bone loss around teeth, weakening their support and causing movement. The eruption of wisdom teeth can exert pressure on neighboring teeth, potentially causing them to shift if there isn’t enough space. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, applies excessive force that can wear down teeth and contribute to their movement.
How Shifting Causes Pain
Teeth shifting can cause pain through several mechanisms. Each tooth is anchored by the periodontal ligament (PDL), a network of fibers containing nerve endings. Pressure or bone changes from shifting can irritate these ligaments and surrounding nerves, leading to discomfort.
Tooth movement can also involve inflammation. This process releases chemicals that sensitize nerve endings, contributing to pain. Rapid or substantial shifting might directly irritate or compress nearby nerves.
Changes in tooth position can alter how upper and lower teeth meet, leading to an uneven bite. This altered bite can strain jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), resulting in localized jaw pain, muscle tension, or headaches. If shifting causes gum recession or exposes root surfaces, the underlying dentin can become sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure. Pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, throbbing sensations.
Recognizing Concerning Pain
It is important to distinguish between mild discomfort and a more serious issue. Mild, temporary soreness is common, especially after orthodontic adjustments, and typically subsides within a few days.
However, certain signs indicate a need for professional dental evaluation. Severe or worsening pain lasting longer than two days requires a dental visit. Pain accompanied by swelling in the face or jaw, redness, or pus suggests a possible infection needing immediate attention.
Difficulty chewing, pain when biting, or a noticeable change in how teeth fit together can also be concerning. Other signs include pain radiating to the ear, head, or neck, clicking or popping sounds from the jaw, or visible tooth damage like cracks or significant gum recession. Loose teeth are a significant indicator of underlying issues, often linked to gum disease.
What to Do About Pain
For mild discomfort, several at-home remedies can provide temporary relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Rinsing with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and clean the mouth. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek can also alleviate pain and swelling.
Eating soft foods can reduce pressure on sensitive teeth and gums. Avoid hard or chewy foods that might worsen pain or strain teeth.
If pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek professional dental care. A dentist can diagnose the underlying cause of the shifting and pain through a clinical examination and X-rays. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve orthodontic adjustments, a nightguard for bruxism, gum disease treatment, or dental restorations like fillings or crowns. In some cases, tooth extraction or root canal procedures may be necessary to address severe issues.