Aching in your bottom teeth can be disruptive. This discomfort often signals an underlying issue. Understanding its causes is key to finding relief and maintaining oral health.
Common Dental Causes
Tooth decay, commonly known as cavities, is a common cause of lower tooth pain. Bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the tooth’s outer layer, the enamel. This erosion eventually reaches sensitive inner layers where nerves reside, leading to pain, especially when biting down or consuming sweet, hot, or cold items.
Gum disease, including gingivitis and its more advanced form, periodontitis, can also cause lower tooth pain. Inflammation and infection of the gums can make them swollen and tender. As the disease progresses, it can expose sensitive tooth roots, leading to aching and sensitivity. Sensitivity occurs when enamel wears down or gums recede, exposing dentin, which contains microscopic tubules connected to the tooth’s nerves. This can cause sharp, sudden pain when teeth encounter temperature changes or certain foods.
Teeth grinding or clenching, medically termed bruxism, places excessive force on the teeth and jaw. This repeated pressure can wear down tooth enamel and strain jaw muscles. It often results in a dull ache or throbbing pain, felt in the lower teeth and jaw. Bruxism can occur unconsciously, even during sleep, and can lead to weakened teeth.
Other Oral Health Issues
Impacted wisdom teeth, particularly lower ones, can cause pain. When these molars do not have sufficient space to erupt properly, they can cause pressure, inflammation, and pain in the back of the jaw and adjacent teeth.
A dental abscess, a pus pocket from bacterial infection, causes severe, throbbing pain. It forms at the tooth’s root or in surrounding gum tissue, often from untreated decay or a cracked tooth. An abscess can cause swelling and sensitivity when biting down.
A cracked or fractured tooth, even with a hairline crack, can cause pain when chewing or with temperature changes. The crack allows bacteria to reach the sensitive inner pulp.
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull, can cause pain in the lower teeth. Issues with this joint can cause discomfort that radiates to the jaw, face, and even the lower teeth. This is often accompanied by clicking or difficulty opening the mouth.
Pain From Beyond the Mouth
Sometimes, aching in the lower teeth originates from areas outside the mouth, a phenomenon known as referred pain.
Sinusitis, an inflammation or infection of the sinuses, can cause pressure felt in the teeth. This pain is often in upper molars, but sometimes radiates to the lower jaw and teeth. This occurs because the roots of some teeth are close to the sinus cavities.
Ear infections can lead to referred pain in the jaw and lower teeth due to shared nerve pathways. While less common, discomfort from an ear infection might extend to the oral region.
In rare instances, lower jaw pain, especially on the left side, can be a symptom of a heart attack or angina. This type of pain is usually accompanied by other symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or sweating, and requires immediate medical attention.
Knowing When to See a Dentist
Persistent lower tooth pain warrants professional evaluation. If aching lasts over a day or two, or is severe, throbbing, or interferes with daily activities, a dental visit is necessary.
Other symptoms prompting a dental visit include visible swelling in the face or jaw, fever, difficulty opening the mouth, a bad taste, or signs of decay or damage. Early attention prevents worsening complications.
Temporary Relief and Prevention
While waiting for a dental appointment, temporary relief measures include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Applying a cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling and numb pain.
- Rinsing with warm salt water to reduce inflammation.
- Avoiding very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.
Long-term prevention focuses on consistent oral hygiene. Brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day helps remove plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important for early detection and treatment. For individuals who grind their teeth, a custom-fitted nightguard can protect teeth from excessive force.