Experiencing molar tooth pain when biting down is a common dental concern. This discomfort can manifest as a dull ache or a sharp, sudden sensation, signaling an underlying issue. Understanding the potential reasons behind this pain is key to finding relief and maintaining good oral health.
Common Reasons for Molar Pain
Dental caries, or cavities, are a frequent source of pain when pressure is applied to a molar. As decay progresses, it creates holes in the tooth enamel, exposing sensitive inner layers. When biting down, pressure on this weakened area can lead to discomfort, which can worsen if the decay reaches the tooth’s nerve.
Cracked tooth syndrome involves tiny cracks in the tooth that cause pain. These fractures can result from biting on hard foods, trauma, or teeth grinding, leading to sharp pain when biting down or releasing pressure. The discomfort might be intermittent, occurring only when biting in a specific way or on certain foods.
Bruxism, the habit of grinding or clenching teeth, puts excessive force on the molars and jaw muscles. This constant stress can lead to tooth sensitivity, muscle soreness, and pain, especially when biting down. Bruxism can also wear down tooth enamel.
Gum disease, particularly in its advanced stage known as periodontitis, can also contribute to molar pain when chewing. Inflammation and infection of the gums can affect the supporting structures of the teeth, potentially leading to loose teeth and discomfort when biting. The pressure from chewing can be particularly painful as the infection worsens and gums recede, exposing sensitive tooth roots.
Tooth sensitivity occurs when enamel is worn away or gum recession exposes the underlying dentin. This exposure makes the tooth’s nerve endings vulnerable, causing pain when pressure is applied, such as during biting, or when exposed to hot, cold, or acidic stimuli.
Other Potential Causes
A dental abscess, a severe infection at the tooth’s root or in the surrounding gum tissue, can cause intense throbbing pain, especially when biting. Pressure from chewing exacerbates the discomfort due to the inflamed area and collection of pus. This condition can arise from untreated cavities, gum disease, or tooth trauma.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders involve issues with the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles. These disorders can cause pain that refers to the molars. Symptoms often include jaw pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty opening the mouth fully.
Sinusitis, an inflammation or infection of the maxillary sinuses located above the upper molars, can also cause referred pain. Pressure from inflamed sinuses can mimic tooth pain in the upper molars, even when no dental issue is present. This pain is typically felt in the molars or premolars, but not the lower teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth, which are third molars that do not fully emerge, can cause pressure and pain. As these teeth attempt to erupt, they can push against adjacent molars, leading to discomfort, especially when biting or clenching.
When to See a Dentist
Seek dental evaluation when experiencing persistent molar pain. If discomfort lasts more than a day or two, or worsens over time, a dental visit is warranted. Early intervention can prevent more extensive treatments.
Severe, sharp, or debilitating pain, particularly when biting down, indicates prompt dental attention. Symptoms such as swelling in the face or gums, or a fever accompanying the tooth pain, could signal a serious infection like an abscess, requiring urgent care. Difficulty chewing or fully opening the mouth also suggest serious underlying issues. A dentist performs a thorough examination, takes X-rays, and may conduct sensitivity tests to pinpoint the cause.
Dental Solutions for Molar Pain
For pain caused by cavities, dental fillings restore the tooth’s structure and eliminate sensitivity. If a tooth has extensive decay or a significant crack, a dental crown might be recommended. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing protection and restoring its function.
When deep decay or infection reaches the tooth’s pulp, a root canal treatment becomes necessary. This procedure involves removing infected tissue, cleaning the canals, and sealing them to save the tooth. If a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be the only option.
For pain due to bruxism, dentists often prescribe nightguards or splints. These custom-fitted oral appliances protect teeth from grinding and clenching, reducing tooth wear and jaw pain. Treating gum disease involves professional cleanings like scaling and root planing, which remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline to reduce inflammation and infection.
When molar pain is referred from conditions like TMJ disorders or sinusitis, treatment focuses on addressing the primary condition. This might involve physical therapy, medication, or specific dental adjustments for TMJ, and medical treatment for sinus infections. Addressing these underlying issues helps alleviate associated molar discomfort.