Discomfort in the upper back teeth is a common concern, ranging from a mild ache to significant pain. While often associated with dental problems, its origins can be diverse, sometimes stemming from issues beyond the teeth themselves.
Common Dental Causes
Tooth decay, or cavities, frequently causes pain in the upper back teeth. As decay progresses, it erodes enamel and can reach the tooth’s inner pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. This leads to sensitivity or sharp pain, especially when exposed to hot, cold, or sweet substances.
Gum disease can also contribute to discomfort. Inflammation or infection of the gums and supporting structures around the teeth can cause a throbbing or aching sensation. When gums recede due to disease, sensitive root surfaces may become exposed, leading to pain.
Cracked or fractured teeth often cause pain when chewing or releasing biting pressure. These cracks, which can be microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, allow external stimuli to irritate the tooth’s inner layers. Such pain might be inconsistent, making it challenging to identify the exact affected tooth.
A dental abscess, a bacterial infection within the tooth or gums, commonly results in severe, throbbing pain. It is often accompanied by swelling, fever, or a foul taste. This infection occurs when bacteria enter the tooth’s pulp, typically due to deep cavities or cracks.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, pressure, and inflammation as they attempt to erupt but lack sufficient space. This can lead to localized discomfort and swelling in the surrounding gum tissue.
Bruxism, the grinding or clenching of teeth, can also cause pain in the upper back teeth. This action can wear down enamel, increase sensitivity, and strain jaw muscles, resulting in tooth pain, jaw soreness, and headaches.
Sinus-Related Pain
Pain in the upper back teeth can originate from issues within the maxillary sinuses, air-filled cavities located directly above the upper jawline. The roots of the upper molars are positioned very close to these sinuses. Inflammation or infection within the sinuses can therefore be perceived as tooth pain.
Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinus lining, causes pressure buildup that irritates the nerves of the nearby teeth, leading to referred pain. This pain is often accompanied by nasal congestion, pressure around the eyes or forehead, and post-nasal drip. The discomfort may intensify when bending over, jumping, or with changes in head position, due to shifts in sinus pressure.
Distinguishing between sinus-related tooth pain and true dental pain can be challenging. Sinus pain typically affects multiple upper teeth and may feel more like a constant ache or pressure. Dental pain is often localized to one tooth and might be triggered by specific actions like biting or exposure to temperature extremes. If nasal symptoms are present, a sinus issue is more probable.
Other Potential Sources of Discomfort
Beyond common dental and sinus issues, other conditions can cause pain that feels like it’s originating from the upper back teeth. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, affecting the hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull, can lead to referred pain. Issues with this joint can cause discomfort in the jaw, face, and head, and sometimes radiate downward to the teeth. TMJ-related pain might be accompanied by clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, or difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
Pain from other areas can occasionally be perceived in the teeth, a phenomenon known as referred pain. For instance, ear infections can sometimes cause discomfort that radiates to the jaw and teeth. Nerve issues, such as trigeminal neuralgia, can also present as severe, sharp, shooting facial pain, often described as an electric shock, which can affect the teeth, jaw, or cheek, typically on one side of the face. This type of pain occurs in bursts and can be triggered by light touch or everyday actions like chewing or talking.
Neuropathic pain, arising from nerve damage or dysfunction, can also result in persistent discomfort in the teeth without an identifiable dental cause. This might manifest as a constant throbbing or aching sensation, sometimes referred to as atypical odontalgia or phantom tooth pain, and can occur after dental procedures. Though rare, pain from heart conditions can sometimes radiate to the upper body, including the jaw and teeth.
When to Seek Professional Care
Any persistent or worsening pain in the upper back teeth warrants professional evaluation. If the discomfort does not resolve within a day or two, or if it intensifies, consulting a dentist is advisable. Pain that prevents sleep or interferes with daily activities also signals a need for prompt attention.
Certain accompanying symptoms are red flags indicating a more urgent need for care. These include swelling in the face or gums, a fever, difficulty opening the mouth, a foul taste in the mouth, or the presence of pus. Pain that develops after any trauma or injury to the mouth or face should also be assessed immediately.
A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of tooth pain, whether it originates from dental, sinus, or other sources. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from escalating into more complex or severe problems.