A single tooth experiencing discomfort when you walk can be unsettling. While movement might seem unrelated to tooth pain, this symptom can indicate various underlying issues within or near the oral cavity. Understanding the potential origins of this specific type of pain can help clarify why such an action might trigger discomfort.
Dental Causes of Pain When Walking
A cracked tooth can cause pain when walking due to the jarring motion affecting microscopic fractures. These tiny cracks can extend into the dentin or even reach the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the tooth experiences pressure, such as from the impact of walking, the crack can flex, irritating the sensitive tissues inside. This irritation can manifest as a sharp, fleeting pain or a dull ache that intensifies with movement.
Deep tooth decay, or cavities, can also lead to pain exacerbated by movement. As decay progresses, it erodes the protective layers of enamel and dentin, exposing the sensitive pulp. The pressure changes within the tooth or the slight movement of fluids in the exposed tubules during walking can stimulate the inflamed pulp, causing discomfort. This pain often presents as sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, but can also be triggered by pressure or jarring motions.
Pulpitis, inflammation of the tooth’s innermost pulp, can cause a throbbing or aching pain that might worsen with physical activity. When the pulp becomes inflamed, often due to deep decay or trauma, pressure builds within the tooth. Increased blood flow to the head during walking can intensify this internal pressure, leading to a more pronounced sensation in the affected tooth. This heightened sensitivity to pressure changes is a hallmark of pulpitis.
An abscess, a localized collection of pus at the root tip due to a bacterial infection, can also result in pain aggravated by walking. The infection causes swelling and inflammation in the bone around the tooth’s root. The pressure from this swelling can be intensified by the jarring motion of walking, making the tooth feel tender or elevated. This pain is often constant and severe, and movement can exacerbate the pressure on the inflamed tissues.
Chronic teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, can contribute to tooth pain that feels sharper with movement. Constant grinding puts excessive stress on the teeth, their supporting ligaments, and the surrounding bone. This repetitive stress can lead to soreness or tenderness in one or more teeth, which might become more noticeable when subjected to the jarring forces of walking. The ligaments holding the tooth in its socket can become inflamed, making the tooth sensitive to any pressure or motion.
Non-Dental Causes of Pain When Walking
Inflammation or infection in the maxillary sinuses can be a source of perceived tooth pain, especially in the upper back teeth. The maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities located directly above the roots of some upper teeth. When these sinuses become inflamed, such as during sinusitis, pressure builds within them. This pressure can then be transferred to the roots of the upper teeth, causing a dull ache or sensitivity that feels like a toothache. The jarring motion of walking or changes in head position can shift the fluid and pressure within the sinuses, intensifying this pain.
Referred pain, where discomfort is felt in a location different from its actual source, can sometimes manifest as tooth pain. Issues in adjacent structures like the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or even ear infections can occasionally radiate pain to the teeth. However, the direct mechanical link between movement and pain in these cases is less pronounced than with sinus pressure. The body’s intricate nerve pathways can sometimes misinterpret the origin of discomfort.
When to Seek Professional Dental Care
Any persistent tooth pain, particularly if it worsens or does not resolve on its own, warrants a professional dental evaluation. Self-diagnosis can be misleading, and delaying treatment might allow underlying issues to progress. A dentist can accurately pinpoint the source of the discomfort, whether it originates from dental structures or other areas.
You should seek dental attention immediately if the tooth pain is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include:
Swelling in the gums or face
A fever
Pus drainage
Severe sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
Pain that is intense enough to disrupt sleep or interfere with eating and speaking also indicates a need for prompt professional care. These additional symptoms often point to more serious conditions like infections that require timely intervention.
What to Expect at the Dentist
Upon visiting the dentist for tooth pain, a thorough examination will be conducted to assess the affected area. This typically involves a visual inspection of the tooth and surrounding gums, gentle probing to check for tenderness or mobility, and an assessment of your bite. The dentist will also ask about the nature of the pain, including when it started, its intensity, and what makes it better or worse. This initial assessment helps narrow down potential causes.
Several diagnostic tests are commonly performed to identify the exact source of the pain.
Dental X-rays are frequently taken to visualize the tooth roots, bone, and surrounding structures, helping to detect decay, infections, or hidden cracks.
The dentist may also perform percussion tests by gently tapping the tooth to check for sensitivity.
Temperature tests using cold or hot stimuli gauge the tooth’s response.
Biting tests, using a specific instrument, can help identify pain caused by cracks or issues with the tooth’s biting surface.
Once a diagnosis is established, the dentist will discuss the findings and recommend appropriate treatment options. Depending on the cause, solutions might range from a simple filling for decay, a root canal procedure for pulp inflammation or infection, or in some cases, tooth extraction. If the pain is determined to be non-dental, such as from sinusitis, the dentist may refer you to a medical doctor for further evaluation and management.