When you suffer from a toothache as a result of eating, then it simply means that there is some sort of irritation in the tooth or around the tooth caused by either pressure, heat or food. The pain could either be brief or sharp enough to make it difficult for you to enjoy eating. We at Dental Avenue have treated a number of patients that have experienced pain in their teeth whenever they are eating or drinking food which is hot or cold.
Toothache when eating could mean that you have a tooth cavity, a fractured tooth, wearing down of enamel, gum disease, loose filling or tooth infection.
Common Reasons Your Tooth Hurts When Eating
There are several causes of toothache while eating. Some of them are described below.
Tooth Decay
Another common issue that can cause tooth pain is tooth decay.
As the decay gets closer to the tooth nerves, eating certain foods like hot or sweet can result in discomfort. If caught at an early stage, Dental Fillings can help fix the damage done to the tooth.
Tooth Sensitivity
Many people suffer from tooth sensitivity and it can occur during eating, when eating ice cream, coffee, or other acidic foods.
It usually happens due to wear and tear of enamel or the recession of gums which makes the sensitive dentin layer accessible to outside factors.
There are special types of toothpaste available that can help in case of tooth sensitivity, although seeing a dentist would still be beneficial.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Although there are no visible cracks, eating may result in pain when pressure is put on the tooth. If you experience pain while biting, there may be a crack on the tooth.
Depending on how severe the crack is, Dental Crowns may be needed to reinforce the tooth.
Loose or Damaged Filling
After some time, fillings tend to break off, crack, or simply loosen.
As a consequence, you may feel tooth pain when chewing, since bacteria and food particles will get into the damaged place.
Replacements should be made at an early stage in order to avoid any future complications.
Infection Inside the Tooth
If bacteria enter inside the tooth, the infection can cause constant pain, which only becomes more intense while eating.
The following symptoms may indicate the presence of infection:
- Swelling around the tooth
- Hot and cold sensitivity
- Throbbing pain
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
In most cases, Root Canal Treatment will be able to eliminate the infection and save your tooth.
Gum Disease
Sometimes the tooth itself is not the issue.
Inflamed or infected gums may be responsible for pain during eating of hard foods.
Professional cleaning can help prevent the progression of gum disease.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Some tooth pain disappears within a day or two, but ongoing discomfort should never be ignored.
Visit a dentist if you notice:
- Pain that lasts for more than two days
- Swelling around the tooth or gums
- Severe pain while biting or chewing
- Sensitivity that keeps getting worse
- A broken or cracked tooth
- Bleeding gums along with tooth pain
If the pain is sudden and severe, don't wait. Contact an Emergency Dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
How Is Tooth Pain Treated?
The right treatment depends on the cause of your pain.
Your dentist may recommend:
- Dental Fillings for cavities
- Dental Crowns for cracked or weakened teeth
- Root Canal Treatment for infected teeth
- Tooth Extraction if the tooth cannot be saved
- Dental Implants to replace a missing tooth
- Cosmetic Dentistry if worn or damaged teeth need functional and aesthetic restoration
An early diagnosis usually means simpler treatment and a better outcome.
Can Tooth Pain Be Prevented?
Yes. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can significantly reduce your risk of developing tooth problems.
Simple habits include:
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss daily.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks.
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a check-up.
Taking care of small dental issues early can help you avoid painful and expensive treatments later.
Why Choose Dental Avenue?
We, at Dental Avenue, are of the belief that all patients should be offered a comfortable and customized experience for their dental issues. Our skilled professionals employ the use of latest technological advances to determine the root cause of your toothache and offer you the best possible treatment.
From basic fillings, Root Canal Treatment, Dental Crowns to services of an Emergency Dentist we have it all!
Final Thoughts
Don’t take any chances with your oral health. Tooth hurts when eating usually indicates that there may be some issues in your mouth, and dealing with them sooner than later can save your natural tooth and eliminate the need for further treatment.
When you have tooth pain when chewing, or tooth pain while biting down, or other types of tooth sensitivity while eating, you need to make an appointment at Dental Avenue. We’re always ready to help you out!