Molar pain can interfere with daily life, from eating and talking to just sitting upright. Molars, key for chewing and grinding food, are especially prone to causing pain because they’re located at the back of the mouth. If you’re wondering why your molar hurts, the first thing you should do is figure out what is causing it, so you can get the right treatment and avoid any complications.
Common Causes of Molar Pain
Tooth Decay and Cavities
Tooth decay is one of the most common culprits behind molar pain. Tooth enamel is eaten away by acids made by bacteria in the mouth, leaving cavities. Molars’ grooves can trap food particles and bacteria and are more prone to decay. A cavity might cause mild discomfort initially, then as it progresses, it will become very painful.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you have a molar that hurts when exposed to hot and cold food and drinks, your molar might be sensitive. It’s when that enamel wears down or the gums recede and expose the sensitive dentin underneath. Common triggers are acidic foods, brushing too hard, or even using teeth whitening products. Special toothpaste for sensitive teeth may help, or if sensitivity continues, see your dentist in Islamabad for a check up.
Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
Gum disease starts out as gingivitis which presents as red, swollen, bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can become periodontitis in which bacteria attacks the bones that support the teeth. Pain occurs in gum tissue that becomes inflamed and sensitive in perception. Bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth are symptoms.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism, or the habit of clenching and grinding your teeth, usually occurs at night, or as a result of stress. With time you can have the molars ground down to wear out until fractures, soreness, or an increase in sensitivity can happen. A mouthguard while you sleep can lessen the straining caused by grinding and lessen the pain from molars.
Other Causes Less Common of Molar Pain
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, often become impacted (that is, they don’t fully come through the gums). Wisdom teeth can become impacted, especially behind the molars, and the pressure it puts on those surrounding teeth causes pain, swelling, and even infections. If you feel molar pain at the back of your mouth for example with an eruption between the ages 17 and 25, well you may have an incoming wisdom tooth.
Abscessed Tooth
A painful infection that forms at the root of a tooth or between the tooth and gums, an abscess is. A severe decay, injury or an untreated cavity can allow bacteria to penetrate the tooth’s pulp and cause abscess to develop. The pain that results is usually sharp and throbbing and can even radiate to the ear, jaw or neck. It can cause swollen gums, a chronic bad taste, and a fever.
Misaligned Enamel
If you have a bad bite, or malocclusion, the uneven pressure is placed on some of your teeth, most likely on them molars. Pain is common when chewing and can occur from this. This may also increase the risk of tooth wear and sensitivity. Your bite can be evaluated by an orthodontist who can then recommend braces and aligners for the correction of alignment problems and relief of molar pain.
When to See a Dentist
Occasional pain from sensitivity or mild irritation of your molar teeth is nothing to worry about, but it’s a sign you need to seek a dentist in Karachi if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Pain lasting more than a few days.
- Redness around the affected tooth or gum.
- Fever or swollen lymph nodes.
- The inability to open your mouth or chew.
Good diagnosis and treatment early can prevent complications and keep your teeth healthy.
Treatment Options
Depending on the cause of the molar pain the appropriate treatment is required. Your dentist may suggest fillings or crowns, or other fixes for cavities. Fluoride treatments or special toothpaste may keep sensitivity under control. Also, if the issue is gum disease, then a deep cleaning, or antibiotics, may be necessary.
Preventing Molar Pain
Good oral hygiene prevents molar pain. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossed to get the debris and plaque. Habits to avoid stress molars are chewing ice or hard candies that can fracture. Regular checkups mean any problem such as decay, misalignment or gum disease will be spotted early.
Conclusion
Pain can arise from cavities, sensitivity or gum disease or misalignment between parts of the mouth and an erupted tooth. To get effective relief and stop the problem from continuing, you have to know what is causing your discomfort. Don’t forget to brush and floss daily and visit your dentist regularly to keep your molars, as well as the rest of your oral health, in tip top shape.
