Common Causes
Tooth Infection. Infection can be a cause of molar tooth pain. Infections usually start around a single tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding teeth, and even to parts of the airway, which can cause sinusitis.
Related Conditions
What causes swollen gums?
- Gingivitis. Gingivitis is the most common cause of swollen gums. ...
- Pregnancy. Swollen gums can also occur during pregnancy. ...
- Malnutrition. Being deficient in vitamins, especially vitamins B and C, can cause gum swelling. ...
- Infection. Infections caused by fungi and viruses can potentially cause swollen gums. ...
What causes pain in molar teeth?
Why Are My Gums Sore?
- Overview. Gum tissue is naturally soft and sensitive. ...
- Oral health conditions. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that’s fairly common. ...
- Causes in women. Hormonal changes, including those caused by some birth control pills and puberty, can have a variety of effects.
- Other causes. ...
- The bottom line. ...
Why is the gum behind my molar swollen?
Your teeth can hurt when you eat sweets such as:
- Hard candies. Candies that you suck can prove to be damaging for your teeth. ...
- Gummy or sticky sweets. Dried fruit, gummy bears, and honey glue to your teeth, which gives plenty of time for bacteria to grow.
- Carbonated beverages. These drinks have a high amount of sugar and are acidic in nature.
- Orange juice. ...
Why do I experience gum pain in back of mouth?
Why do my molars hurt when eating?
How do you relieve pain from molar gum?
How to Soothe Sore GumsRinse your mouth with warm salt water.Use only toothbrushes with soft or extra-soft bristles.Use over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), as directed.
What does it mean when your gums hurt around a tooth?
When gums swell around a single tooth in this way, it usually indicates an infection. This is called an abscessed tooth, and it can be very painful. If left untreated, it is possible for the infection to spread, leading to more serious dental problems.
How do you treat a swollen gum near a molar?
Home remedies for swollen gumsMix 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of lukewarm warm water.Rinse your mouth with this saltwater solution for 30 seconds.Spit it out; do not swallow it.Do this 2 to 3 times a day until the swelling goes away.
Why is my back molar gum inflamed?
The most common cause of inflammation is gum disease, but improper brushing or flossing, tobacco use, chemotherapy, hormone changes, and irritation from dental hardware can also play a role. With more than 50 percent of American adults experiencing early gum disease, inflamed gums are a common ailment.
How long does it take for an inflamed gum to heal?
Treatment Time for Gingivitis But for those with gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene, the average time it takes for gingivitis to go away is about 10 to 14 days after your treatment, along with proper oral healthcare.
Will a gum infection go away on its own?
An abscess in the gum is called a periodontal abscess. Dental abscesses are often painful, but not always. In either case, they should be looked at by a dentist. It's important to get help as soon as possible, as abscesses do not go away on their own.
When should I see a dentist for gum pain?
Your gums are bleeding and ache However, if the bleeding of your gums is excessive, recurring, and even leaves your gums aching – you've got some warning bells to pay attention to. These are some of the most common signs of gum disease.
What does pericoronitis look like?
The dentist will diagnose the condition by examining the wisdom teeth and checking for signs and the appearance of pericoronitis. The dentist will look to see if the gums are inflamed, red, swollen, or draining pus. They will also look to see if there is a gum flap in the affected area.
Is pericoronitis an emergency?
Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the soft tissue overlying a partially erupted tooth. Localized cases respond to irrigation. Secondary cellulitis can develop....Common Dental Emergencies.DiagnosisPericoronitisDefinitionInflamed gum over partially erupted toothPresentationPain, erythema, and swellingComplicationsCellulitis7 more columns•Feb 1, 2003
How can you tell the difference between tooth pain and gum pain?
A red, swollen, painful bump may be found near or on the side of the sore tooth. The tooth may especially hurt when you bite down. A tooth that has not broken through the gum (impacted tooth). Gums may be red, swollen, and sore.
What does a gum abscess look like?
What does a gum abscess look like? It may start as a shiny, reddened area of your gum tissue. As the abscess progresses, a tiny white or yellow dot may appear on your gums, gradually getting larger as the abscess fills with pus. Eventually, the abscess will resemble a pimple on the gum.
Is Listerine good for swollen gums?
LISTERINE® Antiseptic Mouthwash has the power to kill germs that can lead to inflamed gums and gum disease.
What are the symptoms of molar pain?
Symptoms of molar pain depend on the cause but can include: fever. headache. pain near your ear. pain when chewing. sensitivity to cold and hot foods and beverages. sharp pain.
Why do my molars hurt?
Sinus infection or sinusitis. You may feel pain in your upper molars because of a sinus infection. These molars are near your sinuses, and a sinus infection can cause head pressure that radiates to your molars.
What is an abscess in a tooth?
An abscess occurs when you develop an infection in your molar from untreated tooth decay. You may have an abscess near your molar’s root or the gumline. An abscess appears as a pocket of pus. You may develop a tooth abscess from a decaying tooth, an injured tooth, or after dental work.
How to stop molar pain?
You can prevent molar pain by practicing good dental hygiene and seeing a dentist regularly for check-ups.
Why does my second molar hurt?
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause throbbing pain behind your second molars under your gums. This occurs when wisdom teeth can’t break through the gum’s surface. Untreated impacted wisdom teeth can damage your mouth and surrounding teeth.
What causes a tooth to hurt when you chew?
Periodontitis. This gum infection can affect your molars and make chewing painful. It causes inflammation, damages the tissues in your gums, and wears away the bones near your teeth. It can result in tooth loss if left untreated and is even considered an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and diabetes.
How to take care of temperature sensitive teeth?
If your molars feel sensitive to these temperature changes for only a short amount of time, you can try a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth and only brush with up and down motions.
What causes gum pain?
Medications: Certain medications can cause enlargement of the gums which can lead to plaque buildup, irritation, pain, or bleeding. Calcium channel blockers, a common blood pressure medication, phenytoin (Dilantin) and cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant, may cause gum pain symptoms. Systemic conditions: Some chronic medical conditions ...
How to treat gum pain?
At-home treatments. The following remedies for gum pain can be tried at home. Brushing and flossing: Regular brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride and regular dental flossing are the best ways to prevent plaque buildup and dental infection.
Why do my gums hurt?
The most common cause of gum pain is inflammation of the gums or gingivitis . One of the most common causes of gingivitis is the buildup of bacteria (called plaque) on the teeth and gums leading to irritation and pain. Other causes of gingivitis include mechanical irritation, medications, nutritional deficiencies or other systemic illnesses.
Why do my gums swell?
Gum swelling, often accompanied by bleeding gums and tenderness-to-touch, is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, pregnancy, infections. Plaque and tartar around the teeth and gums often cause gum inflammation and there are plenty of home remedies. But you may need to see a dentist for more serious issues.
Why is it important to visit a dentist?
Regular dental visits: Regular visits to a dentist for hygiene are important for prevention of gingivitis, plaque buildup, and dental infections. Antibiotics: If a dental infection is causing gum pain, a doctor or dentist may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Why does my tooth pull hurt after a tooth extraction?
Dry socket (or postextraction alveolar osteitis) is a common cause of severe pain after a dental extraction (tooth pull). It's known to be related to how the extraction was done, menstrual cycle, tobacco smoking, age, sex, and whether you have had an extraction before.
Can you change your prescription for infected teeth?
Medications: If a doctor suspects gum irritation and pain due to medications, they may change your prescription . Do not stop or change your medications without consulting a doctor.
How to treat molar pain?
A few home treatments can help with molar tooth pain, such as the following. Toothpaste for sensitivity: If you experience molar tooth pain with brushing or with hot and cold foods, try using a toothpaste formulated for sensitivity. Ice or a compress: Try placing a cold compress on your cheek over the affected tooth.
Why do my upper molars hurt?
The upper molars are most likely to hurt since they are located close to the sinuses. Unlike other causes of tooth pain, which are restricted to the tooth affected by a particular process like a cavity, the pain associated with sinusitis will be felt in multiple teeth.
Why does my wisdom tooth hurt?
Infection. Molar tooth pain can also be caused by infections. Local infection: Inflammation of the gum over a wisdom tooth or the pulp of a tooth can progress to a bacterial infection. Spreading infection: Without proper treatment, a local infection can spread, causing extensive swelling and pain.
What is the pain of a tooth abscess?
It is due to bacterial infection. Top Symptoms: severe jaw or tooth pain, swollen jaw, jaw stiffness, tooth pain that gets worse with hot, cold, or sweet beverages, warm and red jaw swelling.
What causes TMJ pain on one side of face?
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction is often caused by a variety of factors, including daily habits, your teeth alignment, and even stress. It usually affects one side of the jaw, but in some people it can affect both sides. People with TMJ dysfunction will typically experience pain on one side of the face that is worse with chewing, yawning, or other movements of the jaw. With some simple changes in your daily habits and other at-home treatments, most people with TMJ dysfunction will experience relief of their symptoms within weeks.
Why do molar teeth crack?
Molar teeth are particularly prone to cavities because their location in the back of the mouth makes them difficult to clean effectively. Fracture: An acute injury, biting down on hard foods, or gradual damage over time can cause a crack to develop. This results in pain if the crack extends deep into the tooth.
What happens if you have a tooth infection?
In the most severe case where a tooth infection spreads through the mouth, fever, difficulty opening the mouth, and difficulty breathing will occur, requiring emergency treatment.
How to prevent gum inflammation?
The best way to prevent gum inflammation is to practice good oral hygiene by: brushing the teeth twice a day. flossing at least once a day. having a dental checkup once or twice a year. visiting the dentist if experiencing swollen gums or tooth pain. avoiding excess sugar to prevent plaque formation.
Why does my gum swell around my tooth?
Summary. A swollen gum around one tooth can occur for many reasons, including poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease. People should visit the dentist if the swelling persists for more than a week. An earlier appointment is necessary if a person suspects a tooth abscess.
What causes a tooth to be red and swollen?
Periapical abscesses usually occur due to decay or tooth fractures, and they affect the root of a tooth. Periodontal abscesses affect the gum. Both types may cause gum swelling and redness around a tooth. Other symptoms of a dental abscess include: an intense throbbing pain in the tooth or gum. pain that radiates to the ear, jaw, or neck.
What are the two types of dental abscesses?
The two types of dental abscess are periodontal and periapical. A dental abscess is a collection of pus that forms within a tooth or its surrounding structures as a result of a bacterial infection. Periapical abscesses usually occur due to decay or tooth fractures, and they affect the root of a tooth.
How to prevent gum swelling from tooth abscess?
In many cases, a person can prevent gum swelling by practicing good oral hygiene, which involves brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for routine checkups.
What is the medical term for gum disease?
Trusted Source. of people aged 30 years or older in the United States show signs of gum disease. The medical term for this is periodontal disease . Periodontal disease happens due to infection and inflammation of the gums that support and surround the teeth. These infections occur when a person has a buildup of plaque.
What happens if you don't remove food debris from your teeth?
Flossing and brushing usually remove this debris. If a person does not remove the debris, it can cause the gum around the tooth to swell. Over time, this may result in dental decay and gum disease.
Why do my gums get sore?
It’s an infection caused by plaque buildup that attacks the tissue and bones supporting your teeth. This causes your gums to recede and your teeth to become loose. While it usually develops slowly, periodontitis can also come on quickly. Its main symptom is gum soreness, and it can also cause: swollen gums.
Why do my gums hurt when I brush?
It’s possible you may feel more pain if you use a harsh mouthwash, especially one containing alcohol. Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes of sore gums.
How do you know if you have gingivitis?
Other symptoms of gingivitis include: receding gums. tender gums. bad breath. gums that look puffy. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, such as not flossing or brushing your teeth enough. While it’s not a serious condition, it can quickly progress into a more serious form of gum disease.
What causes soreness in the bottom of the mouth?
Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that’s fairly common. It causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of your gums, especially along the bottom of your teeth. Gingivitis can make your gums tear and bleed easily, causing soreness. Other symptoms of gingivitis include:
What happens to gums when you take birth control?
These changes can alter the way your body supplies blood to your gums . This makes your gum tissue more sensitive and vulnerable to damage and irritation.
How to treat periodontitis?
Treating periodontitis requires advanced forms of professional teeth cleaning called scaling and root planting. Both of these help to remove bacteria from under your gums. You’ll need to follow up with regular brushing and flossing to avoid another infection.
How to treat thrush on gums?
If they reach your gums, you might feel some soreness or irritation. Oral thrush is treated with antifungal medications. These usually come in several forms, including a pill, lozenge, and mouthwash.
What does it mean when your gums are red?
If you are experiencing redness, receding gum line, tenderness, pain, bleeding, pockets, inflammation around your implant there is likely a gum problem. These are the common symptoms of a gum problem around dental implants. Of course brushing it very well will help but if the gum is not healthy it likely needs to be surgically corrected.
Why are dental implants not teeth?
Because dental implants are not teeth they behave differently than natural teeth . Dental implants need extra thick gums. They also need as much gum as possible around them . This may be more important than the bone foundation!
Can gum grafts be done before implants?
So, a gum problem can be remedied by a gum graft if it’s done soon enough. Sometimes I do them before the implant. I actually add gum through some way. I can borrow gum from the inside and transfer it to the outside, or I can rotate some of the fat from our cheek and bring that in.
Is alloderm better for teeth?
It’s called AlloDerm. Those are other options, not quite as good. They’re better for teeth. Gum grafting around teeth is much easier, does not require as much technical expertise. Gum grafting around implants is definitely a very specialized methods, and techniques, and tunneling. We don’t always open the gum.