The pain you feel when chewing gum, especially on a specific tooth, is often due to a bacterial infection. This infection, originating from the pulp of your tooth, can spread to surrounding tissues.
Dental Abscess and Pain
A dental abscess is a common reason for tooth pain intensified by chewing. Here’s a breakdown:
- Bacterial Infection: Bacteria invade the tooth's pulp, the soft inner part containing nerves and blood vessels.
- Spread of Infection: This infection can then spread beyond the pulp to the surrounding bone and tissue.
- Pain and Inflammation: The infection causes inflammation, which puts pressure on the surrounding structures. This pressure is what leads to the throbbing pain.
- Referred Pain: The pain may not just be localized to the tooth; it can radiate to your ear, jaw, or neck.
- Chewing Amplifies Pain: Biting down, including chewing gum, adds pressure to the already inflamed area, making the pain worse.
What Happens When Chewing Gum?
The act of chewing gum or biting down increases the pressure on an infected tooth and the surrounding area, which includes the affected tissues. Here's why that leads to pain:
- Increased pressure on the inflamed tissues around the tooth.
- Agitation of the infected area.
- Stimulation of pain receptors.
What To Do About Tooth Pain
If chewing gum is causing you pain, it's essential to see a dentist to diagnose and treat any infection. You might need treatments, such as:
- Root canal to remove the infection from the tooth's pulp.
- Antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection.
- Drainage of the abscess.
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Throbbing Tooth Pain | Dental Abscess/Infection |
| Pain with Chewing | Increased Pressure on Inflamed Area |
| Radiating Pain to Ear/Jaw | Nerve Involvement |
Don’t ignore persistent tooth pain, particularly if it's worsened by chewing. Early treatment can help prevent complications and relieve your discomfort.
