Molar Toothache: What is behind the pain in your back teeth?

Molar toothache can be a frustrating experience, disrupting your daily life with discomfort in the back of your mouth. Molars are the large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth that help grind food. Unfortunately, they're also more prone to decay, gum disease and chipping. Let's explore the common causes, symptoms and remedies for molar toothache.

Understanding Molar Toothache: An Overview

Molar toothache refers to the discomfort or pain experienced in the back teeth, primarily used for grinding food. These pains can vary in intensity, ranging from mild to severe. They may be accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity and difficulty in chewing.

A toothache in the molars can stem from various dental conditions, including cavities, gum disease, or an impacted wisdom tooth. Understanding the nature of molar toothaches is the first step towards effective treatment and relief.

What are the common causes of pain in molar teeth?

1) Tooth Decay

Cavities are a frequent culprit behind molar toothaches. When bacteria break down the tooth enamel, they can reach the sensitive inner layers, causing pain. Molar teeth are prone to decay due to their unique anatomy and structure. With deep pits and fissures, these teeth easily trap food particles, making it challenging to remove sticky remnants from these crevices.

2) Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontitis, can affect the tissues surrounding your molars. Many people don't realise that it often begins with gingivitis, which shows up as red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, causing pain and even tooth loss and gum recession.

As gum recession occurs, the roots of molars become increasingly exposed, creating a perfect environment for plaque to accumulate in the crevices between the roots. Due to their location at the back of the mouth, reaching and effectively cleaning these areas with toothbrush bristles can pose a challenge. 

3) Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Sometimes, a molar can develop tiny cracks due to grinding, chewing hard foods or injury. These cracks can be hard to detect but can cause significant pain, especially when chewing.

4) Impacted Wisdom Teeth 

If your wisdom teeth haven't fully emerged, they can push against neighbouring molars, leading to discomfort or pain. This condition often requires dental intervention to prevent further issues. Wisdom teeth are particularly prone to issues due to their position, where food particles can easily get trapped, leading to bacterial infections.

When do I need to see a Dentist?

Recognising serious symptoms and visiting a dentist when experiencing persistent or severe molar toothache is crucial. Symptoms that require immediate attention include:

• Persistent, throbbing pain in the back teeth
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• Swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth

If the molar toothache lingers for more than a day or two, breathing or swallowing becomes challenging, or a noticeable chip or fracture appears on the tooth, seeking advice from a dentist is essential. Tooth extraction is often necessary when gum disease or an infected tooth causes severe dental problems, such as jaw pain or molar tooth pain.

By seeking early diagnosis, you can take proactive steps to prevent further complications. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relievers and home remedies for toothache, such as warm salt water rinses, can help ease the discomfort, giving you a sense of control over your dental health.

What are the treatment options for molar toothache?

Molar toothaches can result from various issues, each requiring specific treatments:

1. If you have cavities (tooth decay), treatments may include filling small cavities, crowns for larger ones, root canals for pulp involvement, or extraction for severely damaged teeth.

2. For gum disease (periodontitis), treatments can range from professional cleaning and antibiotics to surgery for severe cases.

3. If you have cracked tooth syndrome, options can include fillings, crowns, root canal treatment or extraction, depending on the severity of the crack.

4. In the case of impacted wisdom teeth, monitoring or extraction may be recommended based on symptoms and impact.

It’s a good idea to book a check-up with your dentist, as they can provide a thorough examination and suggest the best treatment options for your specific condition.

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What are the preventative measures to avoid future molar toothache?

Preventing molar toothache involves maintaining good oral hygiene such as brushing your teeth regularly, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Equally important are regular dental check-ups and cleanings, which play a vital role in identifying and treating problems early, providing you with a sense of reassurance and care for your dental health.

Limiting sugary foods and drinks, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and using a nightguard if you grind your teeth can further help prevent molar tooth pain. Grinding your teeth exacerbates problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing discomfort when you open your mouth widely. For long-term dental health, it's important to practice good dental hygiene and seek dental care promptly when needed. By adopting these habits, you can take responsibility for your dental health and empower yourself to avoid future toothache.

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References

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2. Newell DH. The diagnosis and treatment of molar furcation invasions. Dent Clin North Am. 1998 Apr;42(2):301-37. PMID: 9597339.
3. Punwutikorn J, Waikakul A, Ochareon P. Symptoms of unerupted mandibular third molars. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 1999 Mar;87(3):305-10. doi: 10.1016/s1079-2104(99)70213-1. PMID: 10102590.