What Is A Bruised Tooth?

Can you bruise a tooth? Absolutely. A bruised tooth can cause significant discomfort and sensitivity, and usually develops when excessive pressure overstretches or injures the tooth’s periodontal ligaments. Tooth ligaments act as shock absorbers, absorbing the force of your bite and protecting your teeth from damage. When exposed to too much pressure, the tooth becomes sprained and swollen. This condition is known as a bruised tooth or sprained tooth syndrome.

What Causes a Bruised Tooth?

• Excessive teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Clenching your jaw during stress
• Biting into something too hard
• Uneven dental fillings or restorations
• Sports injuries or physical trauma
• Bruising after wisdom teeth removal
• Oral infections or sinus issues
• Dental procedures like extractions or root canals

What Does a Bruised Tooth Feel Like?

The most common bruised tooth symptoms include:

• Dull or sharp pain in a single tooth
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Swollen or bruised gums
• Redness or bleeding in the gums
• Tenderness when chewing

Bruised Tooth vs. Dead Tooth – How to Tell the Difference

Bruised teeth often look pink. That’s a good thing, as it means the tooth is fighting hard to survive the trauma and heal the nerves. However, if the tooth turns gray, that’s a sign of potential tooth decay or infection. The tooth may be dying and requires emergency dental care. Treatment often requires a root canal followed by a dental crown.

How to Treat a Bruised Tooth?

If the damage to a bruised tooth is not severe, you can often get symptom relief at home by taking the following steps:

• Rest your tooth: Avoid chewing on the affected side.
• Use pain relievers like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Monitor your symptoms and avoid further irritation.

When to See a Dentist for a Bruised Tooth?

See your dentist as soon as possible if any of the following apply:

• Bruised tooth pain lasts more than a few days.
• The tooth shows any signs of discoloration or infection.
• You have bruised gums or bleeding that won’t stop.
• Chewing becomes painful and persistent.

Final Thoughts on Bruised Teeth

Bruised teeth are painful, but the tooth often heals with proper care. It’s important not to ignore bruised tooth symptoms or try to “tough out” the pain, as this can lead to long-term dental issues, including root canals. If you have a bruised tooth or bruised gums,

schedule an appointment

with your dentist to get the best treatment.

Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics

can help you keep white teeth and pink gums!