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Do you ever get a bad toothache when you lean over to pick something up or tie your laces?
A lot of people experience this, and it can be uncomfortable. In this article, we’ll look at why your teeth hurt when you bend over and what you can do to make it stop.
It’s important to figure out why it’s happening because it could signify a more serious dental problem.
If you don’t get it checked out, it could get worse. Knowing what causes the pain can also help you stop it from happening in the future.
If you want to know why it hurts when you bend over, it’s important to know that our bodies have a bunch of air-filled spaces, such as our sinuses.
When we move too fast, like when we stand up or lean over, it creates a pressure change in those cavities.
That can push on the roots of our teeth, which are close to our sinuses and hurt them.
There could be other reasons why it hurts when you bend over too, and we’ll look into those more later.
Causes of Teeth Pain When Bending Over:
Pressure Changes in the Sinuses and Teeth Roots:
Have you ever had a sudden sharp pain in your teeth when you bend over? It might be because of the shifting pressure in your sinuses and teeth roots.
When you bend over, the pressure in your sinuses alters, leading to discomfort and pain in your teeth. That’s because the sinus membrane is attached to the tops of your teeth.
Usually, the pain from this kind of pressure shift is temporary and goes away when you stand up.
But if the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, it could mean you have sinusitis or a sinus infection, so you should see a dentist.
Tooth Decay and Cavities:
When you bend your body, the sensation of sharp pain in your tooth can be caused by tooth decay or cavities.
Bacteria that create acid can erode your tooth enamel and result in cavities and unbearable pain.
To avoid this, cleaning your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly is suggested to eliminate plaque bacteria.
That way, you won’t experience any pain when you bend over!
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder:
If you bend your head and neck forward a lot, it could cause pain in your teeth and jaw. It might be a sign of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
That’s when the joints that attach your jawbone to your skullbone are affected.
Then it’s not just your jaw and teeth that hurt, but they can be particularly painful when you open your mouth wide or move your jaw.
Bending over adds pressure to the already sensitive TMJ joint, which can lead to tooth pain.
Other symptoms of TMJ disorder include clicking or popping sounds when you chew, headaches and difficulty opening and closing your mouth. If you think you have it, go and see a dentist.
They’ll be able to tell you if it’s TMJ and suggest treatments like physical therapy exercises to ease the pain.
Remedies for Teeth Pain When Bending Over:
Bending over and having tooth pain can be majorly annoying and stop you from doing what you want.
Luckily, there are some ways you can get rid of the pain. Check out some of the best methods to remove that pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers:
Take some ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve your toothache pain.
These drugs help reduce swelling and stop the pain from getting to your brain so that you can get some relief. Just ensure you don’t take more than the maximum dose daily.
If you have any health issues, are pregnant, or are taking other meds, you should check with a dentist before taking them.
Sinus medication to relieve pressure:
If your teeth hurt when you bend over, it might be because of sinus pressure changes. Taking sinus meds could help ease the pain.
You can get over-the-counter nasal decongestants or saline sprays to reduce swelling and open up your nasal passages so that air and fluid can move more freely.
If that doesn’t work, you might need something stronger from the dentist. Whatever you do, follow your dentist’s instructions when taking stronger meds.
Dental treatments such as fillings or root canals:
When bending over, you might experience tooth pain, a sign of tooth decay or cavities.
In that case, you might need a dental filling to fix the problem. You’ll need a root canal if the infection has gotten to the nerve.
If there’s no other option, you should get it extracted. Going to the dentist regularly is important to catch any potential dental issues before they worsen.
TMJ exercises or Physical therapy:
If you’re having pain when you bend over that could be related to TMJ disorder, some exercises and physical therapy could provide relief.
Like, jaw strengthening exercises can help line up the jaw better and reduce pain.
Physical therapy could also loosen up the muscles in the jaw area.
Before starting any new exercise or physical therapy, talking to a healthcare professional or therapist is important. They can give tips on doing it correctly and ensure you don’t worsen it.
I found an awesome video about TMJ exercises. It’s by Dr. Jo, who explains the TMJ exercises in detail – be sure to check it out and follow the instructions closely to get the best results.
Prevention Tips for Teeth Pain When Bending Over:
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene Habits:
If you don’t want your teeth to hurt when you bend over, you must look after your oral health.
That means brushing twice daily for at least two minutes each time and flossing at least once daily.
Brushing and flossing removes plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease and other dental issues.
When brushing, use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Change your toothbrush every three months or if the bristles become frayed or worn.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too – it helps eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Visiting a Dentist for Routine Check-Ups and Cleanings:
Going to your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings is a good idea. Your dentist can spot any early dental issues before they become worse.
During a cleaning, the hygienist will remove plaque you can’t release with brushing alone.
Your dentist might also want to take X-rays to see if any issues can’t be seen during a regular exam.
Detecting multiple cavities or gum disease early can help ensure they don’t become bigger problems like an infection or abscess.
Avoiding Sugary Foods and Drinks:
If you’re feeling pain in your teeth when you bend down, it’s important to take steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Make sure to brush and floss, go to the dentist regularly, and avoid eating too much sugary food and drinks.
Sugar gives bacteria food to make acid which wears out the enamel on our teeth and causes decay. Instead of sugary sodas or sports drinks, drink water or unsweetened tea.
And if you do indulge in a sugary treat, brush your teeth afterward or rinse with water to get rid of the sugar. Preventive measures can help you keep your teeth healthy and pain-free for years.
