Any part of the body can sustain a bruise. While most are visible, some are not so obvious. The teeth are an area that can be bruised without any outward signs but can lead to toothaches and other complications. The following guide explores this condition to help you recognize this uncommon dental issue. 

Causes

Ligaments are connective tissue found throughout the body, including the teeth. They keep teeth in their sockets and function as shock absorbers that protect against everyday impacts, such as biting into crunchy food. 

As with skin bruises, tooth bruises occur because of trauma. They can appear following any mouth injury, including sports and auto injuries. Tooth bruising can also happen after biting into hard foods like candy, clenching or grinding the teeth, and biting the nails. Using teeth for non-chewing purposes, like opening a package, can also traumatize tooth ligaments. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of bruised teeth include discoloration since trauma can make teeth appear pink or gray. A pink hue indicates that a tooth is trying to heal the affected nerves, though it can also be a sign of root reabsorption, with the tooth eventually falling out. A gray hue generally signals dead tooth pulp, the part of the tooth containing blood vessels and nerves. Dead pulp increases the chance of decay and infection. 

Other bruise symptoms include a lingering toothache and gum inflammation, sensitivity, bleeding, and redness in reaction to the trauma. 

Treatment 

Over-the-counter pain medication provides relief from bruising-related toothaches. It also helps to eat soft and liquidized foods only, as crunchy, hard, and sticky foods cause further pressure and pain. Rest as much as possible since resting is part of any healing process. If your bruised teeth are due to bruxism or teeth grinding, consider getting a custom nightguard from your dentist. Nightguards provide barriers that prevent fractures and wear from grinding pressure. 

In the case of severe bruising, a root canal might be necessary to save the tooth from extraction. Root canal procedures remove tooth pulp and seal the resulting canal with a dental filling. 

If you suspect you have a bruised tooth, visit Gregory Sy, DDS, & Associates in Lorain, OH. Providing treatment for toothaches and bruised teeth, this professional team at this full-service dental practice always takes time to get to know its patients. Visit the website for a complete list of services, or call (440) 282-9550 to make an appointment.