Why does it feel more comfortable the more I poke the painful gap between my teeth?

Under normal circumstances, the sensation of increasing comfort when poking a painful space between teeth may be caused by factors such as tooth cleaning response, food impaction, dental caries, apical periodontitis, or pulpitis. Management can include general care or medication under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Tooth Cleaning Response

If food debris or bacteria accumulate in the gap between teeth during tooth pain, they may irritate the gums and periodontal tissues. Gently poking the area may stimulate saliva secretion, helping to remove these irritants and temporarily relieve discomfort. Regular use of dental floss or interdental brushes, along with maintaining good oral hygiene habits, is recommended.

2. Food Impaction

During eating, food debris may become lodged between teeth, causing pressure and irritation to surrounding tissues, resulting in pain. When tools like toothpicks are used to dislodge the trapped food, this pressure and irritation are relieved, leading to temporary pain reduction. No specific treatment is required, but it's important to maintain good oral hygiene, such as rinsing the mouth promptly after meals.

3. Dental Caries

Dental caries result from pathological changes in tooth hard tissue due to bacteria and other factors. When decay reaches the dental nerve, severe pain may occur. Poking the affected area might temporarily alter pressure within the cavity, creating a sensation of relief. Symptoms may include increased sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli and worsening pain. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as colchicine tablets, artificial bezoar metronidazole capsules, or azithromycin tablets.

4. Apical Periodontitis

Apical periodontitis is typically an inflammatory condition caused by infection, chemical irritation, trauma, or other factors, often leading to swelling and pain around the root tip. Poking the tooth gap may temporarily change local pressure, providing momentary relief. Common accompanying symptoms include pain upon biting and spontaneous pain. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as cefradine capsules, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or metronidazole tablets.

5. Pulpitis

Pulpitis is inflammation of the dental pulp—the inner nerve and blood vessel tissue—usually due to infection, which may cause pain between teeth. Light stimulation of the gap may temporarily suppress pain signal transmission, thus producing the described sensation. Other symptoms may include tooth sensitivity and intensified nighttime pain. Treatment should follow a doctor’s recommendations and may involve medications such as celecoxib capsules, tinidazole tablets, or levofloxacin tablets.

It is advisable to maintain good oral hygiene, balance work and rest, and avoid excessive fatigue to support overall health.