Pain when biting down on a tooth signals an underlying oral health issue. This discomfort, ranging from a mild ache to sharp pain, should not be ignored. Understanding its cause is the first step toward relief and maintaining dental well-being.
Common Causes
Pain upon biting can stem from several distinct issues. A frequent cause is a cracked tooth, which may not be visible but causes sharp pain, especially when releasing a bite. Cracks can arise from biting hard foods, trauma, or teeth grinding. Tooth decay is another common culprit, where a cavity exposes the sensitive dentin layer, leading to discomfort when chewing.
Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, can also cause biting pain. Inflammation and infection weaken tooth support, potentially leading to loose, painful teeth. This condition can also cause gum recession, exposing sensitive tooth roots. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, affecting the jaw, can cause pain radiating to the teeth when biting, often with jaw clicking or difficulty opening the mouth.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, places stress on teeth and jaw muscles, often occurring unconsciously during sleep. This habit can wear down tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and pain when biting.
Dental abscesses, pockets of pus from bacterial infections, can develop at a tooth’s root, causing pain when biting or chewing. Issues with existing dental work, such as loose or improperly fitted fillings and crowns, can also disrupt the bite and cause pain. A high filling, for instance, can put excessive pressure on the tooth.
When to Seek Professional Care
Seek professional dental care for persistent or severe biting pain. A dental visit is warranted if pain lasts more than a day or two, interferes with eating or sleeping, or has other concerning symptoms.
Immediate attention is needed for swelling in the face or gums, fever, or a foul odor or taste, as these indicate infection. Temporary measures like avoiding chewing on the affected side, using sensitive toothpaste, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers offer relief but don’t address the cause. Prompt treatment prevents worsening problems and avoids complications.
What to Expect at the Dentist
The dentist will conduct a thorough examination to identify the cause of biting pain. This begins with a visual inspection of teeth and gums for decay, cracks, or inflammation. Dental X-rays are often taken to reveal hidden issues like cavities, abscesses, or fractures beneath the gum line.
The dentist may also perform specific diagnostic tests. A bite test involves biting on a small object to pinpoint pain, useful for detecting cracked teeth. Sensitivity tests apply hot or cold stimuli to assess nerve response. A percussion test, where the dentist gently taps on teeth, helps identify inflammation or infection.
Treatment options vary based on the diagnosis. For cavities, the decayed portion is removed and filled. Cracked teeth may require bonding, a crown, or a root canal if the pulp is affected. Root canal therapy is often necessary for deep infections like abscesses, removing infected pulp and sealing the tooth. In some cases, extraction may be necessary if a tooth is too damaged to save.
For bruxism or TMJ disorders, a custom-fitted night guard or occlusal splint can protect teeth from grinding and alleviate jaw pain. Gum therapy, including professional cleanings, addresses gum disease and restores gum health. A simple adjustment can often resolve biting pain if a filling is too high.