Experiencing pain when biting down is a common symptom that can arise from various dental issues. This discomfort, ranging from a dull ache to a sharp, sudden sensation, indicates an issue within the oral structure. Understanding its origins is the first step toward relief and preserving oral health. Pain triggered by biting suggests pressure is being applied to an irritated or compromised area of a tooth or its surrounding tissues.
Understanding Common Causes
Tooth decay frequently causes pain when biting. As bacteria erode the enamel, they create openings that can trap food particles, leading to discomfort when chewing. If decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, which contains nerves, it can cause significant pain when biting.
Cracked teeth are another frequent cause of pain upon biting. Even hairline cracks, which may be invisible to the naked eye, can cause sharp pain when chewing, particularly when releasing biting pressure. This occurs because the crack can expose tiny fluid-filled tubes leading to the tooth’s nerve, and movement from biting irritates this sensitive area.
Worn or loose fillings can also lead to pain when biting down. Over time, the bond holding a filling in place can weaken due to constant pressure. If a filling becomes compromised, food particles and bacteria can seep underneath, potentially causing new decay or irritating the tooth’s sensitive inner layers. A “high” filling that interferes with your bite can also cause pain due to uneven pressure.
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can manifest as pain when biting. It involves infection and inflammation of tissues supporting the teeth. As gum disease progresses, gums may recede, exposing sensitive tooth roots, and the supporting ligaments can be damaged, leading to loose teeth that hurt when pressure is applied during chewing.
Teeth grinding or clenching, medically termed bruxism, places excessive force on teeth and jaw muscles. This constant pressure can wear down tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and pain, or even cause teeth to fracture. Bruxism can also result in general tooth pain, jaw stiffness, and headaches.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders involve issues with the jaw joints connecting the lower jaw to the skull. Dysfunction in these joints can radiate pain to the teeth, especially when chewing or moving the jaw. This referred pain can sometimes be mistaken for a tooth problem, and TMJ disorders are often linked to bruxism, further contributing to tooth discomfort.
Sinus infections can also cause referred pain in the upper back teeth. The roots of these upper teeth are located very close to the maxillary sinuses. When the sinuses become inflamed and filled with fluid due to an infection, the resulting pressure can irritate the nerves supplying these teeth, causing pain that feels like a toothache when biting down.
Immediate Steps and Self-Care
If you experience pain when biting down, avoiding chewing on the affected tooth can help manage discomfort. Shifting your chewing to the opposite side of your mouth reduces direct pressure on the painful area. Sticking to soft foods also minimizes the force exerted on the tooth during eating.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation temporarily. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, near the painful area, can also help reduce swelling and numb the discomfort.
Practicing good oral hygiene remains important, even with pain. Gently brush and floss around the affected tooth to remove food debris and plaque, which can irritate the area. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can also help cleanse the area and reduce inflammation. These measures are intended as temporary relief, not as a substitute for professional dental care.
When Professional Help is Needed
Persistent pain that does not subside after a day or two warrants professional dental attention. If the pain is severe or intensifies, it indicates a more serious underlying issue that requires immediate assessment. Swelling around a tooth or in the gums is a significant sign of infection and should prompt a prompt dental visit.
A fever accompanying tooth pain suggests a spreading infection, which can have broader health implications if left untreated. Difficulty opening your mouth fully or pain that restricts jaw movement can also be a symptom of a dental problem or a TMJ disorder that needs professional evaluation. Any visible damage to the tooth, such as a chip or fracture, even without severe pain, should be examined by a dentist to prevent further complications.
Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
A dentist will begin the diagnostic process by asking about your symptoms, including the type, duration, and triggers of the pain. This verbal assessment provides initial clues about the potential cause. A thorough physical examination of your mouth follows, where the dentist visually inspects your teeth and gums for signs of decay, cracks, or inflammation.
Dental X-rays are used to view teeth, roots, and surrounding bone structures, identifying hidden issues like deep cavities, abscesses, or fractures not visible during a surface examination. The dentist may also perform a percussion test by tapping on individual teeth to pinpoint pain and assess for inflammation. A bite test, often using a specialized instrument, helps locate pain upon biting pressure, useful for detecting cracked teeth. Thermal tests involving hot or cold stimuli are used to gauge the tooth’s nerve response and identify sensitivity.
Treatment approaches vary based on the diagnosis. For cavities, a filling removes decayed material and restores the tooth. Cracked teeth may be treated with bonding (plastic resin fills the crack) or a dental crown, which caps the tooth to protect it from further damage. If the crack extends into the tooth’s pulp or infection is present, root canal therapy removes infected tissue and saves the tooth.
For bruxism, custom-fitted splints or mouthguards protect teeth from grinding forces, especially during sleep. Gum disease may require professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. In advanced cases, deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing or gum therapy address infection and inflammation.