Tooth pain while chewing is a common symptom. It can stem from various underlying issues. Understanding these causes is the first step toward identifying the problem and seeking appropriate relief.
Dental Structure Issues
Problems with tooth structure often cause chewing pain. Cavities form when bacteria produce acids that erode tooth enamel. As decay progresses, it exposes inner layers, causing pain when chewing, especially with sweet, hot, or cold foods.
Cracked teeth can cause sharp pain, especially when biting down or releasing pressure. These cracks are sometimes invisible, but they can extend into the tooth’s pulp, causing discomfort. Minor cracks allow irritants to reach nerves, leading to intermittent pain.
Worn enamel or dentin sensitivity exposes the dentin, causing chewing pain. This exposure can result from erosion, abrasion, or gum recession. Contact with exposed dentin triggers sharp pain, particularly with temperature changes.
Old, loose, or damaged fillings cause issues. If a filling becomes loose or breaks, it can create gaps where food particles become trapped or expose tooth areas. An improperly placed or “high” filling or crown can also cause pain when biting down due to uneven pressure distribution.
Gum and Surrounding Tissue Problems
Issues with gums and surrounding tissues cause chewing pain. Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, involves gum inflammation and infection. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, makes gums red, swollen, and tender, often bleeding when brushing or chewing.
If untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, where infection spreads to supporting bone. This causes gums to pull away, forming pockets, and teeth to loosen. Such loosening exacerbates chewing pain and, in severe cases, results in tooth loss.
A tooth abscess is a localized infection at the root or in surrounding gum tissue, resulting from untreated decay or a crack. This condition causes severe, throbbing pain that intensifies with chewing. Swelling and pus may be present, and if untreated, an abscess leads to serious health complications.
Impacted wisdom teeth, molars lacking space to erupt, cause chewing pain. As they try to emerge, they pressure adjacent teeth or become partially exposed, making them prone to infection. This leads to discomfort or pain in the back of the mouth, especially during chewing.
Referred Pain and Jaw-Related Factors
Sometimes, chewing pain originates outside the immediate tooth or gum area. Sinus infections cause inflammation and pressure in the maxillary sinuses above the upper back teeth. This pressure mimics tooth pain, particularly in the upper molars, and worsens when chewing or bending over.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and its controlling muscles. Issues with this joint cause pain that radiates to the teeth, making chewing difficult. Symptoms include clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, limited jaw movement, and facial pain.
Bruxism, the chronic grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurs unconsciously, especially during sleep. This habit places stress on the teeth, their supporting structures, and jaw muscles. Over time, bruxism leads to tooth sensitivity and chewing pain, as well as headaches and jaw soreness.
When to Seek Professional Dental Care
Self-diagnosis is insufficient for tooth pain; professional evaluation is necessary. Consult a dentist if you experience persistent or worsening pain lasting longer than a day or two. Severe or sharp pain, especially when biting down, warrants prompt attention.
Other signs include swelling in the gums or face, suggesting infection. A fever accompanying tooth pain is a serious symptom requiring immediate evaluation. Pain that interferes with eating, sleeping, or daily activities should prompt a dentist visit. Suspected cracked tooth or abscess, indicated by symptoms like a pimple-like bump on the gum, requires immediate assessment.