Experiencing pain when biting down is common. This discomfort indicates that chewing forces are negatively affecting a compromised tooth or surrounding structures. Understanding the potential causes is the first step toward finding relief and preserving your dental well-being.
Common Dental Reasons for Pain When Biting
Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS) is a frequent cause of pain when biting, involving hairline fractures often invisible. Pressure on the crack irritates the tooth’s pulp, causing sharp, fleeting pain that subsides when pressure is released. Cracks can extend from the biting surface towards the gum line or root, and may also cause temperature or sweet sensitivity.
Cavities or decay can cause discomfort when biting. As decay progresses through enamel to the softer dentin, it nears sensitive nerves. Deep cavities can trap food particles, creating pressure that irritates exposed nerves and pain. Some cavities trigger pain specifically when pressure is applied during chewing.
A dental abscess, a localized infection at the root or gum, often causes pain when pressure is applied to the affected tooth. This pocket of pus creates swelling and pressure, leading to throbbing or sharp pain, especially when chewing. Untreated, an abscess can cause gum redness, swelling, hot or cold sensitivity, a bad taste, or a fever.
Bruxism, grinding and clenching, exerts excessive force on dental structures, causing pain when biting. This habit, often unconscious and during sleep, can wear down enamel, increasing sensitivity or causing microscopic fractures. Constant stress on teeth and jaw muscles can lead to soreness or pain mimicking a toothache.
Gum disease, like periodontitis, can cause pain when biting by compromising tooth support. Inflammation and gum recession expose sensitive root surfaces, making teeth vulnerable to chewing discomfort. Progressed disease can lead to tooth mobility, causing pain when biting due to stretching ligaments.
Pain after recent dental work, like a new filling or crown, is common. If a new filling or crown is “high” or uneven, it can cause the tooth to bear more pressure when biting, causing discomfort or a dull ache. This temporary sensitivity usually resolves within days to weeks as the tooth adjusts or after a bite adjustment. Nerve irritation during filling, especially with deeper cavities, can also contribute to post-procedure sensitivity.
Non-Dental and Referred Pain Sources
Not all tooth pain when biting originates from the tooth itself; sometimes, it is referred pain. Sinusitis, inflammation of the sinuses, can cause pain in the upper back teeth. Due to the close proximity of upper teeth roots to the maxillary sinuses, pressure from inflamed sinus membranes can transmit pain or tenderness when biting or walking.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, affecting the jaw joint, can cause pain in the teeth. Issues with this joint or surrounding muscles can refer pain to the face, including teeth, mimicking a toothache when biting or chewing. Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, and difficulty opening the mouth fully.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, carrying sensation from the face. It causes sudden, severe, shock-like facial pain, triggered by light touch or chewing, and can be mistaken for tooth pain even when teeth are healthy. Pain episodes are brief but intense and can be debilitating.
When to Seek Professional Dental Care
Seek professional dental evaluation for persistent or worsening tooth pain when biting. Unsubsiding or intensifying pain indicates a progressive issue requiring timely intervention. Delaying care can lead to more complex problems and extensive treatment.
Swelling or redness around the affected tooth or gum line indicates potential infection, like an abscess. These symptoms, along with a foul odor or taste, suggest active bacterial inflammation and damage, requiring prompt dental attention.
Systemic symptoms like fever or malaise accompanying tooth pain can signal widespread or severe infection. If a tooth infection spreads, it can impact other body parts, including the jaw, neck, or in rare cases, the brain.
Visible tooth damage, like a chip, fracture, or looseness, especially after injury or biting something hard, warrants immediate dental assessment. Even hairline cracks, difficult to see, can cause significant pain and worsen without treatment, potentially causing tooth loss.
When tooth pain interferes with daily activities like eating, sleeping, or concentrating, it impacts quality of life. Such pain indicates a need for professional diagnosis and treatment to alleviate symptoms and address the root cause, allowing return to normal function.
Immediate Relief and Prevention
While awaiting a dental appointment, several steps can offer temporary pain relief when biting. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen reduce inflammation and discomfort. Always follow dosage instructions.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek can reduce swelling and numb pain. This is effective for inflammation or minor trauma. Hold the compress for 15-20 minutes at a time, with breaks.
Rinsing with warm salt water provides soothing relief and has mild antiseptic properties to help clean the area. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and swish for 30 seconds before spitting.
To minimize irritation, avoid chewing on the painful side and steer clear of hard, sticky, or very hot or cold foods. These foods can exacerbate pain by putting pressure on the sensitive tooth or triggering temperature sensitivity.
Long-term prevention involves consistent oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day removes plaque and food particles, reducing cavity and gum disease risk. Regular dental check-ups, every six months, are important for early detection and treatment of issues before pain. If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect them from excessive forces and wear. Maintaining a balanced diet and limiting sugary foods and drinks also supports oral health and contributes to stronger teeth.