Experiencing tooth pain when biting down is a common sensation that signals an issue within the oral cavity. Triggered by pressure, this pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, debilitating jolt. It warns of an issue with a tooth, its supporting structures, or adjacent areas. Understanding the underlying causes of this discomfort is the first step toward effective relief and maintaining oral health.
Dental Causes of Pain
One frequent reason for pain when biting is cracked tooth syndrome, often invisible to the naked eye. This crack can cause sharp, fleeting pain, particularly when pressure is applied during biting and then released, as the crack flexes under the force. The pain might also worsen with soft foods containing harder elements, like seeds, or with cold temperatures.
Dental decay can also lead to pain when biting down. When decay progresses deeply into the tooth, it can reach the pulp, leading to sensitivity or pain when pressure is applied during chewing. Similarly, a dental abscess or infection at the root tip or in the surrounding gum tissue can create significant pressure that intensifies with biting, causing throbbing pain, swelling, and sometimes sensitivity to hot or cold.
Recent dental work, like fillings or crowns, can sometimes cause temporary sensitivity or pain when biting. This post-operative discomfort typically subsides as the tooth heals, usually within a few days to a couple of weeks, but it can be more pronounced if the filling is slightly too high, causing uneven pressure. Advanced gum disease can also contribute to biting pain by affecting the tooth’s supporting bone and ligaments. As the disease progresses, teeth may become loose or sensitive, making chewing uncomfortable due to inflammation and loss of structural support.
Other Potential Contributors
Pain when biting down is not always directly linked to a problem within the tooth itself; sometimes, other conditions can mimic or contribute to this sensation. Sinusitis can cause referred pain to the upper back teeth because the roots of these teeth are located very close to the maxillary sinuses. This pain typically affects several upper teeth simultaneously and may be accompanied by congestion, facial pressure, or other sinus symptoms.
Chronic teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) places excessive stress on the teeth and jaw muscles. This repeated force can lead to microfractures, wear of the tooth enamel, and generalized tooth sensitivity, including pain when biting. The pain from bruxism often manifests as a dull ache or sensitivity, and it can contribute to jaw pain or headaches. An uneven bite (malocclusion), where the upper and lower teeth do not align properly, can cause certain teeth to bear excessive force during chewing. This imbalance can lead to localized pain or sensitivity in the teeth that are subjected to undue pressure.
When to See a Dentist
It is important to seek professional dental attention if tooth pain when biting down persists or is severe. Pain that does not resolve within a day or two, or pain that is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, warrants a visit to the dentist. Swelling in the face or jaw, a fever, or the presence of pus are all indicators of a potential infection that requires immediate evaluation.
If the pain makes it difficult to eat or speak, or if it follows mouth trauma, dental consultation is advisable. These symptoms suggest an underlying issue that will likely not improve without intervention and could potentially worsen, leading to more complex problems if left untreated. A dentist can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When a patient presents with pain upon biting, a dentist will typically begin with a thorough examination of the mouth, teeth, and gums. This often includes X-rays to visualize the internal structures of the teeth and surrounding bone, revealing issues not visible superficially. The diagnostic process may also involve specific tests, such as tapping teeth (percussion test) to identify the affected tooth or applying pressure with a specialized instrument (biting test) to pinpoint pain location and nature.
Thermal sensitivity tests assess pulp and nerve health, and once diagnosed, treatment options vary widely depending on the underlying cause. Common treatments for biting pain include fillings for cavities, crowns for cracked or weakened teeth, or root canal therapy for infected pulp. For infections, antibiotics may be prescribed. If the bite is uneven, adjustments or orthodontic treatment may be recommended. In some cases, referral to a specialist (e.g., endodontist or periodontist) may be necessary for complex issues.