Pain when chewing is common. Discomfort can range from a dull ache to a sharp sensation, often indicating treatable dental or oral health conditions.
Common Reasons for Pain When Chewing
Several conditions can lead to discomfort when pressure is applied during chewing. A frequent cause is a cavity, where tooth decay creates an opening that can expose the sensitive inner layer of the tooth, called dentin, or even the pulp, which contains nerves. This exposure allows food particles or temperature changes to irritate the nerve, causing pain. Large cavities can also trap food, leading to pressure and pain.
Cracked tooth syndrome involves a fracture in the tooth that is often invisible to the naked eye. When you bite down, pressure can cause the crack to open, stimulating the tooth’s internal structures and resulting in sharp pain that may also occur when you release the bite. Gum disease, or periodontitis, involves inflammation and potential bone loss around the teeth. As gums recede, the root surfaces, which lack protective enamel, become exposed and highly sensitive to chewing forces or contact with food. Severe gum disease can also lead to tooth looseness, further aggravating pain during chewing.
A dental abscess, a localized collection of pus typically at the root tip, creates pressure that causes throbbing pain, particularly when chewing. This infection can cause swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gum and bone. Issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull, can also manifest as referred pain in the teeth, making chewing uncomfortable. This pain originates from the joint but is felt in the teeth due to nerve pathways.
Sinus problems can mimic tooth pain, especially in the upper back teeth, because the roots of these teeth are close to the sinus cavities. Inflammation or pressure within the sinuses can transfer to the tooth roots, causing discomfort when chewing or even when bending over. Bruxism, or habitual teeth grinding and clenching, exerts excessive force on teeth, leading to sensitivity, micro-cracks, and soreness in the jaw muscles that can radiate to the teeth. This constant pressure can also loosen existing dental work.
Impacted wisdom teeth, which are teeth that do not fully erupt and remain trapped within the jawbone, can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, causing pain when chewing. This pressure can also create areas where food or bacteria get trapped, leading to localized inflammation. Sometimes, recent dental work, such as a new filling or crown, can cause temporary pain if it is slightly too high. This uneven bite pressure can cause discomfort until the restoration is adjusted by a dentist.
When to See a Dentist
If pain persists, is severe, or worsens over time, a dental visit is warranted. Swelling in the gums or face, especially with tooth pain, indicates a potential infection requiring urgent attention. Other warning signs include fever, difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing, or pain following trauma. If pain disrupts daily activities like eating or sleeping, seek professional help. Delaying treatment can allow minor issues to escalate.
How Dentists Diagnose Chewing Pain
Dentists pinpoint chewing pain through a systematic approach, starting with a thorough patient history. They ask detailed questions about the pain’s duration, intensity, triggers (like hot or cold), and whether it occurs with biting or releasing pressure. A medical history is also collected to identify contributing systemic conditions.
A clinical examination follows, involving visual inspection of teeth, gums, and oral tissues for signs of decay, cracks, or inflammation. The dentist may tap on teeth (percussion) or press on gums (palpation) to identify the sensitive area. A bite test, often using a special device, helps isolate pain triggered by biting down, useful for detecting subtle cracks.
Temperature sensitivity tests apply hot or cold stimuli to assess dental pulp health. Dental X-rays provide images revealing hidden cavities, abscesses, bone loss, or impacted teeth. Pulp vitality tests may also evaluate nerve response. This diagnostic process ensures an accurate diagnosis for effective treatment.
Treatment Options for Chewing Pain
Treatment for chewing pain depends on the underlying cause identified during diagnosis. For cavities, treatment involves removing the decayed portion and filling the void with a restorative material like composite resin or amalgam. If a cavity is extensive or a tooth is significantly weakened, a dental crown might be necessary. This cap covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and function.
When an infection or severe damage affects the tooth’s inner pulp, a root canal treatment is often performed. This procedure involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it. If a tooth is beyond repair due to severe decay, fracture, or infection, extraction may be the only viable option. Following extraction, options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures can replace the missing tooth.
Gum disease treatments range from professional cleanings, known as scaling and root planing, to more advanced periodontal procedures to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line and reduce inflammation. For individuals experiencing pain from bruxism, an occlusal guard, or nightguard, is often prescribed. This custom-fitted appliance is worn at night to protect teeth from grinding forces and alleviate jaw muscle strain. TMJ disorders may be managed with splints, physical therapy, or other interventions aimed at improving jaw joint function.
Bacterial infections, such as those associated with dental abscesses, may require antibiotics to control the spread of infection, often in conjunction with a dental procedure like a root canal or drainage. In some complex cases, or when specialized care is needed, a dentist may refer patients to specialists like an endodontist for root canals, a periodontist for gum disease, or an oral surgeon for extractions or impaction issues.
Preventing Tooth Pain
Proactive measures can reduce tooth pain. Good oral hygiene habits are key: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, typically every six months, allow dentists to detect and address issues before they cause pain. A balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods, protects tooth enamel.
Avoid chewing hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels to prevent fractures. Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard for sports. If you grind or clench teeth at night, a nightguard can prevent wear, and stress management can reduce bruxism. Promptly addressing new sensitivity prevents minor issues from progressing.