Experiencing a sore tooth when biting down is a common dental complaint, ranging from mild discomfort to sharp, persistent pain. This sensation often signals an underlying issue within the tooth or surrounding structures.
Common Causes of Discomfort
Several factors can lead to a tooth becoming sore when biting. Dental cavities are a frequent culprit. As decay erodes tooth enamel and progresses deeper, it can expose the sensitive dentin layer or even the pulp, which contains nerves. Pressure from biting can then irritate these exposed areas, causing pain. Large cavities can also trap food particles, creating additional pressure and discomfort.
Another common cause is Cracked Tooth Syndrome, where a tooth has a fracture that may not be immediately visible. When you bite down, the crack can flex, stimulating the sensitive inner part of the tooth and resulting in sharp pain. This pain is often intermittent and particularly noticeable when chewing on harder foods.
Gum disease also contributes to pain when biting. Inflammation and infection of the gums can affect the supporting bone and tissues around the teeth, potentially leading to tooth looseness and discomfort under pressure.
A dental abscess, a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, can cause severe and throbbing pain that intensifies with biting. This infection typically forms at the root tip or in the gums due to untreated decay or injury, creating pressure that is painful when the tooth is used.
Bruxism, the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, particularly during sleep, also frequently causes a sore tooth when biting. This habit places excessive force on teeth, leading to wear, sensitivity, and sometimes micro-fractures that hurt under pressure.
Pulpitis, inflammation of the tooth’s inner pulp, can also manifest as pain when biting. This inflammation might stem from deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. If the inflammation is severe and irreversible, the tooth’s nerve may eventually die.
Recent dental work, such as a new filling or crown, can sometimes cause temporary soreness or sensitivity if the bite is slightly uneven, leading to increased pressure on the newly restored tooth.
Sinus issues can cause referred pain to the upper teeth, particularly the molars, because their roots are located close to the sinus cavities. Inflammation or congestion in the sinuses can exert pressure on these tooth roots, mimicking dental pain when biting.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, affecting the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, can lead to widespread facial pain, including tooth soreness. The pain can radiate to the teeth, and jaw misalignment or muscle tension from TMJ issues can create uneven biting forces.
Immediate Actions and Professional Care
When experiencing a tooth that is sore when biting, some immediate measures can help manage discomfort temporarily:
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and clean the area.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Avoiding hard or crunchy foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth can prevent further irritation.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek may help reduce swelling and numb the area if throbbing pain is present.
These self-care steps are temporary solutions and do not address the underlying cause of the pain. It is important to seek professional dental help, especially if the pain is severe, lasts longer than a day or two, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Signs that necessitate a visit to the dentist include:
Persistent or worsening pain
Swelling in the face or jaw
Fever
Difficulty opening your mouth
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
A bad taste in your mouth
Visible damage to the tooth
During a dental visit, the dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, inquire about your symptoms, and may take X-rays to visualize the tooth’s internal structure and surrounding bone. They might also perform bite tests or apply pressure to specific teeth to pinpoint the source of the pain.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options can range from a simple filling for cavities, adjustments to existing dental work, a crown for cracked teeth, or a root canal for infections involving the tooth’s pulp. In some severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary.
Preventing Future Occurrences
Preventing a tooth from becoming sore when biting down involves consistent attention to oral hygiene and regular dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Flossing daily is equally important, as it cleans areas between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach, preventing decay and gum inflammation.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, typically every six months, are important for early detection and prevention of potential issues. A dentist can identify and address problems like small cavities or early signs of gum disease before they cause pain when biting.
If bruxism is a concern, wearing a custom-fitted nightguard can protect teeth from the damaging forces of grinding and clenching during sleep. These guards create a barrier, cushioning the teeth and reducing wear and tear.
Avoiding chewing on hard objects such as ice, popcorn kernels, or non-food items can prevent tooth fractures and chips that lead to pain when biting.
Promptly addressing any dental issues, such as small cavities, chipped teeth, or loose fillings, is also important. Delaying treatment can allow minor problems to worsen, potentially leading to more severe pain and complex procedures.
Maintaining a balanced diet and limiting sugary foods and drinks further supports oral health by reducing the fuel for bacteria that cause decay.