A toothache, especially when biting down, is a common oral health issue. This discomfort can range from mild sensitivity to sharp, intense pain, making everyday activities like eating difficult. Understanding the potential causes behind this specific type of tooth pain is the first step toward finding relief and preserving your dental well-being.
Understanding the Causes of Biting Pain
Pain when biting often indicates a problem with the tooth’s structure or surrounding tissues. One frequent culprit is a cracked tooth, which might not always be visible to the naked eye. When pressure is applied, the crack can flex, irritating the sensitive inner pulp of the tooth and causing sharp pain upon biting or releasing pressure.
Similarly, a dental cavity, particularly if it’s deep and has reached the inner dentin or nerve, can lead to sensitivity and pain when chewing. Food particles can also become lodged in larger cavities, adding to the pressure and discomfort.
Gum disease can also contribute to biting pain. Inflammation and infection of the gums can cause them to recede, exposing sensitive tooth roots and making chewing uncomfortable. If the disease progresses, it can loosen teeth, further exacerbating the pain when pressure is applied.
Another common cause is bruxism, which involves teeth grinding or clenching, often unconsciously. This excessive force can wear down tooth enamel, strain teeth, and lead to sensitivity and pain when biting.
An abscess, a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection at the root of a tooth, can cause significant pressure sensitivity and throbbing pain when biting. This infection can also lead to swelling and a foul taste in the mouth.
New dental work, such as a recently placed filling or crown, might initially cause sensitivity or feel “high,” leading to pain when biting down until adjusted. Finally, sinus issues can sometimes mimic tooth pain, especially in upper teeth, because the roots of these teeth are close to the nasal sinuses. Inflammation in the sinuses can create pressure perceived as toothache.
Immediate Steps for Relief
While awaiting professional dental care, several measures can offer temporary relief from biting pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. Topical numbing gels containing benzocaine can also be applied directly to the affected area for temporary localized relief.
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and clean the area by loosening food particles. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water and swish for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
To minimize further irritation, try to avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and opt for soft foods. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can also help reduce swelling and numb the area, especially if trauma is involved. Additionally, avoiding extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods can prevent triggering further sensitivity.
When to Consult a Dentist
Seek professional dental evaluation if tooth pain persists or worsens. This includes pain lasting longer than a day or two, or if it doesn’t improve with home remedies. Severe, persistent pain that interferes with daily activities also signals a need for immediate care.
More urgent symptoms requiring prompt dental assessment include swelling in your face, cheek, or gums, which could suggest a spreading infection. A fever accompanied by tooth pain is another serious sign. Difficulty opening your mouth fully or swallowing, or any visible trauma to the tooth like a large chip or crack, also warrants immediate attention. Any suspicion of infection, such as a foul taste in the mouth or pus, means you should see a dentist.
Dental Interventions and Solutions
A comprehensive examination will determine the cause of your biting pain. This includes a visual inspection of your teeth and gums, along with dental X-rays to reveal hidden issues like cavities, abscesses, or bone loss. The dentist may also perform percussion or bite tests to pinpoint the exact tooth and location of pain.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis. For cavities, a dental filling removes decayed portions and restores the tooth. If a tooth is cracked or significantly damaged, a dental crown may protect and restore its function. For deep decay or infection reaching the pulp, root canal therapy removes infected tissue, cleans the inner tooth, and seals it. If a tooth is severely damaged or infected beyond repair, extraction might be necessary.
For issues like bruxism, a custom-fitted night guard can protect teeth from grinding and clenching. Bacterial infections may be treated with antibiotics. If pain stems from recent dental work, the dentist can adjust a filling or crown for proper bite alignment. Addressing the underlying cause with appropriate dental intervention alleviates pain and prevents further complications.