Experiencing a toothache when chewing can be an uncomfortable sensation, ranging from a dull ache to a sharp, sudden pain. This discomfort acts as a signal from your body, indicating that something within your oral cavity requires attention. While tooth sensitivity is a common experience, persistent or severe pain upon chewing often points to an underlying dental issue. Understanding the potential reasons behind this discomfort is an initial step toward finding relief and preserving your oral health.
Common Reasons for Chewing Pain
Tooth decay, or a cavity, often causes pain when chewing by creating a hole in the tooth’s enamel, exposing sensitive layers like the dentin. Pressure from chewing can then irritate the pulp, which contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, leading to discomfort. Untreated cavities can deepen, affecting the tooth’s nerve and potentially requiring a root canal.
Tiny cracks in a tooth can lead to cracked tooth syndrome. Pain is sharp and sudden, triggered by biting down or releasing pressure. Chewing causes slight movement of fractured pieces, irritating the inner pulp. The pain can be intermittent and may also cause sensitivity to temperature extremes.
Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, involves inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting tissues. In gingivitis, gums may be swollen, red, and bleed, causing chewing pain. If gingivitis advances to periodontitis, the infection can affect the bone supporting the teeth, leading to loose teeth, gum recession, and significant pain when chewing.
A dental abscess is a localized infection forming a pocket of pus at the tooth’s root or in surrounding gum tissue. This infection causes continuous, throbbing pain that intensifies with chewing or biting pressure. Symptoms include sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling in the jaw or face, bad breath, and sometimes a fever.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, can cause tooth pain when chewing due to excessive force on teeth and jaw muscles. This habit leads to worn enamel, chipped or fractured teeth, and general tooth sensitivity. Constant strain on jaw muscles can also result in soreness or pain felt in the teeth, particularly when eating.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement. These disorders cause referred pain, often mimicking a toothache. Chewing can exacerbate this pain, which might radiate to the face, neck, or ear. Uneven pressure on teeth due to jaw misalignment can also contribute to tooth pain and sensitivity.
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, can cause pain in the upper back teeth because their roots are close to the maxillary sinuses. When sinuses become inflamed and filled with fluid, the resulting pressure is felt as tooth pain, particularly when bending over, moving the head, or chewing. This discomfort often affects multiple upper teeth rather than a single tooth.
Recent dental work, such as fillings or crowns, can lead to temporary tooth sensitivity when chewing. This is a common post-procedure sensation due to irritation of the tooth’s nerve during treatment. Sensitivity subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks as the tooth heals. If a new filling is “high,” it can cause uneven pressure and more severe pain when biting down, requiring adjustment.
Immediate Relief Measures
A warm saltwater rinse offers temporary relief for chewing pain by cleaning the affected area and reducing inflammation. Salt acts as a natural disinfectant. Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gently swish the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can manage discomfort. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen reduce both pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen also alleviates pain, though it does not address inflammation. Follow dosage instructions to avoid side effects.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek reduces swelling and numbs the painful area. Wrap an ice pack or frozen vegetables in a thin cloth and hold it against the affected side for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat every few hours as needed for temporary relief.
Avoiding certain foods prevents exacerbating chewing pain. Sugary foods and drinks worsen decay, while acidic items like citrus fruits erode enamel, increasing sensitivity. Hard, crunchy foods such as nuts or hard candies put excessive pressure on a sensitive tooth. Very hot or cold foods can trigger sharp pain. Opt for softer, lukewarm foods to minimize irritation.
Maintain gentle oral hygiene around the affected tooth. Brush and floss carefully to remove food particles and plaque without excessive pressure. This keeps the mouth clean and prevents secondary issues, but it is not a substitute for addressing the underlying cause of the pain.
When to Consult a Dentist
Persistent Pain
Consult a dentist if your tooth pain is persistent, lasting more than a day or two, as this indicates an underlying issue like extensive tooth decay or infection. Ignoring prolonged pain can lead to complications, including an abscess or irreversible damage. Early professional evaluation can prevent worsening problems and save the tooth.
Severe Pain
Severe pain, intense or throbbing, that interferes with daily activities like eating or sleeping, requires immediate dental attention. If over-the-counter pain relievers do not alleviate discomfort, it suggests a serious problem requiring professional diagnosis and treatment. This pain can signify deep decay, an exposed nerve, or a significant tooth fracture.
Swelling or Redness
Visible swelling or redness in the gums, face, or jaw, especially with pain, signals infection and requires prompt dental care. Swelling can indicate an abscess. Red, inflamed gums that may ooze pus also point to an active infection needing professional intervention.
Fever
A fever accompanying tooth pain suggests the infection has spread beyond the tooth and into the body. This indicates a widespread infection. Seeking prompt medical attention can prevent further complications and ensure proper treatment.
Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing
Difficulty swallowing or breathing, combined with tooth pain or facial swelling, indicates a potentially life-threatening infection requiring immediate emergency medical attention. These symptoms suggest the infection has spread to deeper areas of the jaw, throat, or neck, potentially compromising the airway. Do not delay seeking emergency care.
Visible Damage
Visible damage to a tooth, such as a chip, crack, or if a tooth feels loose, warrants a dental consultation. Even small fractures can cause significant chewing pain, and a loose tooth can indicate advanced gum disease or trauma. Prompt assessment determines damage extent and appropriate treatment to prevent complications.
Ineffective Home Remedies
If home remedies and over-the-counter methods are ineffective at relieving chewing pain, professional dental care is necessary. While temporary measures offer comfort, they do not address the root cause. A dentist can diagnose the issue and provide definitive treatment.
Keeping Your Teeth Healthy
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene Practices
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices prevents future tooth soreness and promotes overall oral health. Brushing your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste removes food particles and plaque. Daily flossing is equally important to clean between teeth and below the gumline, preventing decay and gum disease.
Regular Dental Check-ups and Professional Cleanings
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings maintain healthy teeth and gums. These routine visits, every six months, allow dentists to detect and address potential issues like cavities or gum disease in their early stages. Professional cleanings remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing might miss, reducing future problems.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet helps prevent cavities and maintain strong teeth. Limit sugary foods and drinks, as sugar leads to enamel erosion and decay. Incorporate fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains to help clean teeth, stimulate saliva, and provide minerals that strengthen enamel.
Protecting Your Teeth from Injury
Protecting your teeth from injury prevents chewing pain caused by trauma. If you play sports, wearing a mouthguard reduces the risk of chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth. For those who grind or clench teeth at night (bruxism), a custom-fitted nightguard protects enamel from wear and tear.
Avoiding Chewing on Hard Objects
Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, pencils, or popcorn kernels to prevent chips, cracks, and fractures in tooth enamel. Exerting excessive force on non-food items damages teeth and increases sensitivity. Find safer alternatives, like sugar-free gum, to satisfy the urge to chew without harming your teeth.