Tooth pain when biting down is a common complaint I hear from patients. It can range from mild sensitivity to a sharp, stabbing pain, and it can point to a number of different dental issues.
So, why does your tooth hurt when you bite down? Let’s explore some of the most common causes, along with tips for at-home care and when it’s time to see a dentist. Understanding the cause of your tooth pain is the first step toward getting effective relief and keeping your mouth healthy in the long run.
What are the common symptoms?
If your tooth hurts when you bite down, you might experience any of the following:
- Sharp, localized pain: A sudden, acute pain in one tooth when you apply pressure.
- Intermittent discomfort: Pain that comes and goes, often triggered by chewing or biting.
- Throbbing pain: A constant, rhythmic pain that might mean inflammation or infection.
- Tooth sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Pain without visible damage: Pain, even when the tooth looks healthy.
Potential dental-related causes of tooth pain when biting
A number of dental issues can make your tooth hurt when you bite down. Here are some of the more common ones:
Tooth decay and cavities
Tooth decay is the result of bacteria eroding the enamel that protects your teeth. The bacteria make acids that dissolve the enamel, which leads to cavities. If you have a cavity, biting down can put pressure on the exposed inner layers of the tooth, causing pain.
Cracked or fractured teeth
A crack or fracture can occur due to trauma, teeth grinding, or even a large filling. Biting down can cause the crack to widen, leading to a sharp pain.
Dental abscess
A dental abscess is an infection that creates a pocket of pus inside your tooth or gums. Abscesses are often caused by untreated cavities or injuries. Biting down on an abscess can make the pain even worse and spread the infection.
Damaged or loose fillings
Fillings can crack, chip, or simply lose their seal with the tooth. When that happens, bacteria can get inside the tooth and cause pain. Biting down puts pressure on the filling and the compromised tooth.
Gum disease (periodontal disease)
Gum disease is an inflammation and infection of the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. Gum disease can cause your gums to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth. Biting down can irritate the inflamed gums and cause pain in the exposed root surfaces.
Other potential causes of tooth pain
Lots of things can cause tooth pain, so if you’re feeling pain when you bite down, it’s worth considering a few of the possibilities.
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
If you grind or clench your teeth, especially while you’re asleep, you may be experiencing bruxism. Bruxism can wear down your teeth, cause jaw pain, and even give you headaches. Biting down can intensify any pain you’re already feeling in your teeth.
Malocclusion (misaligned bite)
Malocclusion simply means that your upper and lower teeth don’t line up correctly. This can cause uneven pressure, and biting down may cause pain if certain teeth are bearing more force than others.
Impacted wisdom teeth
If you’re experiencing pain in your back teeth, it’s possible your wisdom teeth are trying to erupt but don’t have enough room to come in properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and even infection. Biting down can irritate the tissues around those teeth and intensify the pain.
Sinus infections
Sinus infections can sometimes cause tooth pain because the sinuses sit near the upper molars. Inflammation in the sinuses can cause referred pain, and pressure changes in the sinuses can affect your teeth and cause pain when you bite down.
Diagnosing the cause of biting pain
If your tooth hurts when you bite down, a dentist will probably perform these tests:
- Dental examination: The dentist will look at your teeth and gums for signs of decay, cracks, or gum disease.
- Bite assessment: The dentist will evaluate your bite to see if your teeth are aligned properly.
- Sensitivity tests: The dentist will test your teeth to see if they’re sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure.
- X-rays: The dentist will take X-rays to look for cavities, infections, or impacted teeth.
- Medical history: The dentist might ask about sinus issues or teeth grinding.
Home remedies for temporary relief
If your tooth hurts when you bite down, you can try some of these remedies to get temporary relief. These are not substitutes for professional dental care.
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods to reduce pressure on the tooth.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with pain and inflammation.
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling and pain.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste to reduce sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
When to see a dentist
You should see a dentist if you have:
- Persistent pain: Any tooth pain that lingers for more than a few days.
- Severe pain: Intense pain that keeps you from doing everyday tasks.
- Signs of infection: Swelling, redness, or pus around the tooth or gums.
- Sensitivity to temperature: Extreme pain when you eat or drink hot or cold items.
Putting It All Together
If a tooth hurts when you bite down, it could be a sign of a minor problem… or something more serious. The sooner you get a diagnosis and start treatment, the better your chances of preventing the issue from getting worse and protecting your long-term oral health.
If you have persistent or severe tooth pain, don’t wait! See a dentist as soon as possible.