Have you ever eaten food and felt a sudden pain in your tooth? Biting down can cause tooth discomfort that is both uncomfortable and concerning. Whether it’s a searing pain or a dull ache, determining why your toothaches are critical to getting relief. There are many reasons why your tooth hurts when you bite down, ranging from simple problems like cavities to more complex issues like infections or cracks.
Understanding Tooth Pain
Tooth pain can feel sharp, throbbing, or dull. It may only happen when you bite or chew. This pain can be a sign of various dental problems, ranging from small issues to more serious ones that need quick care.
Why does your tooth hurt when you bite down?
1. Tooth Decay (Cavities)
One of the most common reasons for tooth pain when biting down is tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that about 90% of adults over 20 have had at least one cavity. Cavities happen when bacteria break down food in your mouth, producing acids that damage the tooth’s surface. As decay progresses deeper into the tooth, it can cause tooth pain when biting down because the inner layers of the tooth become exposed.
Signs of Tooth Decay:
- Visible holes or dark spots on the tooth
- Sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold foods
- A sharp or dull pain in the tooth when biting down
2. Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A cracked tooth can be hard to spot but may cause pain, especially when you bite down. Cracks can form from biting hard foods, injuries, or teeth grinding. Applying pressure can cause pain even in small cracks.
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth:
- Chewing or biting down causes sharp pain.
- Exposure to pressure, cold, or heat
- Pain that worsens when releasing the bite
If your top tooth hurts when biting down, or you feel sharp pain in a specific area, it could indicate a crack.
3. Tooth Abscess
Deep decay or injury can cause a serious infection in the tooth known as a tooth abscess. When the infection reaches the tooth’s inner pulp, it can cause tooth throbbing and pain when biting down. The pain may radiate to your jaw, neck, or ears.
Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess:
- Throbbing pain that doesn’t go away
- Swelling or redness in the gums
- Bad taste or pus in the mouth
If you have these symptoms, see a dentist right away. Untreated abscesses might lead to more serious complications.
4. Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, damages the gums and bones that support your teeth. Advanced gum disease can cause your back teeth to hurt when you bite down due to the loss of support around the teeth.
Symptoms of Gum Disease:
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Receding gums expose more of the tooth.
- Dull pain in teeth when biting down, especially in the back teeth
Keeping up with regular brushing and flossing can help prevent gum disease and reduce pain.
5. Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protecting enamel wears away, revealing the underlying dentin. This can make your teeth react painfully to hot, cold, or even pressure. Sensitive teeth can hurt when you chew, especially if the top tooth hurts when biting down.
Symptoms of sensitive teeth:
- Sharp pain while eating hot or cold foods.
- Discomfort while biting
- Tooth sensitivity to touch
Using desensitizing toothpaste can help alleviate the pain, but you should consult your dentist for further advice.
6. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain when biting down if they don’t fully emerge or if they push against neighboring teeth. This is common in the back of the mouth where wisdom teeth grow.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
- Pain and swelling at the back of the mouth
- Difficulty expanding the mouth completely.
- Pain radiating to the jaw or surrounding teeth
Removing impacted wisdom teeth can relieve the discomfort and prevent further dental issues.
7. Dental Work Problems
Improperly placed dental fillings, crowns, or bridges can cause discomfort when biting down. If a dental restoration is too high or not positioned correctly, it may create pressure on other teeth, causing tooth pain when biting down.
Signs of Issues with Dental Work:
- Pain or discomfort when biting on a treated tooth
- Uneven bite or feeling that something is “off”
- Dull pain in the tooth when biting down
Your dentist can adjust the dental work to correct the bite and reduce pain.
8. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, causes excessive pressure on your teeth, particularly when you sleep. This can lead to tooth pain, particularly in the back teeth. Over time, grinding can wear down enamel and even cause cracks.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding:
- Jaw pain or headaches in the morning
- Worn-down or flattened teeth
- Back teeth hurting when biting down
Wearing a nightguard helps protect your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding.
9. Sinus Infection
A sinus infection can sometimes cause tooth pain. When your sinuses, which are located near the roots of your upper teeth, become inflamed, the pressure can cause the top teeth to hurt when biting down.
Symptoms of a Sinus Infection:
- Pain or pressure in the upper teeth
- Nasal congestion or facial tenderness
- Pain that worsens when leaning forward
Treating the sinus infection often resolves the tooth pain.
10. Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Procedures
Sometimes, after having dental work done, like fillings, crowns, or deep cleanings, you may experience tooth sensitivity or pain when biting down. This can happen because the tooth’s nerve becomes irritated during the procedure. While this pain usually goes away within a few days, it’s important to monitor it in case it worsens.
Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Work:
- Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Throbbing or dull pain that improves over time
If the pain doesn’t subside after a few days or gets worse, it’s best to contact your dentist for a follow-up.
What are the treatments for tooth pain when biting down?
The treatment for tooth pain depends on what’s causing it. Dentists and dental specialists offer several treatments based on the specific issue. Here’s a look at common causes and their treatments:
1. Cavity
The treatment for a cavity depends on how severe the decay is. Common options include:
- Dental Fillings: In small to moderate cavities, the decayed component of the tooth is removed and the hole is filled with a composite or dental cement.
- Root Canal: If decay has reached the pulp (the tooth’s inner tissue), a root canal may be required. The contaminated tissue is removed, and the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. A crown is typically applied thereafter for protection.
- Tooth Extraction: In serious situations where the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist may advise removing it. Missing teeth can be replaced with an implant or bridge.
2. Cracked Tooth or Other Injury
Cracked or chipped teeth can cause pain when biting down. Treatments include:
- Dental Bonding: To restore the structural integrity of the tooth, resin is placed to the affected area.
- Veneers: Thin shells made of porcelain or plastic can cover the damaged tooth, providing a permanent solution.
- Dental Crowns: A custom-made cap protects and restores the cracked tooth’s look.
3. Malocclusion (Misaligned Teeth)
If misaligned teeth are causing pain, orthodontic treatments may be recommended:
- Braces or Aligners: Metal or clear braces can correct the alignment of teeth over time. Retainers may also help.
- Tooth Removal: If the misalignment is caused by overcrowding, removing a tooth can create more space for the rest of the teeth to shift into proper alignment.
- Teeth Reshaping: In some cases, teeth can be filed, capped, or reshaped to fix alignment issues. Veneers or crowns may also be used.
4. Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
For advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis, the focus is on removing tartar and promoting gum health:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning removes tartar above and below the gum line. It also cleans plaque from around the tooth root.
5. Loose Filling or Crown
If a filling or crown becomes loose, it’s usually an easy fix:
- Filling Repair: The dentist can replace or re-cement a loose filling. If decay is found under the filling, a root canal may be needed.
- Crown Repair: If the crown isn’t damaged, it can be re-cemented. If the tooth beneath the crown has decayed, further treatment may be required.
6. Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is an infection that can cause severe pain, especially when biting down. Treatments include:
- Antibiotics: These can assist to getting rid of the infection.
- Draining the Abscess: The dentist may drain the abscess to ease pressure and encourage healing.
- Root Canal: If the abscess is caused by tooth decay, a root canal can be utilized to cure the infection.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Cleaning the spaces between the gums and teeth can prevent further infection.
7. Pulp Necrosis (Dead Tooth Nerve)
When the pulp inside a tooth dies, it can cause pain and sensitivity. Treatment options include:
- Fillings: Cavities causing the infection can be treated with a filling.
- Root Canal: The infected pulp is removed, and the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
- Pulpectomy: This is the removal of dead pulp tissue, similar to a root canal.
- Dental Implants: In severe cases, the tooth may be extracted and replaced with an implant or bridge.
8. Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Procedures
Sometimes, dental procedures like fillings or crowns can lead to sensitivity or pain. This usually resolves in a few days, but if it doesn’t, a follow-up with the dentist is necessary.
Additional Tips to Ease Pain
If you’re dealing with tooth pain when biting down, it’s essential to find out what’s causing it. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent cavities and gum disease, which are common causes of tooth pain. Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth can also reduce discomfort.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: If your tooth is cracked or sensitive, avoid chewing hard foods like nuts or ice, which can worsen the damage.
- Over-the-counter pain medications: Ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and alleviate tooth pain until you can see a dentist.
- Address Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help protect them and prevent additional damage.
Time to Visit a Dentist
If you have tooth pain when biting down, you should visit a dentist. Some signs that require immediate attention include:
- Pain lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that isn’t relieved by medication
- Swollen gums or a fever
- Swelling in the cheek or jaw
If you experience swelling around the eyes, neck, or mouth, or have difficulty breathing, seek emergency care immediately.
Tooth pain when biting down can be uncomfortable
Tooth pain when biting down can result from various dental issues, ranging from cavities and cracks to gum disease and infections. Identifying the source of your discomfort is critical for determining the best treatment.
Practicing proper oral hygiene, resolving dental work problems, and obtaining professional dental care are all important steps in preventing and treating tooth discomfort. If the pain persists or worsens, you should see a dentist to treat the underlying cause and avoid further issues.