Tooth Hurts When Biting? Causes & Relief

Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Bite Down?

If your tooth hurts when you bite down, the most likely culprit is irritation of the nerve within the tooth or its supporting structures. Common causes include tooth decay, cracked teeth, gum disease, or bite misalignment. A dentist’s examination is essential, but understanding potential causes will help you explain symptoms and seek appropriate relief.

Common Culprits: Problems Within the Tooth

• Tooth Decay (Cavities): Decay erodes enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin layer. Biting forces pressure damaged enamel, allowing bacteria to invade the pulp space and irritate nerves.
  • Solution: A filling is typically needed. Your dentist removes the decayed portion and fills the cavity. Extensive decay might require a root canal.
• Cracked Tooth Syndrome: Cracks, sometimes invisible on X-rays, cause significant pain when biting. Pressure forces the crack to open slightly, irritating the nerve. Bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause these cracks.
  • Solution: Treatment depends on severity. Mild cracks are treated with a crown. Severe cracks extending below the gumline may need extraction. A root canal may be necessary if the pulp is affected.
• Abscessed Tooth: A dental abscess is a pus pocket at the tooth root due to bacterial infection. Biting exacerbates the pain.
  • Solution: Immediate dental attention is crucial. The infection must be drained, and a root canal or extraction may be necessary, along with antibiotics.
• Pulpitis: Inflammation of the dental pulp (nerves, blood vessels) intensifies pain when biting, triggering sharp pain when pressure is applied.
  • Solution: Mild pulpitis can be reversed with a filling. Severe pulpitis usually requires a root canal.

Gum and Bone Problems: Periodontal Issues

• Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): Bone loss around teeth due to advanced gum disease causes sensitivity and pain when biting. Loss of support increases stress on teeth when chewing.
  • Solution: Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) by a dentist or periodontist removes plaque and tartar. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
• Gingivitis: Mild gum inflammation can sometimes cause sensitivity when biting.
  • Solution: Improved oral hygiene – brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash – usually resolves gingivitis.
• Receding Gums: Exposed tooth roots are more sensitive to pressure and temperature changes.
  • Solution: Desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride varnish, and gum grafting are possible treatments.

Bite Issues: Occlusion and TMJ

• Malocclusion (Bad Bite): Improper teeth alignment causes excessive force on certain teeth when biting, leading to sensitivity and pain.
  • Solution: Orthodontic treatment (braces or Invisalign) corrects misaligned teeth. Selective grinding (occlusal adjustment) may reshape biting surfaces.
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Grinding or clenching teeth puts excessive pressure on teeth and jaw joints, leading to sensitivity and pain.
  • Solution: A night guard protects teeth from grinding. Stress management can also help.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: TMJ problems cause pain radiating to teeth, especially when biting.
  • Solution: Treatment includes pain relievers, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and, rarely, surgery.

Less Common Causes

• Sinus Infection: Pressure on upper teeth causes pain when biting.
  • Solution: Treating the sinus infection with antibiotics or decongestants typically resolves the tooth pain.
• Recent Dental Work: Sensitivity when biting is normal after dental procedures and resolves in days or weeks.
  • Solution: Consult your dentist if the pain persists.
• Foreign Object: Food lodged between teeth causes pain when biting.
  • Solution: Flossing and brushing dislodge the object.

Diagnostic Tools

Dentists use these tools to diagnose tooth pain when biting:

• Visual Examination: Examines teeth and gums for decay, cracks, gum disease.
• Dental X-rays: Reveals cavities, bone loss, abscesses.
• Bite Evaluation: Identifies areas of uneven pressure.
• Percussion Test: Identifies inflammation or infection.
• Cold Test: Determines pulp health.

My Experience & Quick Fix

After experiencing sharp pain biting into an apple, I suspected a cracked tooth or cavity. Given my bruxism, I leaned towards a crack. I’d also been putting off a regularly scheduled cleaning.

Here’s what I did immediately:

1. Gentle Rinsing: Rinsed with warm salt water to soothe inflammation and dislodge food.
2. Soft Food Diet: Avoided pressure on the tooth with oatmeal, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups.
3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Took ibuprofen to manage pain and inflammation.
4. Night Guard: Wore my night guard to protect teeth from grinding.

The Verdict:

The pain lessened within days, but the apple episode pushed me to see the dentist. X-rays were clear, but probing revealed a small, deep cavity.

The Solution: A simple filling! The small cavity irritated the nerve, and biting pressure triggered the pain. A quick filling appointment cleared everything up.

Costs Involved

Treatment costs vary depending on the cause and complexity.

Important Disclaimer: These are estimates only and actual costs may vary significantly. Dental insurance can greatly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

When to See a Dentist

Seek professional help if you experience:

• Severe or persistent pain
• Swelling or redness in the gums
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Loose teeth

In conclusion, tooth pain when biting down can stem from various issues. Understanding causes and acting promptly helps you find relief and prevent complications. Always consult a dentist for diagnosis and treatment. Don’t delay! Your teeth (and your ability to enjoy apples) will thank you.