Why Does My Teeth Hurt When I Bite Down?
It’s that moment when you’re savouring a bite of your favourite snack, and suddenly—ouch! A sharp or lingering pain shoots through your teeth. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever wondered why your teeth hurt when you bite down, you’re not alone.
Tooth pain during biting is a common issue with various causes, and understanding the root of the problem is the first step to finding relief.
Let’s explore the potential reasons and what you can do about them.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain When Biting
1. Tooth Decay or Cavities
Cavities are sneaky culprits. They develop when bacteria erode the enamel, creating tiny holes in your teeth. If the decay reaches the dentin or nerve endings, you may feel pain when pressure is applied—like during chewing.
Solution: Visit our dentist for a filling to patch it up or to get treatment to prevent the decay from worsening.
2. Cracked or Fractured Teeth
A hairline crack or fracture in a tooth may not be visible but can cause sharp pain when biting. These cracks often result from grinding, accidents or chewing hard foods.
Solution: Depending on the severity, our dentist may recommend a crown, bonding or in some cases, a root canal.
3. Dental Abscess
An abscess forms when an infection develops at the tooth’s root. It’s often accompanied by swelling, sensitivity to hot and cold and pain when biting.
Solution: Seek immediate dental care, and antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the infection. A root canal might also be performed.
4. Gum Disease
Inflamed or receding gums expose tooth roots, leading to pain and sensitivity. This pain becomes more pronounced when pressure is applied during a bite. Gum disease can also weaken the tooth’s support, making it tender.
Solution: Professional cleaning, scaling and periodontal treatments can effectively address gum disease.
5. Misaligned Bite
If your teeth don’t align correctly, excessive pressure on certain teeth during biting can cause pain. Misalignment can stem from genetics, missing teeth or even previous dental work.
Solution: Orthodontic treatments like braces and aligners, or adjusting a dental restoration can correct the problem.
6. Sinus Infections
Believe it or not, your sinuses can affect your teeth! When sinus cavities are inflamed due to an infection they can put pressure on the upper back teeth, mimicking toothache.
Solution: Treating the sinus infection should alleviate the discomfort. Over-the-counter decongestants or a visit to your GP can help.
7. Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching your teeth, often subconsciously during sleep, can wear down enamel and stress your teeth. This will lead to pain when biting.
Solution: A custom-made mouthguard and practising stress management techniques can provide relief.
When to See a Dentist
While occasional tooth pain might not seem alarming, recurring discomfort when biting down is a red flag. If the pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling, fever or sensitivity, it’s time to book a dental appointment.
At SDG Dental, our friendly and caring dentists will find the root cause of your dental pain and treat it efficiently. Preventative guidance will also be provided—so you can enjoy your food, smile brightly, and have the best dental hygiene for a long time to come.
Come in for emergency dental care, even if it’s a Sunday so that you can start the new week pain-free! SDG Dental provides dental care throughout the week so our patients can have the best care any day of the week, at their ease.
Tips to Prevent Tooth Pain
- Maintain oral hygiene: Brush and floss daily to prevent cavities and gum issues.
- Avoid hard foods: Nuts, ice or hard candies can cause cracks in your teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard: Protect your teeth during sports or from grinding in your sleep.
- Schedule regular check-ups: Dentists can catch potential issues early during routine checks.
Tooth pain while biting isn’t just a minor annoyance—it’s your body’s way of signalling that something’s wrong. Identifying the cause and addressing it promptly can save you from further discomfort and costly treatments down the road.So, the next time biting into a sandwich sends a jolt of pain, don’t ignore it and contact SDG Dental. Your teeth deserve some TLC, and our dentists are your best allies in keeping that smile pain-free and healthy.