Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Bite Down?
Quick answer: Why does a tooth hurt when you bite down?
A tooth often hurts when you bite because of a crack, a loose or damaged filling, decay, or an infection near the root. Grinding or a sinus problem can also be the cause. Only a dentist can tell which, so get it checked if the pain lasts over two days or comes with swelling or a fever.
Sharp pain on biting may come from decay, a loose filling or a crack.
Pain that shows up when you let go of the bite can point to a cracked tooth.
Pain with swelling or a fever needs prompt care.
A cracked tooth cannot be fixed at home.
That sharp twinge when you bite down is hard to ignore, and it is hard to explain to anyone else. Pain on biting has several possible causes, from a cracked tooth to a loose filling to an infection. A dentist can tell them apart. This guide covers what each one can feel like and when to get help, so you know what to do before you call Smyrna Dental Studio in Smyrna, GA.
Why does my tooth hurt when I bite down?
The American Association of Endodontists says sharp pain on biting may be caused by decay, a loose filling or a crack in the tooth. It can also mean the soft tissue inside the tooth, called the pulp, is damaged. A dentist needs to look at the tooth to find out which it is.
What are the common causes?
A crack in the tooth
Decay (a cavity)
A loose, damaged or worn filling or crown
Damaged pulp or an infection near the root
Grinding or clenching, covered below
Why do some teeth hurt only when you chew?
An infected tooth can hurt all the time or only when you are chewing, according to Cleveland Clinic. Some infections cause no pain at all. So pain only on biting is not a reason to wait. A general dentist can examine the tooth, take an X-ray and test your bite.
If you also see a chip, our post on chipped and fractured teeth may help.
Why does my tooth hurt when I let go of the bite?
Pain that appears when you release a bite can be a sign of a cracked tooth. The American Association of Endodontists describes erratic pain when chewing, possibly with the release of biting pressure, and says it can be hard to pin to one tooth. A dentist can test for it.
How does a dentist find a crack?
Cleveland Clinic says the dentist reviews your symptoms, has you bite down on a small stick to see if it triggers pain, and may shine a light through the tooth, use a staining dye and take X-rays. Cracks can be hard to find, so several checks are often used.
Does every crack hurt?
No. Cracked teeth do not always cause symptoms, and minor hairline cracks that do not cause infection may not need treatment. But the AAE warns that a cracked tooth that is not treated will progressively worsen, eventually resulting in the loss of the tooth. Read how long a cracked tooth can wait.
Want this checked? An exam can find out whether the pain comes from a crack, a filling or something else. You can book online or call (770) 863-0005.
When should you call a dentist right away?
Call a dentist right away if biting pain comes with swelling in the gum, jaw or face, a fever, or a bump on the gum. Cleveland Clinic also advises calling if a toothache lasts longer than two days. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.
Red flags that need prompt care
Swelling in the gum, jaw or face, or a knot on the jaw
A fever along with tooth pain
Severe pain that medicine does not relieve
A bump or draining sore on the gum
Pain that has lasted longer than two days
Pain when you open your mouth wide
Call us at (770) 863-0005 or see our emergency dental care page. For swelling that spreads toward the eye, face or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or unbearable pain that medicine does not relieve, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Could the pain come from something other than the tooth?
Yes. Cleveland Clinic says gum irritation from biting something hard usually fades within a day or two. The American Association of Endodontists notes that a dull ache and pressure in the upper teeth and jaw can come from teeth grinding or from a sinus headache. If it lingers, a dentist can help sort out the cause.
Can teeth grinding make biting hurt?
It can. Grinding or clenching puts steady pressure on your teeth and jaw, and Cleveland Clinic lists it as a cause of toothache and of cracked teeth over time. A dentist can look for wear and talk with you about a night guard.
Can a sinus problem make teeth ache?
A sinus headache can cause facial and tooth pain, according to the AAE. It advises seeing an endodontist or a physician when the pain is severe and long-lasting. A dentist can check whether the tooth itself is the source.
What will a dentist do about tooth pain when biting?
A dentist asks about your symptoms, examines the tooth and may take an X-ray. Treatment depends on the cause. It can range from replacing a filling to a crown or a root canal. Cleveland Clinic says ongoing pain from the tooth itself usually means it needs treatment.
What treatments are possible?
Filling: for small cavities.
Crown, inlay or onlay: for damage too large for a filling.
Root canal: removes inflamed or infected tissue inside the tooth.
Extraction: for a tooth too damaged to save.
If pain lingers after hot or cold foods, the AAE says the pulp is likely irreversibly damaged and you should be seen as soon as possible. Our post on how long a tooth can hurt before the nerve dies explains more.
Frequently asked questions
Can a loose filling make a tooth hurt when I bite?
Yes. The American Association of Endodontists lists a loose filling as one cause of sharp pain on biting, and Cleveland Clinic lists a damaged filling or crown as a cause of toothache. A dentist can check the fit and replace it if needed.
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Cleveland Clinic says a cracked tooth cannot heal on its own, and it cannot be fixed at home, though treatment might save the tooth. The AAE warns that an untreated crack will progressively worsen. Some minor hairline cracks that do not cause infection may not need treatment. A dentist decides which kind you have.
What can I do at home until my visit?
For mild pain, Cleveland Clinic suggests a warm saltwater rinse, a wrapped ice pack on the outside of the jaw for about 20 minutes, and an over-the-counter pain reliever used as the label directs. Ask a pharmacist what is safe for you. Home care does not fix the cause.
Is it safe to wait if the pain is mild?
Waiting is a gamble. Cleveland Clinic says pain from the tooth itself usually means an issue that needs treatment, and pain that comes and goes still signals a problem. Call if it lasts longer than two days or gets worse.
Book a visit to find the cause
You do not have to guess why your tooth hurts. Dr. Leslie Patrick provides family, preventive and general dentistry. Book online or call (770) 863-0005, and our team will help find the earliest visit available for patients from Smyrna and nearby areas. This is general information, not a diagnosis. A dentist needs to examine you to advise on your situation.