Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Bite Down?

Have you ever felt a sharp, unexpected pain when biting into your favourite food? 

Tooth pain when biting down is a common issue, but it can stem from several underlying causes, including tooth decay, gum disease or recession, and cracked teeth. At South Ancaster Family Dental, we understand how disruptive dental discomfort can be. This blog will explore why your teeth might hurt when you bite down and provide insight into potential solutions. Prompt attention to these symptoms is essential to maintaining your oral health and comfort.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain When Biting Down

Dental Decay (Cavities)

Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that erode tooth enamel. Left untreated, decay can penetrate deeper layers of the tooth, exposing sensitive dentin or even the pulp. This can lead to sharp pain, especially when chewing requires pressure.

Cracked or Fractured Teeth

A cracked or fractured tooth can occur from trauma, biting hard objects, or long-term grinding. These cracks may not always be visible, but they can irritate the nerves inside the tooth, causing pain when biting or chewing.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, involves inflammation and infection of the gums. As it progresses, it can lead to gum recession, exposing the tooth’s roots. This exposure often results in sensitivity and pain during biting.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscess is a pocket of infection caused by untreated decay, trauma, or gum disease. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, and a sensitivity to pressure. Pain when biting can indicate that the infection is pressing on surrounding tissues.

Tooth Sensitivity

Enamel erosion or gum recession can expose the underlying dentin, making teeth more sensitive to pressure, temperature extremes, and sweet foods. This sensitivity can create discomfort when biting down.

Dental Trauma

Sports injuries, accidents, or even grinding your teeth can lead to trauma that weakens tooth structure. Such damage can result in acute or lingering pain when biting.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)

Bruxism involves grinding or clenching teeth, often during sleep. This habit places excessive pressure on teeth, potentially leading to discomfort, enamel wear, and micro-cracks. Pain when biting is a common symptom for individuals with this condition.

Bite Alignment Issues

Misaligned teeth or an uneven bite, known as malocclusion, can cause certain teeth to bear more pressure than others during chewing. This imbalance often results in localized pain or discomfort.

Recent Dental Procedures

It is normal to experience temporary sensitivity after dental work, such as fillings, crowns, or root canals. However, persistent pain might indicate complications that require further evaluation.

When to See a Dentist

While occasional sensitivity may not always require immediate attention, certain symptoms should prompt a visit to your dentist:

• Persistent or severe pain.
• Swelling, redness, or pus near the affected tooth.
• Fever or general signs of infection.
• Difficulty chewing or biting comfortably.

At South Ancaster Family Dental, our team of experienced and compassionate professionals is equipped to effectively diagnose and treat the root cause of your dental discomfort. We are committed to providing calm, instructional, and effective care tailored to your needs.

Diagnosing the Cause

To identify the source of your tooth pain, your dentist may:

1. Perform a clinical examination.
2. Use X-rays to detect decay, fractures, or infections.
3. Conduct bite tests to locate pressure-sensitive areas.
4. Evaluate gum health to check for signs of disease or recession.

Treatment Options

• Cavities: Fillings, inlays, or crowns can restore the integrity of decayed teeth.
• Cracks or fractures: Treatments vary depending on severity and may include bonding, crowns, or root canals. Severe cases might require extraction.
• Gum disease: Scaling, root planing, or periodontal surgery may be necessary to address advanced gum disease.
• Abscesses: Treatment typically involves draining the abscess, prescribing antibiotics, and performing a root canal or extraction.
• Tooth sensitivity: Desensitizing treatments or protective coatings can alleviate discomfort while addressing underlying causes like enamel erosion or gum recession.
• Bruxism: Nightguards can protect teeth from grinding damage, and stress management techniques can help reduce clenching habits.
• Bite alignment issues: Orthodontic treatments or occlusal adjustments can correct alignment problems and distribute pressure evenly.

Preventing Tooth Pain

Prevention is key to avoiding discomfort. Follow these guidelines to maintain your oral health:

• Brush and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups for early detection of issues.
• Avoid hard foods and wear mouthguards during sports.
• Manage stress to prevent teeth grinding or clenching.

Find Dental Relief with South Ancaster Family Dental

Tooth pain, when biting down, is a symptom that should never be ignored. Understanding the potential causes can help you take the first step toward relief. At South Ancaster Family Dental, we are committed to providing calm, instructional, and effective care tailored to your needs. If you are experiencing dental discomfort, contact us today to schedule an appointment and restore your smile’s health and comfort.