Imagine biting into your favorite snack and suddenly feeling a sharp pain in your tooth. Why does that happen? There are different reasons for that, and understanding what’s causing it can give you a head start on seeking professional help. Let’s go through some of the most common reasons why your tooth hurts when biting and what you can do about it.
Causes of Tooth Pain When Biting or Chewing
If biting or chewing food is causing tooth pain, one of these could be the possible causes:
You have a cavity
Sometimes, cavities may not be visible on the surface, but they may be silently breaking down your tooth enamel. This exposes the inner layers of your tooth.
As a result, you may have a sharp, stinging pain or sensitivity when biting down.
You have a cracked or fractured tooth
It’s not easy to spot a small crack on your tooth, but it can hurt when you bite. Your tooth may become cracked or fractured due to a sports injury, a fall, chewing hard foods, or teeth grinding.
Back teeth are more affected because they bear more biting pressure. So if your molar hurts when you bite down, it could be because of a crack or fracture.
Your dental filling or crown is ill-fitting
Yes, even a fully restored tooth can hurt sometimes. This may happen if your dental work, like a filling or crown, has worn out over time or has become loose.
Sometimes, a filling or crown can create pressure points if it doesn’t fit properly. The dentist will fix it so biting no longer hurts.
You have a dental abscess
When there is pain in only one tooth when you bite, it could be because of a dental abscess around the tooth root tip. It’s a small pus-filled sac that puts pressure against your tooth, causing it to hurt. You may also notice a bad taste in your mouth because of it.
What to Do If Your Tooth Hurts When Biting Down?
Tooth pain when biting or chewing is a signal that something is wrong. Instead of solely relying on painkillers or home remedies, the best thing you can do is to consult a dentist.
They will examine your mouth to pinpoint what’s causing it and then they will go over the ideal treatment options.
If it’s because of a cavity or a tooth crack, your dentist might suggest a dental filling, a root canal, or a dental crown, depending on the extent of the problem. Sometimes, adjusting your current dental work can help, especially if there are areas where your bite puts too much pressure.
Final Words
If your tooth hurts while biting or chewing, don’t take it lightly. Even if you don’t figure out the cause right away, like a cavity or damaged filling, it’s best to consult with your dentist.
You can reach out to our team at Alonso Family Dental right away if you have this concern. Call (281) 778 8400 to book your appointment with us.