If you’ve felt a sharp twinge or dull ache when biting down, you’re not alone. Tooth pain when chewing is common and can affect your ability to eat, speak, and enjoy daily life. Causes range from cavities and cracked teeth to gum disease or bite issues. Managing this discomfort starts with understanding the cause. A visit to your dental hygienist for a check-up or to a private dentist for more detailed care can help diagnose the issue early. Prompt treatment can prevent further damage and provide much-needed relief, helping you return to comfortable, pain-free eating and daily activities.

Understanding Tooth Pain When Biting

Tooth pain while biting can feel different from person to person. Some describe it as a sharp pain, while others may feel a throbbing sensation or pressure. This discomfort usually happens when something is wrong with the tooth, gum, or nearby area. Each tooth is made up of enamel, dentin, and pulp, and any problem in these layers—or in the surrounding gums—can trigger pain under pressure.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain When Biting

Let’s take a closer look at the possible causes of pain when you bite down.

1. Cavities and Tooth Decay

Cavities develop when bacteria in your mouth produce acid that erodes tooth enamel. If not treated early, the decay can reach the dentin layer or even the pulp, where nerves are located. This can lead to sensitivity and pain, especially when biting or eating hot, cold, or sweet food.

Signs to watch for:

• Pain when biting, especially in a specific tooth
• Sensitivity to sweet or cold food
• Visible holes or dark spots on the tooth

Treatment:A dentist can remove the decay and place a filling. If the cavity is large, a dental crown may be required to protect the tooth.

2. Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Cracks in teeth can occur due to trauma, grinding (bruxism), or biting hard foods. Sometimes, the crack is so small it’s hard to see, but it still causes pain when pressure is applied.

Signs to watch for:

• Sharp pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food
• Pain that comes and goes

Treatment:Depending on the severity of the crack, treatment may include bonding, a crown, or, in some cases, a root canal. A severe fracture might even require tooth removal.

3. Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective enamel wears away, exposing the dentin beneath. This can happen due to gum recession, brushing too hard, or using harsh toothpaste.

Signs to watch for:

• Sudden pain when eating cold, hot, or acidic food
• Discomfort when brushing or flossing
• Pain that improves with desensitising products

Treatment:Using a desensitising toothpaste can help. A dentist might apply fluoride varnish or sealant to protect the exposed dentin.

4. Sinus Infections

It might surprise you to learn that sinus problems can cause tooth pain. This is because your upper teeth sit very close to your sinus cavities. When these sinuses become inflamed or infected, they can press on the roots of your upper back teeth, causing pain when biting.

Signs to watch for:

• Pain in several upper teeth
• Feeling of pressure in the cheeks or forehead
• Pain that worsens when bending over

Treatment:Treating the sinus infection with decongestants, nasal sprays, or antibiotics may relieve the pressure. If the pain doesn’t go away, it’s important to see a dentist to rule out other causes.

5. Gum Disease and Receding Gums

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums. In early stages, it causes redness and swelling, but if it progresses, it can lead to gum recession and exposure of the tooth roots, making teeth more sensitive to pressure.

Signs to watch for:

• Red, bleeding, or swollen gums
• Pain at the gum line
• Loose or shifting teeth

Treatment:Early-stage gum disease can be treated with a professional dental cleaning and improved brushing and flossing. More serious cases may require deep cleaning (scaling and root planing).

6. Tooth Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It usually forms near the root of a tooth or between the gum and the tooth. Abscesses can cause severe pain and should be treated immediately.

Signs to watch for:

• Constant throbbing pain
• Swelling in the gums or face
• Fever or a bad taste in the mouth

Treatment:An abscess must be drained, and the infection treated. This might involve a root canal, antibiotics, or tooth removal in serious cases.

Diagnosing the Pain – When to See a Dentist

While some minor sensitivity can be managed at home, ongoing or severe pain should never be ignored. You should see a private dentist Cardiff or your local dental clinic if:

• The pain doesn’t go away after a few days
• There is visible damage or swelling
• Over-the-counter medication doesn’t help
• You notice a bad taste or pus in your mouth

Early diagnosis can help prevent more serious problems and reduce the need for complex treatments later.

Treatment Options for Tooth Pain

Depending on the cause, your dentist may suggest different treatment options, such as:

• Fillings and Sealants – Used to treat cavities and protect teeth from further decay.
• Root Canal Treatment – Removes infection from inside the tooth and saves it from extraction.
• Crowns – Protect a cracked or weakened tooth.
• Gum Therapy – Helps treat gum disease and reduce gum recession.
• Sensitivity Solutions – Includes fluoride varnishes and desensitising products to reduce sensitivity.
  

At-Home Relief Options

While waiting to see your dentist, these home remedies might offer temporary relief:

• Saltwater Rinse – Soothes gums and cleans the mouth.
• Cold Compress – Reduces swelling and numbs the area.
• Painkillers – Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with mild to moderate discomfort.

Remember, these are not long-term solutions. A proper dental diagnosis is still needed.

Preventing Future Tooth Pain

Keeping your teeth healthy is the best way to avoid pain in the future. Here are a few tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
• Visit a dental hygienist Cardiff regularly for cleanings
• Avoid sugary and acidic food and drinks
• Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night

Regular dental visits help catch small issues before they become painful problems.

Conclusion

Tooth pain when biting down is a warning sign that should not be ignored. Whether it’s due to decay, a crack, gum disease, or even a sinus infection, there are effective treatments available. The key is to identify the cause early and seek professional help when needed. By practising good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly, you can keep your smile healthy and pain-free.

For expert advice and personalised treatment, trust Super Smile Dental to help you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.