You’ve got your favorite movie on with cookies, popcorn, and other comfort food on the side. But, as soon as you bite down – ouch – tooth pain ruins the moment.
If you’ve ever felt this sharp or uncomfortable pain when biting down, you are not alone. In this blog, we will list down the common reasons behind this tooth pain.
Common Reasons Why Your Tooth Hurts When You Bite Down
In this section, we have listed seven reasons that cause tooth pain when biting down:
1. Cavity
One of the most common reasons why you feel pain and sensitivity when biting down is a cavity. Cavities that reach the inner dentin or nerves can cause extreme pain, especially during chewing.
2. High Tooth Filling or Crown
When you bite, your top and bottom teeth should fit together evenly. If a tooth, filling, or crown is a little too high, it puts extra pressure on that spot. This can cause pain when you bite down. If you have recently had some dental work done, and suspect this pain is from an uneven bite, see a dentist right away. They can check and adjust the tooth accordingly.
3. Damaged or Loose Fillings
Fillings and crowns don’t last forever. Over time, they can wear down, crack, or come loose. When this happens, the tooth underneath can become sensitive and hurt when you bite down.
4. Dental Abscess
If a tooth hurts when you bite down, it might be because of an abscess at the root. It shows up as a small pimple on your gums that leaks fluid with a bad taste. This infection creates swelling inside the bone, which presses on the tooth and causes pain when you bite down.
5. Fractured Tooth
A cracked tooth can cause extreme pain when you bite down. Cracks can occur due to several reasons, such as teeth grinding, chewing hard foods, or physical trauma. While some are easier to detect, hairline fractures might need a closer assessment.
6. Gum Disease and Recession
Tooth pain when biting down can also be linked to gum problems. When gums become inflamed or start to pull back, the roots of the teeth may be exposed, making chewing painful, especially near the gum line. Apart from tooth pain when biting, other signs of gum disease include swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and fever.
7. Sinus Pressure
Sometimes tooth pain from biting is not linked to your oral health. It can come from the sinuses, too. Since the roots of your upper back teeth are in close proximity to the sinuses, inflammation and congestion can cause tooth pain when you bite down.
Overall Insight
There are many reasons that could contribute to tooth pain when biting down, such as cavity, loose or damaged filling, uneven bite, dental abscess, cracked tooth, gum disease, recession, and sinus pressure.
If you suspect similar signs, schedule an exam with our expert dentist, Dr. Omad Chaudhary, FICOI, at Enhance Dental at Heritage. Call us at (919) 569-5719 to book your appointment.