Pain when you bite is one of dentistry's trickier diagnostic challenges
Unlike spontaneous toothache, pain that occurs specifically when biting down and then fades can be surprisingly difficult to diagnose and easy to dismiss. It is also a symptom that should not be ignored, because the underlying causes almost always worsen without treatment.
The most common causes
Cracked tooth syndrome. A crack running through the tooth causes a brief sharp jolt when biting on a specific area. Early-stage cracks are often not visible on X-rays. Treatment ranges from a crown to root canal treatment or extraction if the crack extends below the gumline.
High bite after a new filling or crown. If a restoration sits even fractionally too high, that tooth takes more force than the adjacent teeth. This is simple to fix. A dentist adjusts the height in a few minutes.
Bruised periodontal ligament. Biting hard on something unexpected can bruise the ligament. The tooth becomes sore to bite on for days to weeks. No treatment is usually required beyond avoiding hard foods.
Irreversible pulpitis. When the nerve is significantly inflamed or dying, biting can trigger a sharp pain response. Root canal treatment or extraction is typically required.
Periapical abscess. Infection around the root tip causes the tooth to sit slightly proud in its socket. Biting causes pain against infected bone. This requires urgent attention.
What to do
Pain on biting that is new, sharp, or recurring should be assessed by a dentist. It is unlikely to resolve on its own and in most cases will worsen. See a dentist urgently if the pain is severe or accompanied by swelling, if you can see visible cracks or broken pieces, or if the pain is increasing in frequency or intensity.
Book at Lumi Dental, Melrose Park
We see patients with biting pain regularly and have the diagnostic tools, including CBCT 3D imaging when needed, to identify the cause and discuss your options. Same-day appointments available. Open 7 days at Melrose Central. Book online.
