What Causes a Toothache When Biting Down?

Imagine eating your favourite food when suddenly you feel a sharp pain when biting down! What do you do? Let us dive into the common causes and effective remedies for toothache when biting down, ensuring you can handle this discomfort with the proper knowledge.

I have a toothache when I bite down: What does it mean?

Toothache is one of the common symptoms when it comes to dental issues.  A toothache when biting down can be caused by various dental problems, including tooth decay, abscessed tooth, gum disease, teeth grinding, or a cracked tooth. It might create a distressing experience, especially while eating, making it difficult to enjoy your favourite foods.

But what exactly does it mean? If you're experiencing tooth pain, it's important to identify the underlying cause. Understanding the cause of the pain helps find the appropriate treatment. For those experiencing toothache while biting down, it is advisable to seek guidance from our dental professionals to pinpoint the precise cause and receive the essential treatment.

Symptoms that accompany toothache when biting down

When the tooth hurts during eating or drinking, it might indicate an infected tooth or a dental abscess, both of which can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain. Upper teeth can be more susceptible to toothaches when biting down due to their position. Toothache when biting down is often accompanied by other symptoms that can explain the underlying issue. Some common symptoms include:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Sharp pain on biting down or eating
• Swelling around the affected tooth or gums and bad breath.
• Pain that lingers after removing pressure
• Pain while tapping the tooth

These symptoms can differ concerning the specific cause of the toothache. It's important to pay attention to these accompanying symptoms and communicate them to your dentist for an accurate diagnosis.

Common causes of toothache upon biting

If your teeth hurt when you are biting down, these are several common causes why it hurts: 

1) Crown/filling restoration on the teeth feels 'high'

When your upper and lower jaws close, most of the teeth at the back of your jaws make contact evenly, providing a balanced 'bite'. This is called occlusion. When there is a slight hindrance in this occlusion, we might feel that some areas are touching earlier than the rest causing pain in the jaw while biting down. A loose filling can cause pain when biting down, especially if it's causing a gap between your teeth.

2) Localised infection around the tooth (Abscess)  

As a result of the infection surrounding the tooth, a persistent pressure buildup in the gums intensifies when biting down on the affected tooth.

3) Cracked or fractured teeth

This is a common cause of toothache when biting down or eating. The presence of a crack in the tooth causes it to flex upon biting down, resulting in discomfort when releasing the bite. Read more about it here.

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4) Sinusitis

A sinus infection can cause toothache, particularly in the upper teeth, due to inflammation and pressure in the sinus cavities located in the upper jawbone. Since the roots of the upper molar tooth extend into this sinus area, biting down may exacerbate the pain.

5) Gum disease and Periodontitis

Receding gums, often a result of periodontal disease, can expose tooth roots, making the area more susceptible to bacterial infection and discomfort when pressure is applied. Blood vessels within the affected area may become inflamed, causing pain when you bite.

This infection can result in bone loss and eventual tooth loosening. When pressure is applied to this loose tooth while biting down, it causes the ligaments surrounding the tooth to stretch, resulting in pain.

6) Misalignment of teeth

When teeth are crowded and misaligned, uneven contact can occur when the upper and lower jaws close. This can increase the biting force on certain teeth, causing them to be compromised periodontally, chipped and resulting in pain when biting down. Prompt intervention from a dental expert is vital to prevent any potential complications.

What are some home remedies and immediate relief options?

While seeking professional dental care is essential, some immediate and home remedies for toothache can help temporarily alleviate the discomfort.

• One standard solution is to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, which can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
• Applying a cold compress for few minutes to the affected area can provide temporary relief by numbing the area.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers such Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can be used to manage the pain until you can see your dentist.
  
  

While home remedies can offer temporary relief, addressing the underlying issue, such as a root canal treatment for severe cases, is essential to prevent further complications.

When to seek professional dental care?

If you are feeling toothache while biting down, it is important to seek professional dental care promptly. Your dentist will be able to accurately diagnose the cause of your toothache and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Delaying it can lead to further complications and potentially more invasive treatments in the future. It's especially crucial to seek immediate care if you're experiencing severe pain, swelling, or any signs of infection. Remember, your dentist is the best resource for addressing toothache when biting down and ensuring your oral health is properly cared for.

Looking for a dental check up with us? Just drop us a message here and we will be right with you! 

References

1. AR Davari, E Ataei, and H Assarzadeh, Dentin Hypersensitivity: Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment; A Literature Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3927677/ J Dent (Shiraz). 2013 Sep; 14(3): 136–145. PMCID: PMC3927677,PMID: 24724135 

2. Fei Li, Yaoyao Diao, Jiayin Wang , Xingyu Hou, Shuzhan Qiao, Jiawen Kong, Yunhan Sun, Eu Seok Lee, Heng Bo Jiang,  Review of Cracked Tooth Syndrome: Etiology, Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention . https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/3788660 15 December 2021