Toothache when biting: Have you noticed that you feel a sharp sting or intense discomfort every time you chew? This symptom may be a sign that something is not functioning properly in your teeth or gums, and it is one of the most common reasons for consultation in a dental office.
In this article from Odontología Perú, we explain the most common causes of toothache when biting, what to do in these cases, and what the most effective treatments are.
🔥 Why does a tooth hurt when biting?
Pain when biting can be an indicator of underlying dental problems that require immediate attention.
Pain when applying pressure while chewing can have different origins. These are the most frequent causes evaluated in a specialized dental center:
🔹 Invisible cavities
Although it may not be noticeable at first glance, an internal cavity can affect the dentin and cause discomfort when applying pressure while chewing. This cavity can be difficult to detect without an X-ray.
🔹 Infection or inflammation in the pulp
When the cavity progresses or a tooth has suffered trauma, the nerve may become inflamed, causing toothache when biting. This infection can be painful and requires urgent medical attention.
🔹 Dental crack or fracture
A tooth with a small crack or fracture may not hurt at rest, but it will when biting, as the pressure opens the crack and stimulates the nerve. These fractures can be subtle and are not always visible at first glance.
🔹 Gum problems
Gingivitis or periodontitis can inflame the support of the tooth, generating discomfort when pressure is applied with the bite. These periodontal problems can weaken the structure of the teeth and cause pain when chewing.
🔹 Loose fillings or crowns
If a filling is high or a crown does not fit properly, it can cause tooth pain when biting, as it receives more pressure than normal. These misalignments can be corrected by a professional to alleviate discomfort.
🔹 Bruxism (teeth grinding)
People who clench their teeth at night may experience pain when biting due to the overload on the dental pieces. Bruxism can cause damage to the teeth and gums, and it is important to seek treatment to avoid complications.
🔍 Differences between continuous pain and pain when biting
It is not the same to feel constant pain as it is to feel pain only when applying pressure. This distinction is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
It is not the same to feel constant pain as it is to feel pain only when applying pressure.
- Continuous pain → usually indicates advanced infection or inflammation in the nerve.
- Pain only when biting → may relate to cracks, defective fillings, or periodontal problems.
This difference is key for the dentist in Lima or the specialist evaluating you to provide a correct diagnosis.
💡 What to do if my tooth hurts when biting?
If you experience tooth pain when biting, the most advisable thing is to visit a dentist. In the meantime, you can follow these recommendations:
- Avoid chewing on the side where you feel discomfort.
- Do not consume very hard foods that may worsen the crack or inflammation.
- Use mouth rinses with fluoride or salt to reduce sensitivity.
- Apply cold compresses externally if there is inflammation.
🛠 Treatments for toothache when biting
| Problem | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Cavity | Removal of the lesion and placement of a resin |
| Pulp infection | Endodontics (root canal treatment) |
| Dental fracture | Repair with resin, crown, or extraction in severe cases |
| Gum problems | Deep cleaning and periodontal treatment |
| Loose filling | Adjustment or replacement of the material |
| Bruxism | Use of a bite splint to protect the teeth |
The treatment will depend on the cause of the pain:
- Cavity → removal of the lesion and placement of a resin.
- Pulp infection → endodontics (root canal treatment).
- Dental fracture → repair with resin, crown, or extraction in severe cases.
- Gum problems → deep cleaning and periodontal treatment.
- Loose filling → adjustment or replacement of the material.
- Bruxism → use of a bite splint to protect the teeth.
All these procedures must be performed in a dental office with prior evaluation.
❗ When to see the dentist?
| Symptom | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Pain persists for more than two days | See the dentist |
| Discomfort increases when biting or drinking cold or hot liquids | See the dentist |
| You notice inflammation in the gums or face | See the dentist |
| Pain interferes with your eating or resting | See the dentist |
Do not ignore toothache when biting, as it may be an early sign of a larger problem.
You should see a dentist in Lima immediately if:
- The pain persists for more than two days.
- The discomfort increases when biting or drinking cold or hot liquids.
- You notice inflammation in the gums or face.
- The pain interferes with your eating or resting.
Do not ignore toothache when biting, as it may be an early sign of a larger problem.
