You can talk, drink, and go about your day without any problems. But as soon as you bite into lunch, one tooth suddenly hurts.
Pain when biting or chewing can be a sign that something is wrong—even if the tooth doesn't hurt the rest of the time.
A cracked tooth, cavity, damaged filling, infection, or inflammation around the tooth root can all cause pain when pressure is applied.
If it happens repeatedly, don't just avoid chewing on that side and hope it disappears. Finding out what's causing the pain can help prevent additional damage.
Why Would a Tooth Only Hurt When I Chew?
Chewing puts pressure on the teeth, their roots, and the surrounding tissues.
When something is damaged or inflamed, that pressure may trigger pain.
Common causes include:
- Cracked teeth
- Deep cavities
- Dental infections
- Loose fillings
- Damaged crowns
- Trauma to a tooth
- Inflammation around the root
- Teeth grinding or clenching
Our Vancouver dentists provide tooth pain treatment to identify the source of persistent toothaches and determine the appropriate treatment.
A Cracked Tooth Can Hurt When You Bite
Cracks are a common reason a tooth may hurt under pressure.
Some cracks are visible. Others can be so small that you won't know they're there until the tooth starts causing problems.
Cracked teeth can result from:
- Biting ice
- Hard candy
- Popcorn kernels
- Teeth grinding
- Sports injuries
- Accidents
- Large existing fillings
- Years of normal wear
You might notice sharp pain while biting or an unusual pain as you release your bite.
Temperature sensitivity can occur as well.
If you've visibly damaged a tooth or suspect a fracture, Vancouver Emergency Dentist provides broken and chipped tooth repair.
Could It Just Be a Cavity?
It could be.
Cavities aren't always painful when they first develop. As decay moves farther into a tooth, chewing pressure can begin irritating the sensitive tissues underneath.
Other symptoms may include:
- Cold sensitivity
- Sensitivity to sweets
- Occasional aching
- Food getting stuck around the tooth
- A visible dark spot or hole
Having the tooth examined before the cavity becomes painful all the time may allow for simpler treatment.
What Can I Do Before My Dental Appointment?
Until your tooth can be examined, reduce the amount of pressure you're placing on it.
Try eating softer foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth.
Continue gently brushing and flossing around the tooth. Sometimes food lodged between two teeth can cause significant pressure and soreness.
You may also use an appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever according to its directions if you're able to safely take it.
Avoid repeatedly "testing" the tooth by biting down to see whether it still hurts. If the tooth is cracked or structurally weakened, additional pressure could potentially make the problem worse.
Does This Mean I Might Need a Root Canal?
If decay, trauma, or a crack reaches the pulp inside the tooth, the tissue can become inflamed or infected.
Symptoms can include:
- Severe toothache
- Lingering sensitivity
- Throbbing pain
- Pain while chewing
- Gum swelling
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Tooth discoloration
In these situations, an emergency root canal may be necessary.
Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged pulp, disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to help preserve your natural tooth.
Don't Wait Until the Tooth Hurts All the Time
Pain only when chewing can be easy to dismiss because the tooth may feel completely normal between meals.
But your tooth shouldn't repeatedly hurt when you bite.
A relatively small problem today can potentially become a much more complicated dental emergency if the tooth continues to decay, crack, or develop an infection.
Vancouver Emergency Dentist provides emergency dental treatments for tooth pain, broken teeth, infections, root canals, damaged crowns and fillings, and other urgent dental problems.
If you're changing how you eat because one tooth hurts whenever you chew, that's a good reason to have it checked.