Tooth pain when biting can be more than just a minor nuisance—it often serves as a warning sign of underlying dental issues that require immediate attention. Whether it’s a sharp pain when you bite down or a dull ache that lingers, understanding the reasons behind tooth pain can help address it effectively. This article will explore tooth pain’s causes, symptoms, and treatments, helping you keep your mouth healthy.
What Causes Tooth Pain When Biting?
A cracked tooth is a common cause of pain when biting. This can result from trauma, teeth grinding, or even biting on something hard. Cracked teeth can cause sharp pain when pressure is applied and then released.
Tooth Decay and Cavities
Decay can erode the tooth enamel and dentin, leading to cavities that expose the pulp tissue inside the tooth. This exposure can cause severe pain when biting down on the affected tooth.
Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease
Infections of the gums and the structures that support the teeth can also lead to tooth pain. As gum disease advances, it can lead to gum recession, exposing the root surfaces of the teeth. This exposure often results in increased sensitivity and pain, as the roots are not covered by the protective enamel that shields the upper parts of the teeth.
Dental Abscess and Infection
An untreated bacterial infection can lead to an abscess at the tooth root, causing persistent, throbbing pain. This can affect both upper and lower teeth and, if not treated promptly, may lead to more severe health issues.
Loose or Damaged Fillings
Fillings that become loose or damaged over time can cause pain when biting as parts of the tooth’s structure become exposed to pressure and bacteria.
Symptoms Associated with Tooth Pain When Biting
Tooth pain when biting can manifest in several ways, each pointing to potentially different underlying issues. Recognising these symptoms is key to addressing the root cause of the discomfort. Here are some typical symptoms associated with tooth pain when biting:
Sharp, Intermittent Pain
Experiencing sharp, intermittent bursts of pain when biting down is often a sign of a cracked tooth or a loose filling.
Persistent Throbbing Pain
A constant throbbing pain may indicate an abscessed tooth or an infection that needs urgent dental care.
Increased Sensitivity
Increasing sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli could signify tooth decay or exposed roots due to gum recession.
Other Symptoms
Look out for signs of infection, such as swelling, fever, or a foul taste in the mouth, which require immediate attention.
How to Diagnose Tooth Pain
Diagnosing the cause of tooth pain when biting or at other times is essential for effective treatment and relief. Here are detailed steps involved in diagnosing tooth pain:
Dental Examination
A thorough dental examination is the cornerstone of diagnosing tooth pain. During this examination, your dentist will:
Visual Inspection: Look for decay, damage, or gum disease signs. The dentist will check for visible holes, cracks, and gum inflammation.
Palpation: The dentist may gently tap on each tooth or press on the gums to check for sensitivity or pain, which can indicate an abscess or severe decay.
Mobility Testing: This involves checking for loose teeth, a sign of injury or advanced periodontal disease.
Percussion Testing involves tapping on the tooth to identify pain response, which helps identify problems in the tooth’s root or the surrounding bone area.
Diagnostic Imaging
X-rays are crucial for seeing beneath the surface of your gums and teeth. Dental X-rays can reveal hidden decay, impacted teeth, abscesses, and bone loss that are not visible in a visual examination.
CT Scans: In more complex cases, a CT scan may be used to get a more detailed view of the teeth and jawbone, especially if there are issues related to the jaw or the alignment of the teeth.
Identifying the Affected Tooth
Determining which tooth is causing pain and under what conditions it hurts are key components of a diagnosis:
Cold and Heat Tests: Your dentist may apply cold or heat to see if the tooth reacts unusually, which can indicate nerve damage or pulpitis.
Electric Pulp Testing: This test checks the health of the tooth’s pulp, the innermost part where nerves and blood vessels are located. An unresponsive tooth to this test may suggest that the pulp is dead or dying.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Review of Dental History: Your dentist will examine your dental and medical history, including any past diseases, surgeries, or treatments that could influence your dental health.
Discussion of Symptoms: A detailed discussion about the symptoms—such as when the pain occurs, what seems to trigger it, and what alleviates it—can provide clues about the underlying cause.
Lifestyle and Oral Hygiene Assessment: Factors such as diet, oral hygiene habits, and stress-related habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) are also considered.
This comprehensive diagnostic approach allows the dentist to determine the cause of tooth pain accurately and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Addressing tooth pain promptly ensures you can maintain your dental health and overall well-being.
Treatment Options for Tooth Pain
The treatment approach for tooth pain will vary depending on the underlying cause of the discomfort. Here are some common treatments for various dental issues that cause pain when biting or at other times:
Dental Fillings and Crowns
For cavities and decay, replacing or repairing a filling or crown can resolve the pain.
Root Canal Treatment
If the tooth’s pulp becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and alleviate pain.
Gum Treatments
For gum disease-related issues, treatments like scaling, root planing, or antibiotics might be recommended.
Tooth Extraction
In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, an extraction might be necessary.
Preventing Tooth Pain
Maintaining oral health and preventing tooth pain involves proactive and regular care. Here are the essential practices to help you minimise the risk of experiencing tooth pain when biting:
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are pertinent for preventing dental issues that could lead to pain:
Early Detection: Routine check-ups enable your dentist to identify early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues before they advance and lead to pain.
Professional Cleaning: Regular cleanings help eliminate plaque and tartar accumulation, which are frequent contributors to gum disease and tooth decay.
Preventive Advice: Dentists can offer personalised advice tailored to your oral health status, including recommendations on how to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental conditions.
Good Oral Hygiene Practices
Adopting a thorough oral hygiene routine is your daily defence against tooth pain:
Brushing. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. This routine is crucial for removing food debris and plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth and is the main culprit behind tooth decay.
Flossing. Daily flossing is essential for cleaning the gaps between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. This habit helps prevent gum disease, which often leads to tooth sensitivity and pain.
Mouthwash. Incorporating an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine can help lower bacterial levels, offer a fluoride boost to help prevent decay, and keep your gums healthy.
Avoid Hard Foods
Your dietary choices can directly impact your dental health:
Biting Caution. Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels, as these can crack or chip your teeth, leading to pain when biting.
Protective Eating. Choose softer foods and cut harder foods into smaller pieces to avoid excessive force on your teeth when chewing.
Be Mindful of Sticky and Hard Foods. Excessively sticky or hard foods can pull out fillings or damage dental work, leading to tooth pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are experiencing tooth pain when biting can be both alarming and uncomfortable, prompting many questions about potential causes and necessary actions. To help you understand and manage this common dental issue, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
What should I do if I suddenly start feeling pain when biting?
Visit your dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
Can tooth pain go away on its own?
While some minor pains might resolve themselves, persistent or severe pain likely needs professional treatment.
Is tooth pain a sign of a serious condition?
It can indeed. Tooth pain can signal infections that, if left untreated, might lead to more serious health complications.
Conclusion
Experiencing tooth pain when biting is not something to ignore. It’s a signal from your body that something is wrong, possibly requiring emergency dental care.
Why Act Now?
Delaying treatment can lead to more severe complications, such as the spread of infection and even the potential loss of the tooth. Contact us today to arrange an examination and ensure your dental health is proactively managed. Your teeth need immediate attention to prevent further discomfort and health issues. Addressing tooth pain promptly helps maintain your dental health and ensures your quality of life isn’t compromised. Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable—seek help at the first sign of discomfort.
Contact Definitive Dental at (02) 6105 9833 to address any tooth pain and regain your smile!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache
https://www.sensodyne.com/en-us/understanding-tooth-sensitivity/why-teeth-hurt-biting/
https://www.healthline.com/health/toothaches