11 Reasons Why Biting Hurts and When to Act
- anuj mewada
- Apr 9, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: May 30, 2024
When you’re biting down, your tooth shouldn’t be causing you pain. If you find yourself experiencing discomfort or sensitivity in your tooth when chewing or under pressure, it’s crucial to reach out to your dentist promptly. Ignoring a toothache is never a good idea.
If chewing leads to tooth pain, several potential issues could be causing it. Here are some common reasons that could be behind your discomfort.
Dental Decay: If your tooth hurts during biting, it's likely due to a cavity. Cavities are the result of tooth decay, creating small holes in the tooth. Symptoms include sensitivity, pain while eating or drinking, and even pain without any apparent reason. Large cavities may trap food and make sweets particularly uncomfortable.
Enamel Wear :Worn enamel can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain during biting. When the enamel wears thin or vanishes, the tooth's nerves become exposed, causing pain when exposed to hot, cold, or acidic substances.
Tooth Damage: Minor cracks or fractures in teeth can be hard to detect but may cause pain during biting. These injuries often go unnoticed on X-rays and require specialized diagnosis from trusted dental professionals.
Loose Teeth: Biting down on a loose tooth can stretch ligaments, causing pain and discomfort. Loose teeth can indicate serious issues like gum disease or previous dental trauma.
Filling Issues: Loose or leaking fillings can lead to discomfort and pain during biting. Even if you can't see a gap around the filling, it may still be causing issues.
Gum Disease: Tooth pain can be a symptom of gum disease, which damages ligaments and leads to gum recession and sensitivity.
Dental Abscess: An abscess around a tooth's root can cause severe pain and requires immediate dental attention.
Recurring Infection: In rare cases, a previously treated tooth may develop a new infection, causing pain during chewing.
Misaligned Teeth : Misalignment of upper and lower teeth can cause uneven pressure during biting, leading to soreness and pain.
Gum Recession: Receding gums expose tooth roots, causing sensitivity and pain during biting.
Sinus Issues: Inflamed sinuses can cause tooth pain, particularly in the upper molars.
Knowing when to seek dental care is crucial. Ignoring tooth pain can lead to worsening problems that may require more invasive and expensive treatments. Early intervention is key to preventing serious oral health issues.
