FAQ: Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Bite Down?

No. Healthy teeth should not hurt when you chew, bite, or apply pressure.

Pain when biting is usually a sign that something is affecting the tooth, nerve, supporting bone, or surrounding gum tissue.

While cavities can cause discomfort, many patients with tooth pain when biting actually have:

A dental exam and X-rays can help identify the cause.

A cracked tooth is one of the most common causes of pain when biting down.

Small cracks are often difficult to see but can cause sharp pain when pressure is applied.

The sooner a cracked tooth is treated, the better the chance of saving it.

Pain when releasing pressure is often associated with a cracked tooth.

As the tooth flexes during chewing, the crack can open and close, irritating the nerve inside the tooth.

An infection at the root of a tooth can create pressure around the tooth and surrounding bone.

Dental infections should be evaluated as soon as possible.

Many dental problems occur beneath the surface.

This is why dental X-rays are often necessary.

Many people grind or clench their teeth while sleeping without realizing it.

A custom night guard may help protect your teeth.

When a filling or crown becomes loose, bacteria can enter underneath and irritate the tooth.

Food getting trapped around the tooth

Avoid chewing on that side and schedule a dental evaluation as soon as possible.

The sooner the cause is identified, the more treatment options may be available.

Waiting can allow small problems to become larger and more expensive to treat.

You should contact a dentist if you experience:

Pain that lasts more than a day or two

Tooth pain is your body's way of telling you that something isn't right.

Whether it's a small crack, a cavity, a loose crown, or an infection, early treatment can often prevent more extensive procedures later.

At Sunnyside Smiles, we help patients from Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Fowler, and surrounding communities identify the cause of tooth pain and find the best treatment option to restore comfort and protect their smile.

If your tooth hurts when you bite down, don't ignore it.

Address: Sunnyside Smiles 5657 Cesar Chavez Blvd #107 , Fresno, CA 93727

We offer comprehensive exams, digital X-rays, and emergency dental appointments to help determine the cause of your discomfort and get you back to smiling comfortably.