Gloss & Floss Answers · Emergency Dentistry
Why does my tooth hurt when I bite?
Short answer
A tooth may hurt when you bite because of a crack, a high filling, a damaged filling, deep decay, nerve inflammation, root infection, gum pocket or bite overload from clenching or grinding. Pain on biting should be examined, especially if it is sharp, localised to one tooth, repeated or worse when you release the bite.
Why biting pain is important
When you bite, pressure travels through the tooth, filling, root and supporting tissues. If something is cracked, inflamed, infected or overloaded, that pressure can trigger pain.
Some teeth feel normal at rest but hurt only when chewing. This pattern can be an early sign of a crack or infection that needs diagnosis before the tooth breaks further.
Common causes
- Cracked tooth
- Cracked or leaking filling
- High filling or crown after treatment
- Deep decay under a filling
- Inflamed tooth nerve
- Root infection
- Gum pocket or periodontal inflammation
- Clenching or grinding
- Recent trauma to the tooth
- Food trapped between teeth
What happens at Gloss & Floss?
At Gloss & Floss Dental Care in Stockholm, the dentist checks which tooth is reacting and what type of biting pain you feel. Examination may include bite tests, cold testing, filling check, gum assessment and X-rays.
Treatment depends on the cause. It may involve bite adjustment, filling replacement, crack protection, root canal treatment, gum treatment, crown planning or monitoring if the diagnosis is uncertain.
When should you book promptly?
- The pain is sharp when you bite or release
- The same tooth hurts every time you chew
- The tooth recently received a filling or crown
- You also have sensitivity to cold or heat
- You suspect a crack or see a broken edge
- The gum around the tooth is swollen or bleeding
- The pain is getting worse
Frequently asked questions
Can a high filling cause biting pain?
Yes. If a filling or crown is slightly too high, the tooth can become overloaded during chewing. A dentist can assess whether adjustment is needed.
Can a cracked tooth hurt only when chewing?
Yes. Cracks often cause pain during biting pressure or when releasing the bite, even if the tooth looks normal.
Can biting pain mean infection?
It can, especially if the tooth is also tender, swollen or sensitive to temperature. X-rays and clinical tests may be needed.
Should I avoid chewing on that side?
Yes, until the tooth has been assessed. Avoiding hard chewing may reduce the risk of further fracture.
Related answers
- What symptoms can indicate a cracked tooth?
- Why do I get toothache at night?
- Does a broken tooth need emergency dental care?
Related treatments
Disclaimer
This article provides general information from Gloss & Floss Dental Care in Stockholm. It does not replace a dental examination, bite assessment, X-ray evaluation, diagnosis or treatment plan.
