tooth pain when you bite down is one of the most specific symptoms in dentistry. It points to something being physically disturbed under pressure — and that narrows the likely causes considerably.
The most common cause is a cracked tooth. Unlike a visible break, craze lines and hairline fractures can be hard to see even on an X-ray, but they make a tooth extremely sensitive to chewing pressure. The crack flexes under load and aggravate the nerve inside.
Other Likely Causes
A dental abscess at the tip of the root creates pressure whenever you bite — the infection is literally pushing against bone. This pain is often localised to one specific tooth and gets worse if you press on it.
Sometimes a recent filling is set too high. If the bite wasn't adjusted properly, every chew sends shock through that tooth. This can often be fixed in minutes by your dentist simply smoothing the filling down.
Gum infection around one tooth, or a piece of food impacted under the gum line, can also create sharp pain on biting. You'll often notice tenderness when you floss that area too.
What to Do
If biting causes pain that lingers after you release the pressure, don't wait. The longer you leave it, the more likely the underlying issue is to worsen. Treatment will depend on the cause — it might be a simple bite adjustment, or you may need a crown, root canal, or extraction. Book an assessment so we can identify the exact problem.
If any of this sounds familiar, book an assessment with us. The sooner we take a look, the simpler the treatment is likely to be. Call the practice on 01323 723757 or book online at www.meadsdental.com.