There’s nothing more irritating than a sharp pain in your teeth when you eat. Have you ever asked yourself, “Why does my tooth hurt when I bite down?” There could be many reasons for tooth pain while biting down, but the primary culprit here is tooth decay. Here are some essential details to be aware of if you have pain during chewing.
What Are the Causes of Toothache While Biting Down?
Here are a few causes that can cause toothache while eating:
- Tooth Decay
The primary source of pain while biting down is tooth decay, which is caused by erosion of the tooth’s enamel. Cavities, or tiny holes in the teeth that can enlarge over time are caused by tooth decay. These cavities feel pressure when you bite down, which can result in quick, intense pain, particularly when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods. - Fractured Tooth
A cracked or fractured tooth can also cause toothache. These fractures can happen for a number of causes, including biting on something hard, oral trauma, or progressive wear and tear.
A broken tooth always calls for a trip to the dentist; the pain is often intense and may only occur while biting on particular foods or in certain ways. - Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses are pus-filled balls that form in the mouth due to infection and tooth decay. You should see your dentist right away if you think you have an abscess and a fever, chills, or weakness accompanying it. - Malocclusion
The misalignment of your upper and lower teeth is known as malocclusion. Malocclusion can be quite painful due to abrupt, uneven pressure while biting or chewing. - Sensitivity
The microscopic channels in your teeth’s roots allow impulses to enter the tooth’s nerve center when the tooth’s underlying layer is exposed. Teeth that are sensitive to pressure may cause pain when you bite down.
Treatment Options
The treatment option for toothache depends on what is causing it. Here are a few treatment options for toothache according to their causes:
- Tooth Decay: The extent of the decay and damage determines the best treatment for the cavity. You can opt for dental fillings, root canals, or extraction if your teeth are hurting due to tooth decay or cavities.
- Fractured Teeth: Dental bonding, veneers, and dental crowns are the best solution for fractured teeth.
- Malocclusion: If the alignment of teeth is causing pain, you can go for braces treatment, tooth removal, or reshaping of teeth.
- Dental Abscess: You can treat dental abscesses by taking antibiotics, getting scaling and root planing, or getting root canal treatment.
Final Say!
Why does my tooth hurt when I bite down? There are many causes, such as tooth decay, dental abscess, or malocclusion. The causes of toothache can be serious and require dental attention.
If you’re suffering from tooth pain, visit us at Aava Dental. Schedule your appointment by calling (818) 792-4500.