A toothache when chewing can make everyday activities like eating and enjoying your favourite foods uncomfortable. Whether you experience sharp pain when biting down or a dull ache while chewing, it may be a sign of an underlying dental problem. Common causes include cavities, cracked teeth, gum disease and tooth sensitivity.
Understanding the reason behind your tooth pain can help you know when to seek professional dental care. At Triadent Dental, we help patients in Ottawa identify dental concerns and explore suitable treatment options to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
9 Possible Causes of Toothache When Chewing
1. Tooth Decay or Cavities
Tooth decay is one of the common causes of tooth pain when chewing. When bacteria damage the enamel, cavities can develop and gradually reach the deeper layers of the tooth. You may experience sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods, along with discomfort when biting.
Treatment: A dentist can examine the affected tooth and recommend a dental filling or other treatment depending on the extent of decay.
2. Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A cracked tooth can cause sharp pain when biting down or releasing pressure. Cracks may develop from chewing hard foods, teeth grinding, injuries or everyday wear and tear. Sometimes, the damage is not visible without a dental examination.
Treatment: Avoid chewing on the affected side and visit your dentist. Depending on the severity, treatment may include a dental crown or other restorative procedures.
3. Tooth Sensitivity
If you experience tooth pain when eating cold, hot or sweet foods, sensitivity may be the cause. Worn enamel, gum recession and exposed tooth roots can make teeth more sensitive to temperature and pressure.
Treatment: Using desensitizing toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush may help. If sensitivity continues, consult a dentist in Ottawa to identify the underlying problem.
4. Gum Disease
Gum disease can cause swollen, tender or bleeding gums. As the condition progresses, it may damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth, sometimes causing discomfort when chewing or loose teeth.
Treatment: Professional dental cleaning and appropriate periodontal care can help manage gum disease. Regular teeth cleaning in Ottawa can also help maintain healthy gums and prevent plaque buildup.
5. Dental Abscess or Infection
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection around a tooth or in the gums. Symptoms may include severe toothache, swelling, pain when chewing, a bad taste in the mouth or fever.
Treatment: A suspected dental abscess requires urgent dental attention. Depending on the infection, treatment may involve draining the abscess, root canal treatment or tooth extraction. Facial swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing requires emergency medical care.
6. Damaged or Loose Dental Filling
Old, worn or damaged dental fillings can expose sensitive areas of a tooth. You may experience pain when biting, chewing or consuming hot and cold foods. A loose filling can also allow bacteria to enter the tooth.
Treatment: Your dentist can examine the filling and determine whether it needs repair or replacement. Early treatment may help prevent further tooth damage.
7. Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Grinding or clenching your teeth, particularly during sleep, can put excessive pressure on your teeth and jaw. Common symptoms include morning jaw soreness, headaches, worn enamel and discomfort when chewing.
Treatment: Your dentist may recommend a custom night guard to protect your teeth and reduce pressure caused by grinding.
8. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth that do not have enough room to emerge properly can become impacted. This may cause pain at the back of your mouth, swollen gums, difficulty chewing and discomfort when opening your jaw.
Treatment: A dental examination and X-rays can help determine whether your wisdom teeth are impacted. Depending on their position and symptoms, your dentist may recommend monitoring or extraction.
9. Problems With a Dental Crown
A loose, cracked or poorly fitting dental crown can cause pain when biting or chewing. You may also experience sensitivity or irritation around the affected tooth. Food can sometimes become trapped near the crown, causing additional discomfort.
Treatment: Your dentist can assess the crown and recommend an adjustment, repair or replacement depending on the problem.
When Should You See a Dentist for Tooth Pain?
Occasional mild tooth sensitivity may improve with changes to your oral care routine. However, persistent or recurring toothache when chewing should not be ignored.
Schedule a dental appointment if you experience:
- Sharp or persistent pain when biting down.
- Tooth sensitivity that does not improve.
- Swollen, red or bleeding gums.
- A chipped, cracked or loose tooth.
- Pain that interferes with eating or sleeping.
Seek urgent dental care if you experience severe tooth pain, facial swelling, fever or signs of a dental infection. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and protect your natural teeth.
How Can Triadent Dental Help With Toothache When Chewing?
At Triadent Dental, we understand how tooth pain can affect your daily routine, eating habits and overall comfort. Our dental team provides examinations and treatment options to identify the cause of tooth discomfort and help restore your oral health.
Depending on your dental needs, treatment may include fillings, root canal treatment, restorative dentistry or other appropriate procedures. Our team will examine your teeth, explain the findings and discuss suitable treatment options.
If you are experiencing tooth pain when chewing, schedule an appointment with Triadent Dental in Ottawa to have your teeth examined.
Book Your Dental Appointment in Ottawa
Don’t let tooth pain interfere with your everyday life. Contact Triadent Dental to discuss your concerns and arrange a dental appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does my tooth hurt when I chew but not otherwise?
Tooth pain that occurs only when chewing may be caused by a cracked tooth, cavity, damaged filling or inflammation around the tooth. A dental examination can help identify the exact cause.
2. Can a toothache when chewing go away on its own?
Mild sensitivity may improve, but pain caused by tooth decay, cracks or infection often requires professional dental treatment. Persistent or recurring pain should be examined by a dentist.
3. Should I avoid chewing on a painful tooth?
Yes. Avoid chewing hard, crunchy or sticky foods on the affected side until you have identified the cause. This may help prevent further irritation or damage.
4. When is tooth pain an emergency?
Severe tooth pain, facial swelling, fever or signs of a spreading dental infection require urgent dental attention. If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care immediately.
