Have you ever bitten into something and suddenly felt a sharp pain in one tooth?
Pain when chewing can happen for several reasons from a simple filling problem to a cracked tooth or irritation inside the tooth. While occasional sensitivity may settle, ongoing pain when biting is worth having checked by a dentist.
At Asquith Dentists, we see patients from Asquith, Mount Colah, Hornsby, Berowra and surrounding suburbs for toothaches, broken teeth and other dental concerns.
Here are some common reasons a tooth may hurt when you bite.
1. Tooth Decay
Decay can gradually weaken a tooth and may cause sensitivity or discomfort when eating.
Smaller areas of decay may be treated with a tooth-coloured filling, while deeper decay may require more extensive treatment.
Having the tooth checked early can help determine the extent of the problem before it progresses further.
2. A Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Teeth can develop cracks from biting something hard, grinding or clenching, large existing fillings, or simply wear over time.
A cracked tooth may feel completely normal until you bite in a particular direction, then suddenly hurt.
Treatment depends on the location and extent of the crack and may range from a filling or bonding to a dental crown. More significant cracks can sometimes affect the nerve inside the tooth.
3. A Problem With an Existing Filling
Fillings don’t necessarily last forever.
An older filling can wear, chip, loosen or develop problems around its edges. Occasionally, a recently placed filling may also feel uncomfortable when biting if the bite needs adjustment.
Your dentist can examine the tooth and determine whether the restoration needs adjusting, repairing or replacing.
4. Inflammation or Infection Inside the Tooth
If decay, trauma or a crack reaches the pulp (the soft tissue containing the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels), the tooth can become inflamed or infected.
You may experience pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold, throbbing or spontaneous toothache.
Depending on the diagnosis, root canal treatment may sometimes be recommended to help preserve the tooth.
When Should You See a Dentist?
If pain when biting keeps returning, becomes stronger or is accompanied by swelling or significant toothache, it’s best to arrange a dental examination.
Dental pain doesn’t always tell you exactly what the problem is. An examination, and sometimes a dental X-ray, can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.
Looking for a Dentist Near Hornsby or Mount Colah?
Conveniently located at 359 Pacific Highway, Asquith, Asquith Dentists provides general and emergency dental care for patients from Asquith, Hornsby, Mount Colah, Berowra and surrounding Upper North Shore suburbs.
Whether you have a painful tooth, broken filling or simply need a routine check-up, our team can assess the problem and discuss your treatment options.
New to Asquith Dentists?
Our New Patient Check-Up & Clean is No Gap for eligible health fund members, or $189 for patients without private health insurance.
If something doesn’t feel right with your teeth, don’t wait for it to become a dental emergency.
Asquith Dentists
359 Pacific Highway, Asquith NSW
(02) 8014 4288
Experiencing tooth pain when you bite? Book an appointment with Asquith Dentists today.