Definition

Pain when biting or chewing is discomfort that occurs when pressure is applied to a tooth or when the bite is released.
It often indicates structural damage, bite imbalance, or inflammation around the tooth and may require urgent dental assessment.

Is This a Dental Emergency?

Yes — sharp, shooting tooth pain often requires prompt clinical assessment, particularly when it is sudden, recurring, or worsening.
Emergency dental care focuses on identifying the underlying cause of nerve-related pain and determining whether immediate stabilisation is needed, as outlined in our emergency dentistry care framework.

Immediate dental emergency (seek care today):

  • Sharp or electric-shock pain when biting
  • Pain every time you chew
  • Pain with swelling or fever
  • Pain following trauma or a sudden crack

Same-day urgent dental problem:

  • Pain on release after biting
  • Localised pain in one tooth
  • Pain worsening over time

Possibly non-urgent (still needs assessment):

  • Mild discomfort that settles quickly and does not worsen

Bite pain is a warning sign — delaying assessment increases the risk of cracks spreading or infection developing.

Common Causes of Pain When Biting or Chewing

  • Cracked tooth, where microscopic fractures flex under pressure
  • Failing or loose fillings allowing movement or bacterial irritation
  • High bite after recent dental work, creating excess pressure
  • Gum or periodontal infection affecting the supporting tissues
  • Infected or inflamed nerve inside the tooth
  • Loose or damaged crown
  • Recent trauma affecting the ligament around the tooth

 

Each cause requires a different treatment, which is why accurate diagnosis is essential.

What Happens If You Delay Treatment

Pain when biting rarely resolves permanently without treatment and often worsens.

Short-term risks:

  • Increasing pain when chewing
  • Heightened pressure sensitivity

Medium-term risks:

  • Without treatment, ongoing bite pain may indicate progression into a cracked tooth, which becomes more difficult to stabilise and more likely to damage the nerve.
  • Ligament inflammation or nerve damage

Severe outcomes:

  • Severe toothache
  • Dental infection or abscess
  • Root canal treatment or tooth loss
  • In some cases, untreated bite pain can evolve into sharp shooting tooth pain, signalling worsening nerve or structural damage.

How Pain When Biting Is Treated at Deepcar Dental

Treatment focuses on identifying the exact cause and stabilising the tooth.

At Deepcar Dental, bite-related pain is assessed by our clinical team led by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, GDC-registered Principal Dentist with advanced training in restorative and digital dentistry. Same-day assessment is available where clinically appropriate.

1. Assessment and diagnosis

  • Bite testing
  • Digital X-rays
  • Sensitivity and percussion testing
  • Evaluation of fillings, crowns, and bite alignment

2. Emergency stabilisation

  • Bite adjustment if pressure-related
  • Temporary protection of cracked or weakened teeth

3. Definitive treatment options

  • Composite restoration
  • Onlay or crown
  • If nerve involvement is identified, emergency root canal treatment may be required to relieve pain and prevent infection.
  • Gum or periodontal treatment where indicated

What You Should Do Right Now

You Should

  • Avoid chewing on the painful side
  • Stick to soft foods
  • Avoid very hot or cold drinks
  • Use pain relief as directed
  • Seek same-day assessment if pain is sharp or worsening

Do NOT:

  • Ignore recurring bite pain
  • Attempt to adjust your own bite
  • Test the tooth repeatedly by biting

FAQs About Pain When Biting or Chewing

1. Can bite pain go away on its own?

It may settle temporarily, but the underlying problem usually worsens without treatment.

No. Treatment depends on the cause and severity.

Night-time grinding or clenching can strain the ligament and worsen symptoms.

Emergency Care for Pain When Biting

Pain when biting is a warning sign of tooth damage or infection. Early assessment helps prevent cracks from worsening or nerve problems from developing.