You take a bite of lunch and feel a sharp twinge. You try chewing on the other side, and the pain disappears. Is it a cracked tooth? A cavity? Something that can wait?
Pain when biting can have several causes, including a damaged tooth, decay, a loose filling, or an infection. The symptom alone cannot tell you which treatment you need. If a tooth repeatedly hurts when you chew, contact a dentist for an evaluation rather than continuing to test it with each meal.
Why does my tooth hurt when I bite?
Several dental problems can cause toothache or discomfort with chewing. Possible explanations include:
- A cracked or damaged tooth.
- Tooth decay.
- A loose or broken filling.
- A dental abscess or another infection.
- Gum problems or teeth grinding.
Tell your dentist whether you recently had dental work, injured the tooth, or noticed a change in your bite. Also mention sensitivity to temperature, swelling, or a bad taste. These details help explain the pattern of your symptoms, but an examination is needed to identify the cause. Learn more about toothache causes and symptoms.
Could it be a cracked tooth?
A crack is one possibility, especially when pain comes and goes during chewing or when you release biting pressure. Some cracked teeth are also sensitive to hot or cold foods. You may not be able to see a crack yourself.
Treatment depends on the crack’s location and extent. A damaged chewing surface may need a filling or crown. A crack involving the tooth’s inner tissue may require root canal treatment and a crown. Some teeth cannot be saved. A crown can protect a tooth, but it does not guarantee that a crack will stop progressing.
The American Association of Endodontists recommends prompt evaluation when a cracked tooth is suspected. Waiting for a visible break can delay care.
When should you call?
Contact a dental office when biting pain keeps returning. Ask for prompt guidance if you also have significant pain, a broken tooth, swelling, fever, or a bad taste. Explain your symptoms when calling so the team can help determine the appropriate next step.
If swelling makes it difficult to breathe, swallow, or speak, seek emergency medical care immediately. In Utah, call 911 for a life-threatening emergency. Read about serious dental infection warning signs.
What can you do before your visit?
- Choose softer foods and avoid chewing with the sore tooth.
- Avoid foods or drinks that trigger discomfort.
- Rinse gently with warm water to clean the area.
- If an injury has caused swelling, apply a cold compress outside the cheek.
- Do not place aspirin directly against the tooth or gums.
These are temporary comfort measures, not treatment for the underlying problem. The American Dental Association’s emergency guidance explains first steps for toothaches and cracked teeth.
What should you tell the office?
Before you call, think about when the discomfort started and what brings it on. Does it happen with every bite or only certain foods? Can you identify one tooth? Is the pain brief, or does it linger? Have you noticed a broken edge or filling?
You don’t need to diagnose yourself or request a particular procedure. Start by describing the problem. Ask what appointment to request, what the evaluation may involve, and how to check insurance participation and estimated costs.
Find a starting point for care in Utah
Professional Dental has 19 Utah locations, from Logan to Payson. Contact your preferred office to describe your concern and ask about the earliest appropriate visit. Providers, services, and appointment availability vary by location.
For urgent concerns, call your office rather than relying on an online request. Find your Professional Dental office or call (801) 785-8000 for help reaching the right team.
This article provides general information and cannot diagnose the cause of your tooth pain.