TOOTH HURTS WHEN CHEWING (BUT NOT ALL THE TIME) WHAT COULD IT MEAN?

Dr. Chrissie Lam
4 days ago
3 min read

Young Asian woman holding her cheek in discomfort while chewing at a restaurant, showing possible tooth pain when biting, with a concerned friend beside her.

It can be confusing when a tooth feels fine most of the time, but suddenly gives a sharp or dull pain only when you bite, chew, or apply pressure. Many people assume it will go away on its own or that it cannot be serious since the discomfort is not constant.

However, pain that occurs only during chewing can sometimes be an early sign of stress within the tooth structure, even when the tooth looks “normal” on the outside.

This article explains possible reasons, how dentists assess this type of pain, and why early attention may help preserve the tooth.

Understanding Pain When Biting: Possible Causes

There are several reasons why a tooth may feel painful only when pressure is applied. While a thorough clinical examination is needed to confirm the actual condition, here are some common possibilities:

1. Bite Interference (High Spots)

After a new filling or crown, even a slightly raised surface can cause discomfort when chewing. The bite pressure becomes concentrated on one area, leading to tooth or ligament soreness.

Illustration of a molar tooth with an old filling and a visible crack line, showing how structural cracks may contribute to pain when chewing.

2. Cracked Tooth or Hairline Fracture

A small crack may not be visible to the eye or on X-rays. When you bite or chew, the crack may flex slightly, causing sharp pain. This may worsen over time if left unmonitored.

3. Deep Filling or Worn Restoration

If an older filling has slightly leaked or weakened, pressure during chewing can irritate the dentine or underlying nerve tissue.

4. Root Surface or Gum Involvement

Sometimes, it is not the tooth but the surrounding gum or supporting structures that are inflamed. This may cause pain when chewing or tapping.

5. Early Nerve Inflammation

Occasional pain with pressure could be an early sign that the nerve inside the tooth is becoming irritated, especially if there has been previous treatment or longstanding wear.

When to Pay Attention If a Tooth Hurts When Chewing

Tooth hurts when chewing is often intermittent at first. Patients may describe it as:

Type of Sensation	What It May Indicate
Sharp pain on biting hard food	Possible hairline crack or high bite
Pain when releasing pressure	Flexing of a cracked area
Mild discomfort that is slowly increasing	Possible nerve irritation
Localised tenderness when tapping	Inflammation of supporting tissues

If the tooth is left unmonitored, the discomfort can gradually worsen, and in some cases, the crack or irritation may progress into something more complicated.

Why Diagnosis Matters More Than Guessing

Leica dental microscope used for detailed diagnosis of cracked teeth and hidden tooth damage causing pain during chewing.

Some conditions, such as hairline cracks or early nerve irritation, may not be clearly visible on a regular X-ray. Dentists may use a combination of:

Bite or pressure testing
Intraoral photographs
Microscope examination for surface fractures
Digital scan to assess bite forces
Percussion and cold sensitivity testing

The goal is not to jump to treatment quickly, but to identify what is happening inside or around the tooth before deciding how to manage it.

Should You Wait or Seek Assessment?

Smiling young Asian woman in a dental chair during a dental examination, gently touching her cheek, representing professional assessment for tooth pain when chewing.

You may consider monitoring briefly if the pain only happened once or twice.

However, if:

The pain keeps returning when chewing
You avoid chewing on one side
You previously had treatment on the tooth
You feel the tooth is “different” or weaker

Then, it may be helpful to schedule a diagnostic assessment. Early detection often allows more conservative management and helps preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.

Final Thoughts

Pain only when chewing may not always be an emergency, but it can be the tooth’s way of signaling that something is developing beneath the surface. A proper assessment helps determine whether it is something minor that can be adjusted or something that should be addressed to protect the tooth long-term.

If you have been experiencing this type of pain, even occasionally, you may wish to speak to a dental professional and describe what you have been feeling. Early awareness often leads to better outcomes.

If you’d like to learn more or schedule a review, you can reach Penn Pacific Dental Center at info@ppdental.com.sg.

(This article is for general information and does not replace a professional dental examination.)

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