Acute, sharp pain triggered specifically by the pressure of biting or the subsequent release of that pressure is a distinct signal from the tooth. This sensation, often described as an electric jolt, indicates a mechanical issue within the tooth structure. This common, urgent dental symptom suggests a problem occurs when chewing forces are applied to a compromised area. This discomfort differs from the lingering ache associated with temperature sensitivity.
Why Chewing Causes Sharp Pain
The primary reason chewing causes sharp pain is the mechanical stress placed on a damaged tooth structure, often due to Cracked Tooth Syndrome. Even hairline fractures invisible to the naked eye cause immense pain when pressure is applied, forcing the crack open slightly. When pressure is released, the crack snaps shut, creating a distinct and painful “rebound” sensation that irritates the underlying pulp tissue.
Deep decay or a failing dental restoration, like an old filling, is another common cause. When chewing pressure is applied to a tooth with significant decay, the compromised structure can flex, pushing fluid and bacteria closer to the dentin and pulp. This movement irritates the nerve tissue, leading to a sharp pain response. Similarly, a large filling that fails or is placed too high can cause pain by stressing the weakened tooth cusps due to uneven pressure distribution.
Chronic teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, also frequently leads to pressure sensitivity. The constant, excessive force from bruxism causes microscopic fractures in the enamel and wears down the tooth surface, exposing the sensitive dentin layer. This relentless pressure sensitizes the periodontal ligament, the tissue anchoring the tooth to the jawbone, making the tooth feel sore and reactive to normal chewing forces.
What to Do Until Your Appointment
Managing immediate discomfort involves avoiding any action that triggers the sharp pain, meaning you should not chew on the affected side of the mouth. Sticking to soft foods that require minimal pressure prevents the crack or damaged structure from flexing further. Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods should be completely avoided until a dentist addresses the problem.
For temporary pain relief, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen help reduce inflammation and dull the pain sensation. Follow the recommended dosage instructions and never place aspirin directly on the gum tissue near the tooth, as this can cause a chemical burn. Rinsing the mouth gently with warm salt water can also help keep the area clean and soothe inflamed gum tissue surrounding the painful tooth.
Because sharp pain upon chewing strongly indicates a structural issue, prompt scheduling of a dental examination is highly recommended. While home care manages symptoms temporarily, it cannot correct the underlying problem, which may worsen without professional intervention. The sooner the cause is identified, the less invasive the required treatment is likely to be.
How Dentists Identify the Problem
The diagnostic process begins with a detailed review of the patient’s history, focusing on the specific nature and timing of the pain. Dentists perform a thorough clinical examination, looking for visible signs of fractures, failing restorations, or signs of bruxism, such as wear facets. Standard radiographs (X-rays) are taken to check for deep decay, bone loss, or infection at the root tip, although hairline cracks are often too small to be visible.
A dedicated biting test is often the most definitive way to pinpoint the source of pressure-related pain. The dentist may use a specialized instrument, such as a plastic tool called a Tooth Slooth or a cotton swab, which the patient bites down on. By having the patient bite on different cusps of the suspected tooth, the dentist can isolate the exact location of the fracture or compromise that produces the sharp pain.
To rule out other causes of pain, the dentist may also perform pulp vitality tests. These tests involve applying a cold stimulus, like a cotton pellet sprayed with an endo-ice substance, to the tooth surface. The response to cold helps determine the health of the nerve tissue inside the tooth. This differentiates a structural issue from irreversible pulpitis, which is characterized by sharp pain that lingers long after the cold stimulus is removed.
Solutions for Eliminating the Pain
The treatment approach is entirely dictated by the diagnosis and the extent of the structural damage found. For minor issues, such as a small area of decay or a shallow, non-extending crack, a simple dental filling or bonding procedure may be sufficient. This seals the defect, stabilizes the tooth, and restores surface integrity, preventing mechanical flexure and irritation of the underlying dentin.
If the crack is more extensive but has not reached the nerve tissue, a dental crown is often the treatment of choice. A crown completely covers the tooth, effectively holding the fractured parts together like a protective band. This external support prevents the crack from opening and closing during chewing, instantly eliminating the sharp pain caused by mechanical movement.
When the crack has extended deeply into the tooth, reaching the pulp chamber, or if deep decay has caused irreversible nerve inflammation, a more invasive procedure is required. Root canal therapy involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp tissue from the interior of the tooth and sealing the canals. Following a root canal, a crown is nearly always placed to protect the now-brittle tooth structure from further fracture. In the most severe cases, where a vertical crack extends below the gum line and makes the tooth irreparable, extraction may be the only option.