Don't bite the dentist, but do tell us if biting down hard feels painful, sore or awkward, because that is a sign worth checking. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury, PA, we find the source of bite pain and fix it gently. This guide covers the most common causes, the warning signs, and how we can get you chewing comfortably again.
Bite down hard, just not on Dr. Haywood's hand
Chewing is one of those everyday comforts most of us take for granted until it hurts. Maybe you have started chewing on one side. Maybe a certain tooth twinges when you bite into something crunchy. Maybe your jaw feels tired after meals. These are not things you have to live with.
Pain when biting is your mouth's way of telling you something has changed. The good news is that most causes can be found with a careful exam, and many are simple to treat when caught early.
Common causes of pain when you bite
A cracked tooth
Small cracks are a common cause of sharp pain when you bite down or release. They can be hard to see and may not show on an X-ray. A cracked tooth often hurts with chewing and may be sensitive to cold. Left alone, a crack can grow, so early treatment, often a crown, can protect the tooth.
A cavity or failing filling
Decay can weaken a tooth from the inside. An old filling can also wear, chip or leak around its edges, letting bacteria in underneath. Either one can make a tooth tender when you chew.
A high filling or crown
If you recently had dental work and your bite feels "off," a filling or crown may be sitting slightly too high. That extra pressure can make the tooth sore. A quick adjustment usually solves it.
An infection
Pain that throbs, lingers or comes with swelling may mean an infection inside the tooth or in the gums around it. This needs prompt attention. Treatment may include a root canal to clear the infection and save the tooth.
Gum problems
Gum disease can loosen teeth and make chewing uncomfortable. Food packing between teeth can also inflame the gums and make biting sore.
Grinding, clenching and jaw problems
Many people clench or grind their teeth, often during sleep, without knowing it. Over time, that can wear teeth down, make them sore and tire the jaw muscles. Problems with the jaw joint, called TMJ or TMD, can cause pain, clicking or difficulty opening wide. Learn more about TMJ and TMD treatment.
Signs you should not ignore
Call us soon if you notice:
- Sharp pain when you bite down or let go
- A tooth that hurts with hot or cold and the pain lingers
- Swelling in your gums, face or jaw
- A bad taste or pimple-like bump on the gum
- A tooth that feels loose or sits differently than before
- Jaw pain, clicking or headaches when you wake up
Severe pain or swelling can be an emergency. Our emergency dental care page explains what to do while you are on your way to us.
What you can do until your visit
While you wait for your appointment, a few steps can keep you more comfortable:
- Chew on the other side and choose softer foods.
- Avoid very hot, very cold, sticky or hard foods that set off the pain.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water to soothe sore gums.
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label, if it is safe for you.
- Do not place aspirin directly on the gum, which can burn the tissue.
These steps ease symptoms but do not fix the cause. A cracked or infected tooth will not heal on its own, so keep your appointment even if the pain fades for a while.
How we find the source
As we examine your mouth, we stay gentle and honest. We will explain what we see in plain words. (We can also promise you an excellent view of our ceiling.)
Our dental technology helps us look closely without guesswork:
- Digital X-rays show decay, infection and bone, with up to 90% less radiation exposure than traditional film.
- An intraoral camera shows close-up photos of cracks and worn fillings on a screen, so you can see them too.
- DIAGNOdent helps detect early decay.
- Green CT 3D cone beam imaging gives a 3D view when we need more detail.
We may also check your bite, test individual teeth, and look at your jaw joints and muscles. Once we know the cause, we will walk you through your options.
Ways we make biting comfortable again
Treatment depends on the cause. Common fixes include:
- Bite adjustment to smooth a high spot on a filling or crown
- Tooth-colored fillings to repair decay. Our office is mercury-free and uses BPA-free white fillings.
- Crowns to hold a cracked or heavily filled tooth together. See all-porcelain crowns.
- Root canal treatment to clear infection and save the tooth
- Night guards to protect teeth from grinding and clenching. See our bite guards page.
- Gum care to calm inflamed gums and protect the bone
When a tooth cannot be saved
Sometimes a tooth is too badly damaged to keep. When that happens, dental implants are an excellent way to restore chewing. When we schedule you for implants, you can feel secure that the process is carefully planned. Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS, is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and we use 3D imaging and guided implant surgery to place implants precisely. Read more on our dental implants page.
Comfort during treatment
If you feel nervous, we offer oral sedation. We will explain each step and pause whenever you need a break.
Why trust Southern York Smile Care?
Dr. Haywood has more than 35 years in practice. Dr. Haywood graduated cum laude from the University of Detroit with a DDS in 1987, completed an advanced residency with the US Air Force, and trained in cosmetic dentistry through the NYU Aesthetic Continuum. You can learn more on our Meet the Doctor page.
We care about restoring your smile, building your confidence and giving gentle care. We serve Shrewsbury and the 17361 area, York, southern York County and our neighbors in northern Baltimore County, MD.
A note on payment: we are out of network with every insurer. You pay at the visit and our office files the claim for reimbursement. CareCredit and Cherry payment plans are available. Have more questions? Visit our FAQs or our financing page.
Get back to chewing comfortably
Instead of biting the dentist, let us help you enjoy every meal again. Call Southern York Smile Care at (717) 235-3871 while you are thinking about it, or request an appointment at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury. Chew on that, Shrewsbury!
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
Meet Dr. Haywood →
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