Why does my tooth hurt when I bite down?

Common things a dentist checks for are a crack in the tooth, a filling or crown that sits slightly too high, decay under an old filling, and inflammation around the root. Pain on release of the bite is a classic sign of a crack. It needs an exam, because cracks deepen with use.

What does throbbing tooth pain mean?

Throbbing or constant pain that starts by itself, especially at night, is the pattern most associated with an inflamed or infected nerve or an abscess. It should be seen the same day if possible, and it is an emergency if it comes with facial swelling, fever or trouble swallowing.

Is sensitivity to cold serious?

A quick zing that stops at once is common and often due to exposed root surface or thin enamel, though decay has to be ruled out. Cold pain that lingers for half a minute or more suggests the nerve is inflamed and should be checked within a day or two.

My tooth pain stopped by itself. Is it fixed?

Not necessarily. Pain that stops suddenly can mean the nerve inside the tooth has died. The infection that killed it is usually still there and can flare later as an abscess. Have the tooth examined even though it feels better.

Tooth pain decoder · 9 patterns · Free · Nothing saved

What kind of tooth pain is it?

How a tooth hurts tells a dentist a good deal about where to look. Pick the description closest to yours to see what is commonly checked for, and how soon it should be seen.

Tool — What kind of tooth pain is it?

Pick the description closest to yours.

With any of these: trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward your eye or neck, or a fever with a swollen face means 911 or the emergency room.

What this pattern usually means

Choose a description to see what dentists commonly check for with that kind of pain, and how soon to be seen.

A list of possibilities, not a diagnosis · Several can look alike · Only an exam can tell

Why this is not a diagnosis

Patterns overlap, and teeth mislead

The same pain can come from different problems, and the same problem can feel different in two people. A cracked tooth and a high filling both hurt on biting. A dying nerve can throb for days and then go quiet, which feels like recovery and is not. Pain from one tooth is often felt in its neighbor, or in the opposite jaw.

That is why dentists test: tapping, cold, a bite stick, an x-ray. What this tool gives you is the right words to describe the pain and a sense of how soon to be seen, which makes the appointment quicker and more useful.

Table 1 — Details worth noting before you call

What a dentist will ask

What sets it off	Biting, releasing, hot, cold, sweet, lying down, or nothing at all.
How long it lasts	A second, half a minute, minutes, or constant.
When it started	And whether it is getting better, worse, or coming and going.
What else is there	Swelling, a bump on the gum, a bad taste, fever, a tooth that looks darker.
What has been done	Recent fillings, crowns, cleanings or injuries to that tooth.

Common questions

Why does my tooth hurt when I bite down?: Common things a dentist checks for are a crack in the tooth, a filling or crown that sits slightly too high, decay under an old filling, and inflammation around the root. Pain on release of the bite is a classic sign of a crack. It needs an exam, because cracks deepen with use.
What does throbbing tooth pain mean?: Throbbing or constant pain that starts by itself, especially at night, is the pattern most associated with an inflamed or infected nerve or an abscess. It should be seen the same day if possible, and it is an emergency if it comes with facial swelling, fever or trouble swallowing.
Is sensitivity to cold serious?: A quick zing that stops at once is common and often due to exposed root surface or thin enamel, though decay has to be ruled out. Cold pain that lingers for half a minute or more suggests the nerve is inflamed and should be checked within a day or two.
My tooth pain stopped by itself. Is it fixed?: Not necessarily. Pain that stops suddenly can mean the nerve inside the tooth has died. The infection that killed it is usually still there and can flare later as an abscess. Have the tooth examined even though it feels better.

General information · Not dental advice

The decoder lists what dentists commonly look for. It cannot tell you which applies to you, and several can look the same from the outside. We always recommend seeing a dentist. Nothing on this site can examine your mouth or tell you what is wrong. If something hurts, looks wrong, or worries you, book an exam, and go sooner if it is getting worse.

Emergency? If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, a fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Full disclaimer

About this tool

This tool gives general, educational information only. It does not know your health history, has not examined you, and cannot diagnose anything or tell you what treatment you need. Use it to prepare for a conversation with your dentist, not to replace one.

Medical disclaimer

The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Urgent Dental Helper is not a dental practice, and nothing here has examined your mouth. Always see a licensed dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider in person about any dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or any result you received on this website.