Most often, it’s the body’s way of telling us there’s inflammation, pressure or even infection building up in or around the affected tooth.

In many cases, the pulsing sensation is caused by increased blood flow to an inflamed area. When the dental pulp – the nerve and blood vessel-rich centre of a tooth – becomes irritated, it swells. But because the pulp is encased within hard enamel and dentine, it has nowhere to expand. This leads to a rise in internal pressure, resulting in that rhythmic, pounding pain that can feel worse when you lie down or bend over. The key to long-term relief is identifying the exact cause and acting on it quickly.

Sore Tooth When Biting Down

One of the clearest signs that something is wrong is pain when you bite down. This type of discomfort is often linked to a cracked tooth or a deep cavity that has reached the inner layers of the tooth. When you bite, pressure is applied directly to the affected area, and if the structure is compromised, it responds with pain. We’ve also seen this happen with older fillings or crowns that no longer sit properly, putting undue stress on the surrounding tooth structure.

Sometimes the issue isn't the tooth itself, but the ligament that holds it in place. If this ligament is inflamed – due to grinding, trauma or infection – it can become incredibly sensitive to pressure. If biting discomfort develops suddenly, particularly alongside a pulsing sensation, it may indicate an abscess under the tooth, which needs urgent treatment.

Back Molar Pain and Nerve Inflammation

Back molars are especially vulnerable to nerve-related pain because they do a lot of heavy lifting during chewing. They also have more complex root structures, which can make them more prone to complications if decay or damage sets in. When the nerve inside a molar becomes inflamed – whether from untreated decay, trauma or a failed filling – it often leads to pulsing or stabbing pain that radiates into the jaw or ear.

Nerve inflammation (pulpitis) can be reversible if caught early, but once it progresses, it often requires root canal therapy to remove the damaged tissue. We always recommend early assessment for any molar pain, as the sooner we intervene, the less likely it is that long-term nerve damage will develop.

Tooth Pain That Comes and Goes

Intermittent tooth pain can be one of the most confusing symptoms to deal with. One moment you feel fine, and the next, there's a flare-up of throbbing or sharp discomfort. From our experience, this is usually an early warning sign of an underlying problem. Often decay that has reached the dentine or pulp, but not yet caused constant symptoms.

This kind of pain may be triggered by hot or cold food and drink, sugary items or chewing on a particular side of the mouth. It might also flare up when lying down due to increased blood flow to the head. While the temporary relief may be comforting, it doesn't mean the problem has resolved. On the contrary, fluctuating pain often points to a tooth in decline, where the nerve is becoming increasingly irritated. Addressing it sooner rather than later can help avoid more invasive treatments.

Tooth Pain When Biting or Chewing

Pain specifically associated with chewing is typically related to pressure on a damaged or infected area. This can stem from decay, cracks, faulty fillings or loose crowns. Even small cracks in a tooth can cause significant pain during chewing, especially if food particles or liquids enter the crack and irritate the nerve.

We often see patients who are unaware that a crack even exists until pain begins. Molars are especially susceptible because of the force they absorb. Pain on chewing could also indicate a dental abscess forming beneath the tooth or along the root, especially if accompanied by swelling or sensitivity to touch.

It’s worth noting that pain while chewing doesn’t always mean a visible issue will appear on an X-ray, particularly in the early stages. A detailed examination – sometimes with 3D imaging – can help us pinpoint the cause more accurately.

Painful Tooth When Pressure Applied – Possible Reasons

If simply pressing on a tooth with your finger or tongue causes pain, it could suggest that the surrounding ligament or bone is inflamed. This might result from overuse (such as grinding at night), injury or infection that’s spread from the pulp into the tissues around the root. When this occurs, the tooth often feels ‘raised’ or more prominent than the others, and may even be sore to the touch.

Another possible cause is a periapical abscess, which forms at the tip of the root due to an infection. In these cases, the pain can be intense, pulsing and persistent. A sinus infection can also mimic this type of discomfort, especially in the upper back teeth, as the roots of those teeth sit close to the sinus cavities. That’s why a thorough assessment is essential before deciding on a treatment route.

We always recommend booking in promptly if you experience pressure-related pain, as it tends to worsen over time and may progress to swelling or even facial pain if not addressed.

Treating and Managing Pulsing Tooth Pain

Managing throbbing tooth pain effectively depends on diagnosing the cause. For infections, root canal therapy is often the best course to relieve pressure and remove the source of infection. In some cases, extraction may be necessary if the tooth is too far gone. If the issue is mechanical – such as grinding or a high bite – we may fit a bite guard or adjust the filling or crown.

While over-the-counter pain relief can offer temporary support, it won’t treat the root cause. We often advise patients to avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods, as these can aggravate the nerve further. In the meantime, using a cold compress externally can help ease discomfort while waiting for your appointment.

At our Basingstoke clinic, we treat each case with individual care and attention. Whether you're suffering from ongoing toothache or pulsing pain that’s just begun, we’re here to provide answers, treatment and lasting relief. Our team has extensive experience in managing dental infections, nerve pain and pressure sensitivity in a calm, patient-focused environment.