Whether it’s a crack, an old filling or a deeper issue such as infection or nerve irritation, pinpointing the cause can help prevent more serious problems later on.

From our experience, this type of pain often starts subtly – a twinge when chewing something hard or crunchy – but gradually gets worse until it affects your ability to eat, concentrate or sleep. Sometimes, the issue is obvious and visible, but other times it can be surprisingly hard to detect without a full assessment. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions around this topic, helping you understand what might be going on and when to consider professional treatment.

Tooth Hurts to Bite Down – How to Tell If It’s a Crack

Cracked teeth are a leading cause of pain when biting down, especially if the pain is sharp or happens only when pressure is applied. Cracks can be incredibly difficult to spot with the naked eye – they don’t always show on X-rays either – but they’re often felt during chewing. The pain may come and go and may be more noticeable when biting on hard foods or releasing pressure suddenly.

There are a few key signs that suggest a crack might be the issue: pain that’s localised to one tooth, sensitivity to temperature, and discomfort that flares up when chewing but fades afterwards. In some cases, the crack can allow bacteria to enter the inner part of the tooth, leading to infection or inflammation of the nerve. Left untreated, the crack may worsen and require more extensive treatment, such as a crown or even a root canal.

We often use specialist imaging and bite tests to diagnose these cases, as a cracked tooth can easily be mistaken for something minor at first.

Tooth with Root Canal Hurts with Pressure

It’s natural to assume that once a tooth has had a root canal, it shouldn’t cause pain – the nerve has been removed, after all. However, some patients do experience discomfort in a root canal-treated tooth, particularly when biting. This can happen for several reasons.

One common cause is inflammation in the ligament surrounding the tooth root. This may result from recent trauma, grinding, or an uneven bite. In other cases, a root canal may fail over time if bacteria manage to re-enter the tooth through a loose filling or microfracture, leading to a new infection. Pain with pressure could also indicate a cracked root, which can sometimes develop years after treatment.

At our Basingstoke clinic, we always assess root-filled teeth carefully, using up-to-date imaging to check for signs of infection or damage that may not be visible during a standard exam.

My Tooth Hurts When I Put Pressure on It

Pain when applying pressure to a tooth – whether from chewing, touching it with your tongue or even just brushing – usually indicates inflammation. This can be caused by infection inside the tooth, trauma from biting something hard, or inflammation of the periodontal ligament that holds the tooth in place.

Teeth that are subjected to excessive grinding or clenching (bruxism) often develop this kind of soreness. Even if the tooth itself is structurally sound, the surrounding ligament can become irritated from repeated pressure. Infections in the root or gum area can also cause the tooth to feel tender when pressed, even if no decay is present.

We recommend booking in as soon as possible if you notice ongoing pressure pain, as it can escalate quickly if left untreated.

Only One Tooth Hurts When I Bite Down – Local Infection vs Cavity

When pain is isolated to a single tooth during biting, two common causes come to mind: a localised cavity or an infection near the root. A cavity can make the tooth more sensitive to pressure, especially if it’s reached the dentine or pulp. If untreated, this can progress to pulpal inflammation, which may then lead to a dental abscess.

A localised infection (such as a periapical abscess) can also cause biting pain, often accompanied by swelling, a feeling of the tooth being “raised”, or even a foul taste in the mouth. These infections are usually the result of untreated decay or trauma and require immediate care to prevent spread.

Identifying the exact cause will involve an X-ray and clinical assessment. In many cases, early diagnosis allows for conservative treatment, such as a small filling or root canal therapy, rather than extraction.

Why Does My Filling Hurt When I Bite Down?

Fillings are meant to restore damaged teeth – but if a filling causes discomfort when biting, something is likely off. There are a few possibilities here. The most common is that the filling is slightly too high. Even a fraction of a millimetre can affect your bite, causing pressure on the tooth every time you chew. This can irritate the tooth’s ligament and lead to soreness.

Another possibility is that the filling material wasn’t fully bonded or has developed a gap where bacteria can enter, causing inflammation inside the tooth. Pain that develops weeks or months after the filling could suggest that the tooth was already infected at the time of placement and has worsened since.

If you’ve recently had a filling and it doesn’t feel quite right when you bite, we strongly advise having it checked. Adjustments are usually quick and can make a big difference to your comfort.

Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Bite Down after a Dental Visit?

Some tenderness after dental treatment is normal – especially after procedures like deep cleanings, fillings, crowns or root canals. However, pain that continues or worsens after several days may point to a problem that needs further attention.

It’s not uncommon for a tooth to feel sore after having a crown fitted or a large filling placed. Your bite may have changed slightly, putting more pressure on certain teeth. Inflammation from drilling or minor trauma during treatment can also temporarily irritate the nerve or surrounding tissues. This typically settles within a few days, but if it doesn’t, or if the pain feels like throbbing or sharp discomfort when biting, we’ll want to take another look.

We always encourage our patients to get in touch if they’re concerned after a procedure. A quick adjustment or follow-up can often resolve any lingering sensitivity or discomfort.

Reach Out to a Professional

Tooth pain when biting down is your mouth’s way of telling you something needs attention. Whether it’s a crack, a failed filling, an infection or something as simple as a bite that needs adjusting, it’s not worth ignoring. Early intervention can make all the difference.

At our Basingstoke practice, we bring years of experience in diagnosing and treating biting pain, using modern imaging and a gentle, tailored approach to patient care. If you’re struggling with discomfort when eating or pressure on a tooth, we’re here to help you find relief and protect your long-term dental health.