Pain When Chewing: Is It an Emergency?

Chewing pain can be caused by a range of problems, but not all are emergencies. Dr. Hannah Baek at Healthy Smile Dental in Woodridge, Illinois, can diagnose the culprit behind your painful chewing and treat it so you can get back to eating your favorite foods.

Here’s a look at which issues might resolve themselves, which ones indicate it’s time to book a dental appointment, and which ones warrant emergency dental care.

What Causes Pain While Chewing?

At the first twinge of pain, your mind starts racing: What caused it? Is it serious? Do I need to see a doctor? Stop guessing. Here are the most common causes of chewing pain and what to do about them.

Dental cavities

A cavity is a tiny hole in your tooth that results from tooth decay. When food particles enter the cavity, it can definitely cause discomfort. The pain varies from mild to severe, depending on the cavity’s size and location.

Gum disease

Gum disease causes inflammation, bleeding, and painful chewing. 

Cracked or fractured teeth

A cracked or fractured tooth can cause sharp pain under chewing pressure. The pain is usually confined to the affected tooth and can worsen over time if left untreated.

Dental abscess

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can cause throbbing pain, especially when chewing. Other symptoms include swelling, fever, and a bad taste in your mouth.

Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel wears down, exposing the underlying dentin. Eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages can cause pain.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)

TMJ disorders affect the joint connecting your jaw to your skull, causing pain in your jaw, face, and neck. Chewing can aggravate this pain.

Sinus infection

A sinus infection can cause referred pain in the upper teeth and jaw because your sinuses are close to these areas. The inflammation of a sinus infection creates pressure, leading to discomfort when chewing.

Misaligned bite

A misaligned bite, or malocclusion, can cause uneven pressure on your teeth when chewing. 

Which causes of painful chewing resolve on their own?

You can handle some causes of chewing pain at home, such as:

Minor tooth sensitivity

Sometimes, tooth sensitivity is temporary and goes away on its own. For example, you might be slightly sensitive after a dental procedure or eating acidic foods. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help alleviate discomfort until it subsides.

Mild sinus infections

A mild sinus infection can cause temporary pain when chewing but typically resolves on its own with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. 

Minor TMJ discomfort

Minor TMJ discomfort can be addressed by applying ice packs, practicing relaxation exercises, and avoiding hard or chewy foods.

When painful chewing requires a dental appointment

Some chewing pain culprits need professional help. Don’t ignore these problems; they won’t resolve on their own. 

Dental cavities

If the problem is a dental cavity, schedule an appointment. Dr. Baek can clear away the decay and fill the cavity so that your tooth is as good as new. 

Gum disease

Gum disease requires professional treatment to prevent further damage to your gums and teeth. Regular appointments at Healthy Smile Dental for cleanings and check-ups can help you manage gum disease and reduce pain when chewing.

Cracked or fractured teeth

A cracked or fractured tooth can be shocking, but it isn’t always an emergency. Schedule an appointment for Dr. Baek to evaluate it and recommend the best restoration options, such as bonding, crowns, or a root canal.

Persistent tooth sensitivity

If your tooth sensitivity persists despite using desensitizing toothpaste, talk to Dr. Baek. She can identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate approaches, such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants.

When painful chewing warrants an emergency dental visit

Healthy Smile Dental offers emergency dental services when you experience severe trauma. Here are some situations where you should call us immediately.

Dental abscess

A dental abscess is a severe infection requiring immediate attention. Dr. Baek treats an abscess by draining it, prescribing antibiotics, and addressing the underlying cause. Some abscesses require a root canal or extraction.

Severe toothache

If you have a severe toothache that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing, it could indicate an infection or other serious issue that requires emergency dental care. 

Major trauma to your teeth or jaw

If you’ve experienced significant trauma to your teeth or jaw, and you have severe pain, broken teeth, or difficulty chewing, call Healthy Smile Dental immediately. The sooner Dr. Baek treats you, the better your chances of a successful recovery.

Uncontrolled bleeding

Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth warrants an emergency visit, particularly after an injury or dental procedure. 

Reclaim the joy of eating. Call Healthy Smile Dental or book online to find out what’s behind your chewing pain.