Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Chew? Signs of a Cracked Tooth or Infection

My Tooth Hurts When I Chew — Why?

Many patients come in and say: “My tooth hurts when I chew.” They’re frustrated, concerned, and looking for relief. At Ballantyne Endodontics, we hear this often — and we know that pain in your mouth is never something to ignore.

Chewing pain is your body’s way of signaling that something’s not right — just like touching a hot stove causes you to pull your hand away. It may be a simple fix, or it could be a sign of something deeper, like a cracked tooth or root canal infection.

Let’s explore the most common reasons behind this kind of pain — and what to do next.

10 Possible Reasons Your Tooth Hurts When You Chew

Here are some of the most common causes of chewing pain. Remember, only a dentist or endodontist can provide an accurate diagnosis.

1. A Cavity

A deep cavity can expose sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leading to pain when you bite or chew. Smaller cavities may go unnoticed, but once the decay reaches the dentin or pulp, discomfort becomes likely.

Don’t wait — untreated cavities will only worsen. A simple filling may be all you need to relieve the pain.

2. A Cracked or Fractured Tooth

Even a small crack can trigger pain, especially if it reaches the pulp or causes the tooth to flex slightly when chewing.

Treatment varies depending on the location and severity of the crack. In some cases, a crown will stabilize the tooth. More serious fractures may require a root canal or extraction.

3. A High Crown or Filling

If a recent dental restoration (like a crown or filling) sits too high, it can interfere with your bite. This creates excessive pressure on one tooth, leading to soreness.

Your dentist can easily adjust the height to restore balance and eliminate pain.

4. Jaw Misalignment (Malocclusion)

When your bite is misaligned, it can cause uneven pressure and soreness when chewing. This discomfort may be felt throughout the mouth or jaw — not just one tooth.

Treatment may involve minor dental adjustments, orthodontics, or custom appliances depending on severity.

5. A Dental Abscess

An abscessed tooth has an infection at the root, often causing sharp, localized pain when chewing. You might also notice swelling, a bad taste, or even a small pimple on the gums.

A root canal is often the best solution — but if left untreated, an abscess can become dangerous.

6. Tooth Trauma

Past injuries from sports, accidents, or teeth grinding can result in fractures, pulp damage, or root resorption — all of which can cause pain under pressure.

A careful examination will help determine if the pain stems from a previous injury.

7. Sinus Congestion or Infection

Did you know sinus pressure can mimic a toothache? The upper back teeth are close to the sinus cavities. When you’re congested, inflamed sinuses can cause referred pain while chewing.

If your dentist rules out dental issues, talk to your doctor about sinus treatment options.

8. Overuse or Clenching

Habitual clenching, grinding (bruxism), or chewing hard objects like ice can strain the tiny ligaments holding your teeth in place, causing pain or soreness.

Your dentist may recommend a custom night guard or behavior changes to protect your teeth from overuse.

9. Gum Disease

Inflamed, receding, or infected gums can expose tooth roots and cause discomfort while chewing. Bleeding during brushing or flossing is a common sign.

Mild gum disease can often be reversed with better hygiene and cleanings. More advanced cases may require periodontal therapy.

10. A Failed Root Canal

If you’ve had a root canal on the painful tooth in the past, it’s possible that infection has returned or part of the root canal system was missed.

In this case, you may need a retreatment or a minor surgical procedure known as an apicoectomy. At Ballantyne Endodontics, we specialize in root canal retreatment and use advanced imaging to locate and resolve issues missed during prior treatment.

What to Do Next: Talk to Your Dentist or Endodontist

Tooth pain when chewing isn’t normal. If it’s persistent or getting worse, the best thing you can do is schedule a dental evaluation. The sooner you get a proper diagnosis, the sooner you’ll feel relief — and prevent the problem from getting worse.

Here’s what to share with your dental provider:

• When the pain started and what triggers it
  
• Whether the pain is sharp, dull, or throbbing
  
• Any history of dental work or injuries to the tooth
  
• If you clench or grind your teeth
  
• Any signs of swelling, bleeding, or temperature sensitivity
  

Get Relief with Help from Ballantyne Endodontics

At Ballantyne Endodontics, we help Charlotte-area patients preserve their natural teeth and eliminate pain through precision diagnostics and personalized treatment. Whether your toothache is caused by a crack, infection, or failed root canal, our team can help you find answers — and relief.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request a referral from your general dentist.