If you have a constant toothache or pain when biting, treat it as a sign that something is irritating or damaging your tooth, nerve, gums, or jaw. The safest next step is to schedule a dental exam promptly, especially if the pain is worsening, lingers, or comes with swelling. In the meantime, you can reduce irritation by avoiding chewing on the sore side, using cold compresses, and taking OTC pain relief as directed—but don’t ignore the cause.
At Arrow Dental Arts, our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend evaluating biting pain early because problems like cracks, deep cavities, and infections can escalate quickly.
Why “Pain When Biting” Matters
Biting pain is different from general sensitivity. When a tooth hurts specifically as you chew or apply pressure, it often points to an issue with tooth structure, the ligament around the tooth, or the nerve. A constant toothache can signal inflammation or infection that may not resolve without treatment.At Arrow Dental Arts, our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend treating chewing pain as a “check-engine light” for your mouth: it doesn’t tell you exactly what’s wrong, but it strongly suggests you should get a professional diagnosis.
Common Causes of Constant Toothache or Pain When Biting
Several conditions can create the same symptom, which is why an exam matters. Here are some of the most common causes our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend ruling out:
- Deep cavity or decay near the nerve
Decay can irritate the pulp and cause lingering aches or sharp pain with pressure. - Cracked tooth (fracture)
A tiny crack may not be visible, but it can cause pain when biting because the tooth flexes and irritates the inner tissue. - High filling or recent dental work
If a filling or crown sits slightly too “high,” it can overload the tooth during chewing and cause soreness. - Inflamed or infected tooth nerve (pulpitis) / abscess
This can cause constant throbbing pain, sensitivity, pressure pain, and sometimes swelling. - Gum infection, periodontal abscess, or food impaction
Something as simple as trapped food between teeth can inflame the gum and hurt when biting. - Grinding/clenching (bruxism)
Clenching can make teeth feel sore or bruised, especially in the morning, and can also crack teeth over time. - Jaw joint or muscle issues (TMJ-related pain)
Sometimes what feels like tooth pain is referred pain from the jaw muscles or joint.
Because these causes overlap, our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend not self-diagnosing based on symptoms alone.
What You Should Do Right Now (Before Your Appointment)
If you’re dealing with constant toothache or pain when biting, these steps can help you protect the tooth and reduce discomfort temporarily:
- Stop chewing on the painful side
Our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend “resting” the tooth to avoid worsening a crack or inflamed ligament. - Avoid extreme temperatures and very sweet foods
Hot/cold and sugar can spike discomfort if the nerve is irritated. - Rinse gently with warm salt water
Mix about1/2 tsp saltin a cup of warm water. This can soothe inflamed gums and help flush debris. - Use a cold compress for swelling or throbbing
Apply to the outside of the cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time. - Use OTC pain medication as directed
Our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend following the label and considering your medical history. (If you’re unsure what’s safe for you, call a healthcare professional.) - If flossing is painful, floss gently anyway
Food stuck between teeth can mimic toothache. Slide floss carefully—don’t snap it.
Avoid: placing aspirin directly on the gums/tooth, aggressively poking the area, or trying to “wait it out” for weeks. At Arrow Dental Arts, our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend addressing persistent pain early to reduce the chance of infection or more extensive treatment.
When Tooth Pain Is an Emergency (Don’t Wait)
Contact a dentist urgently (or seek emergency care if needed) if you have:
- Facial swelling, gum swelling, or a “pimple” on the gum
- Fever, chills, or feeling unwell with dental pain
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Severe, escalating pain that doesn’t respond to OTC measures
- Trauma (a tooth that’s cracked, displaced, or knocked loose)
These can be signs of infection or injury that requires immediate attention. Our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend not delaying care when swelling or systemic symptoms appear.
What to Expect at the Dental Visit (How the Cause Is Found)
At Arrow Dental Arts, diagnosing pain when biting usually involves a few targeted steps. Our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend a complete evaluation so treatment matches the real cause:
- History of symptoms (when it started, triggers, hot/cold sensitivity, nighttime pain)
- Clinical exam of the tooth, gums, bite, and any existing dental work
- Bite testing to identify which tooth hurts under pressure
- X-rays to check for decay, infection, bone changes, or issues under old fillings/crowns
- Periodontal evaluation to look for gum pockets or abscesses
- Crack detection (sometimes with special tools or imaging)
This matters because treatment for a high filling is very different from treatment for an abscess—even if both “hurt when you bite.” That’s why our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend getting a definitive diagnosis before trying to manage it on your own.
Treatment Options (Based on the Diagnosis)
Once the cause is identified, treatment may include:
- Bite adjustment (if a filling/crown is high)
This is often a quick fix and can significantly reduce biting pain. - Filling or crown (for decay or structural weakness)
Our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend restoring the tooth before it fractures further. - Root canal therapy (if the nerve is irreversibly inflamed or infected)
This removes infected pulp tissue and relieves deep toothache in many cases. - Treatment for gum infection (deep cleaning, localized therapy, or drainage if needed)
If the pain is periodontal rather than tooth-nerve related, the plan focuses on gum health. - Night guard (if grinding/clenching is contributing)
Our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend protecting teeth and reducing overload that can lead to cracks and soreness. - Extraction and replacement planning (only when a tooth can’t be saved)
If removal is necessary, your dentist will discuss options to restore function and appearance.
The goal at Arrow Dental Arts is to relieve pain while preserving tooth structure whenever possible—our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend the most conservative effective option based on what your exam shows.
How to Reduce the Chances of This Happening Again
While not all tooth pain is preventable, these habits lower your risk:
- Keep up with routine exams and cleanings (small problems are easier to fix)
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth daily
- Limit frequent sipping/snacking on sugary or acidic items
- Address grinding/clenching early (especially if you wake up sore)
- Don’t ignore minor symptoms like “a little zing when chewing”—our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend checking it before it becomes constant pain
Next Step: Get the Cause Identified at Arrow Dental Arts
Constant toothache or pain when biting is your body’s way of saying something needs attention—whether it’s a crack, decay, gum inflammation, or a bite issue. At Arrow Dental Arts, our dentist in Rancho Cucamonga recommend scheduling an evaluation as soon as you notice persistent or pressure-related pain so you can get clarity, relief, and the right treatment plan before the problem worsens.