Ask Dr Toof

Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Bite Down?

LAST UPDATED:

October 9, 2025

Category:

Q:

Hi Dr. Toof, I hope you’re doing well! I’ve been having this annoying problem where my tooth hurts whenever I bite down on something, like when I eat nasi lemak or even just a piece of bread. It’s been going on for a few days now, and I’m really worried it might be something serious. Could you please help me understand why this is happening and what I should do about it? Thank you!

- Our follower on social media

Hello there! Thanks for reaching out, and I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you’re having with your tooth. It sounds like it’s really putting a damper on enjoying your meals, especially when it comes to something as delicious as nasi lemak! Let’s see if we can figure out what’s going on.

First off, one common reason for pain when biting down is a cavity. Cavities are little holes in your teeth caused by decay, which can happen if sugar and bacteria hang around too long because of not brushing or flossing regularly. It’s like when you leave teh tarik out too long and it gets all sticky and gross, not something you want happening in your mouth!

Another possibility is that you might have a cracked tooth. This can happen if you’ve bitten down on something hard, like a piece of ice or a tough keropok. Sometimes, grinding your teeth at night can also cause cracks. These cracks can be tiny and hard to see, but they can cause a lot of pain when you bite down.

Gum disease is another culprit that might be causing your discomfort. If your gums are inflamed or sensitive, it can make your teeth hurt when you chew. This often happens if oral hygiene isn’t up to par, so it’s important to keep those gums healthy by brushing and flossing regularly.

In the meantime, try to avoid hard foods and give your mouth a rinse with warm salt water to help ease the pain. But remember, it’s really important to see a dentist soon. They can give you a proper check-up and treatment to prevent any serious issues. Early treatment can save your tooth and get you back to enjoying your meals without any pain.

Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!

About The Author

MDC 11249

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Jordan University of Science and Technology, 2018

Dr. Athirah is a highly skilled and dedicated dentist with a special focus on dental surgery and endodontics. She co-founded Dr Toof Dental Clinic to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry.

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