Why Does My Tooth Hurt When Pressed? Causes &Treatment

You may experience a sharp pain when biting into something soft like a piece of bread or pressing your finger onto a certain tooth. This is a physical symptom showing there is an underlying issue. This is known as percussion sensitivity or bite sensitivity by dentists. The nerves within the root and surrounding ligaments are stimulated when the tooth is pressed. If the tooth is healthy the biting force will not cause you any pain. When the tooth is painful to press it shows there is some kind of stress, inflammation or damage to the tooth or surrounding bone. Not addressing the issue will lead to greater complications and more invasive treatment. Knowing the causes will help you to communicate with your dentist.

What Are the Common Causes of Tooth Pain When Pressed?

There are many different causes that can cause your tooth to be sensitive when pressed. These are the main causes dentists look for:

Cracked tooth syndrome – The enamel and dentine can crack due to chewing on hard objects, teeth grinding or natural wear and tear. When you bite down the cracks flex which irritates the pulp causing sharp pain.
Deep decay – Bacteria can penetrate through the enamel causing damage to the soft pulp which contains nerves and blood vessels. This causes inflammation known as pulpitis.
Abscess – If decay is left untreated or trauma has occurred bacteria can infect the tip of the root. Pus builds up in the surrounding bone causing pressure so every time you bite it will hurt.
Occlusal trauma – High fillings, malocclusion or teeth grinding can cause too much pressure on one tooth causing damage to the surrounding periodontal ligaments.
Failed root canal therapy – Sometimes bacteria can remain within the complex root canal system. This causes reactivation of the inflammation at the root tip.
Periodontal disease – Advanced periodontal disease can cause damage to the bone and surrounding tissues. This causes teeth to become loose and move during chewing causing pain.

How Is Tooth Pain When Pressed Diagnosed?

Your dentist will use specialist tools to diagnose the cause of your sensitive tooth. This will help them treat you successfully.

What Happens During a Dental Examination?

They will start by asking you questions about your medical and dental history. They will want to know what symptoms you are experiencing, when they started and if you experience similar symptoms with hot or cold foods. Next they will perform a visual examination using bright lights and dental mirrors. They will look for any cracks, worn fillings, swollen gums or discoloration.

What Tests Help Identify the Cause of Tooth Pain?

They will then perform some specific tests.

They will tap the suspected tooth using a metal tool to see if there is any percussion sensitivity.
They will then ask you to bite down using a special plastic tool known as a tooth sloan/bite stick. This helps identify individual cusps and find hidden cracks.
Digital x-rays will help to identify any bone loss, deep decay or infections at the root tip.
In complicated cases dentists will use CBCT scans. This is a 3D scan to look at the tooth structures and surrounding jaw bone.
Thermal tests will also be used to confirm the nerve pulp is alive and healthy using cold or warm stimulus.

What Are the Treatments for Tooth Pain When Pressed?

There are many different treatments depending on the cause. There are lots of options available to help restore your mouth.

How Is Occlusal Trauma Treated?

If there is mild occlusal trauma your dentist will just adjust your occlusion. They will reshape the biting surface of the tooth or high filling using a bur.

How Is Deep Tooth Decay Treated?

If there is deep decay causing the pulp to become inflamed the dentist will remove the damaged part of the tooth and place a protective filling or crown. Crowns cover the whole visible part of the tooth and will hold the broken parts together. They will also withstand heavy biting forces.

When Is Root Canal Treatment Required?

If the pulp has become infected due to bacteria a root canal will be required. An access hole is made into the crown of the tooth. The infected nerve is removed and the roots cleaned. They will then seal the hole with a compatible material. Usually a protective crown will be placed.

When Is Tooth Extraction the Only Option?

Unfortunately if there is severe vertical root fracture or large decay below the gum line there is no saving the tooth. Extraction will be the only option. Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, fixed bridges or removable partial dentures.

What Can You Do at Home to Relieve Tooth Pain When Pressed?

Whilst waiting to see your dentist you can do some at home care to ease the pain.

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Salt water helps to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and will soothe the irritated gums.
Eat soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potato, soups and smoothies. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Gently floss around the painful tooth. Try to pull the floss out sideways rather than upwards to stop any loose fillings falling out and irritating the sore gums.
Take over the counter pain killers to help reduce inflammation. Always follow the instructions on the packet. Check with your main healthcare provider if you have any underlying conditions. Do not place aspirin directly onto your gums near the painful tooth as it will dissolve and cause chemical burns.

How Can You Prevent Tooth Pain When Pressed?

To prevent sensitive teeth you should have a good daily oral hygiene routine and regular check-ups. This will help to keep your natural smile and avoid expensive emergency treatments.

Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes using fluoride toothpaste. This will strengthen your enamel and help prevent decay caused by acid producing bacteria.
Floss every day to remove food and plaque from between your teeth. This will help prevent decay.
Use a night guard if you suffer from teeth grinding/bruxism. This places great destructive forces on your teeth and can cause cracks and severe bite sensitivity.
Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and professional clean. This will help identify any early signs of decay, worn fillings or periodontal disease.
Avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice cubes, hard sweets, popcorn and pens. Using your teeth to open packaging or cut tape can cause serious fractures.
Eat a balanced diet with minimal sugary snacks and acidic drinks. Sugars will feed harmful bacteria in your mouth and acidic foods will wear away your enamel. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away food and stimulate saliva which will neutralize the harmful acids in your mouth.