😖🦷 Back Tooth Pain When Chewing? Causes, Solutions & Costs Explained

Feeling pain in your back tooth (molar) every time you chew? You’re not alone. This type of pain is often sharp, sudden, and annoying enough to ruin your meals—and could be a sign of something more serious than just food sensitivity.

Back teeth, especially molars, take the most pressure during chewing. So, when one of them starts hurting, it usually indicates an issue that needs professional attention. The good news is: it can be treated effectively, especially when caught early.

In this guide, we’ll break down the common causes, how to fix the problem, treatment costs in India, and tips from top dentists and specialists to get your tooth—and gums—back to normal.

🔍 Why Does My Back Tooth Hurt When I Chew?

There are several possible reasons for pain when biting or chewing. Here’s what top dental experts in India say are the most common causes:

🦷 1. Tooth Decay or Cavity

If food particles have been getting trapped in your back tooth, it might have caused decay. Chewing pushes the decayed part, triggering pain.

🦷 2. Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Cracks in a tooth (even tiny ones) may not be visible but cause sharp pain under pressure. These cracks are common in molars.

🦠 3. Gum Infection or Abscess

Infections around the tooth root or gums can cause dull, throbbing pain when chewing. You may also notice swelling or pus near the area.

🦷 4. High Filling or Crown

If you’ve recently had a filling or crown, it might be too high—causing uneven pressure and pain while chewing.

🦷 5. Impacted or Partially Erupted Wisdom Tooth

If your wisdom tooth is coming in or stuck under the gum, it can push against nearby teeth, leading to pain and inflammation.

🦷 6. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Chronic teeth grinding, especially during sleep, can stress molars and lead to pain when eating.

😷 7. Sinus Pressure

Upper back teeth pain is sometimes referred from the sinuses, especially during colds or allergies.

🚩 Symptoms to Watch Alongside Chewing Pain

• 🦷 Pain when pressing on a specific tooth

• 🩸 Bleeding or swollen gums

• 🦠 Bad taste or odor from the area

• ❌ Difficulty opening mouth fully

• 🌡️ Fever (in case of infection)

• 😬 Sensitivity to hot/cold

🛠️ Treatment Options to Fix Chewing Pain

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A dental clinic or specialist will usually recommend one of the following:

🔬 1. Dental X-Ray & Examination

First, your dentist will perform a visual exam and take X-rays to assess the root cause of the pain.

💰 Consultation Cost in India: ₹300 – ₹800
💰 X-ray Charges: ₹300 – ₹1,000

🪥 2. Cavity Filling

If decay is found, the cavity will be cleaned and filled with resin, amalgam, or ceramic.

💰 Cost in India: ₹800 – ₹2,500
🧑‍⚕️ Best done by an experienced restorative dentist

🦷 3. Root Canal Treatment (RCT)

If the decay or infection has reached the nerve, RCT is done to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.

💰 Root Canal Price in India: ₹3,000 – ₹8,000
💰 Crown (if needed): ₹4,000 – ₹15,000

🛠️ 4. Tooth Extraction (For Damaged Wisdom Teeth)

If a wisdom tooth is impacted or severely infected, removal may be required.

💰 Extraction Cost: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000
💰 Surgical Wisdom Tooth Removal: ₹3,000 – ₹12,000

🧪 5. Cracked Tooth Repair (Bonding or Crown)

Minor cracks may be repaired with bonding; deeper ones might need a crown.

💰 Bonding Price: ₹1,500 – ₹3,500
💰 Crown Charges: ₹4,000 – ₹15,000

🌿 6. Gum Treatment (If Infection Present)

Pain from gum issues is treated with deep cleaning (scaling/root planing), antibiotics, or flap surgery for severe cases.

💰 Gum Cleaning Cost: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000
💰 Surgical Costs (if needed): ₹10,000 – ₹30,000

💸 Total Estimated Cost – Treating Back Tooth Pain in India

🏥 Finding the Best Dentist or Specialist

When it comes to tooth pain, especially in the back molars, choosing the right clinic is essential. Look for:

✅ Clinics with certified endodontists or oral surgeons
✅ Clear communication about treatment options and pricing
✅ Access to digital X-rays and intraoral scanners
✅ High standards of sterilization and hygiene
✅ Patient reviews and before/after testimonials

🦷 Dental clinics in metro cities like Delhi and other urban hubs typically offer advanced diagnostics and specialized care.

🧴 Home Care Tips (Until You Visit a Dentist)

⚠️ These are temporary remedies and not substitutes for professional treatment.

• 🧂 Rinse with warm saltwater 2–3 times daily

• ❄️ Apply a cold compress on the cheek for swelling

• 💊 Take over-the-counter painkillers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)

• 🍽️ Eat soft foods; avoid chewing on the painful side

• 🪥 Maintain oral hygiene, even if the area is sensitive

🙋‍♀️ FAQs – Back Tooth Pain When Chewing

❓ Why does my back tooth hurt when I bite down?

It could be due to a cavity, crack, infection, high filling, or gum issue. A dental exam is needed to diagnose the exact cause.

❓ Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?

No. Cracks usually worsen over time. Depending on the depth, you may need bonding, a crown, or even a root canal.

❓ What if it’s my wisdom tooth?

Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth often cause pain while chewing. In such cases, extraction is often the best solution.

❓ How long does the pain last?

If the cause is minor, pain may last a few days. But if untreated, it can get worse, especially in the case of infection or nerve damage.

❓ Can gum disease cause chewing pain?

Yes. Inflamed or infected gums around the tooth can cause pressure pain. Scaling, antibiotics, or gum surgery may be needed.

🌟 Conclusion: Don’t Ignore That Molar Pain

Pain in your back tooth while chewing is your body’s way of saying “something’s wrong.” Whether it’s a small cavity or a deep infection, early diagnosis and timely treatment are key to avoiding complex (and costly) dental work.

🦷 Visit a top-rated dental clinic near you to get expert guidance and customized treatment—because your back teeth deserve just as much care as your front ones.

😬 Chewing shouldn’t hurt. Treat your tooth pain before it turns into a bigger issue. Get expert care, affordable treatment, and lasting relief—today! 🪥💯