Can a dental abscess make chewing painful or difficult? 

A dental abscess is a primary clinical cause of pain and difficulty during chewing (mastication). When a bacterial infection develops at the root of a tooth or within the surrounding gums, it creates a localized area of intense pressure and inflammation. In the United Kingdom, healthcare professionals recognize that functional pain specifically when biting down or applying pressure is one of the most reliable indicators of an active abscess. This discomfort can range from a sharp, sudden flash to a deep, agonizing throb, often making it impossible to consume solid food on the affected side of the mouth. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• The role of the periodontal ligament in pressure sensitivity. 

• How the “buildup of pus” physically displaces the tooth. 

• Differentiating between “sharp” biting pain and “dull” abscess pain. 

• The impact of inflammation on the jaw muscles (trismus). 

• Why chewing on the “good” side may not always provide relief. 

• Clinical steps for restoring painless function. 

The Role of the Periodontal Ligament 

The reason a dental abscess makes chewing so painful is largely due to the periodontal ligament (PDL). The PDL is a group of specialized connective tissue fibres that attach the tooth to the surrounding jawbone and act as a natural shock absorber. When an abscess forms at the tip of a tooth root, the infection spills out into the space occupied by these fibres, causing them to become acutely inflamed. Because these tissues are highly innervated (full of sensory nerves), even the slightest pressure from chewing triggers an immediate and intense pain signal to the brain. 

Physical Displacement of the Tooth 

A significant factor in chewing difficulty is that an abscess can physically move the tooth. As pus a mixture of white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria accumulates in the rigid space of the jawbone at the root tip, the resulting pressure can push the tooth slightly out of its socket. 

• The “High” Feeling: Many patients report that the infected tooth feels “taller” or “longer” than its neighbours. 

• Premature Contact: Because the tooth is slightly elevated, it is the first to make contact when you close your mouth, receiving the full force of the bite and causing sharp pain. 

Impact on Jaw Muscles and Opening 

In some cases, the difficulty in chewing is not just limited to the tooth itself but involves the muscles used for opening and closing the jaw. If the infection from an abscess spread toward the back of the mouth or into the deeper tissues of the face, it can cause “trismus,” commonly known as lockjaw. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) notes that difficulty opening the mouth or a “stiff” jaw is a significant clinical sign that the infection may be spreading and requires urgent assessment. This makes the mechanical act of chewing physically difficult, regardless of the pain in the tooth. 

Why Chewing on the “Good” Side Isn’t Always a Solution 

Individuals with a dental abscess often instinctively try to chew exclusively on the opposite side of their mouth. However, this may not provide complete relief for several reasons: 

• Radiating Pain: The act of chewing involves a complex movement of the entire jaw; the vibration and muscle contraction can still “trigger” the nerves around the abscessed tooth. 

• Pressure from the Tongue: Simply moving food around the mouth with the tongue can accidentally apply pressure to the sensitive area. 

• Food Debris: Small particles of food can become trapped in the gum “pocket” or the cavity that caused the abscess in the first place, leading to further irritation. 

Clinical Differentiators for Chewing Pain 

Clinicians use “percussion” (tapping the tooth) and “biting tests” to help identify if pain is caused by an abscess or another dental issue. The NHS emphasizes that any tooth that is extremely sensitive to touch or pressure is a major symptom of a dental abscess and should be reviewed by a dentist immediately. 

Symptom	Common Cause	Sensation During Chewing
Pulpitis	Deep Decay	Sharp pain that lingers after the bite
Cracked Tooth	Physical Trauma	Sharp pain only at the moment of biting
Abscess	Trapped Infection	Deep, intense pain; tooth feels “long” or loose
Gum Disease	Periodontitis	Dull ache or “tender” feeling in the gums

Restoring Functional Comfort 

The only way to return to normal, painless chewing is to have the abscess professionally treated. This typically involves “source control”—draining the pus and removing the bacterial infection through a root canal or, in severe cases, an extraction. Once the pressure is released and the inflammation in the periodontal ligament subsides, the “high” feeling of the tooth disappears, and the sensitivity to pressure typically resolves within a few days. While over-the-counter pain relief can help in the short term, it will not fix the mechanical issues caused by the infection. 

Conclusion 

A dental abscess makes chewing both painful and difficult by inflaming the periodontal ligament and physically displacing the tooth. The sensation that a tooth is “too tall” combined with intense pain upon contact are classic clinical signs of a trapped infection. Professional drainage and treatment of the underlying cause are the only ways to restore normal function and prevent the infection from spreading into the jaw muscles or surrounding tissues. 

If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, call 999 immediately. 

Authority Snapshot (E-E-A-T) 

This educational guide is produced to inform the general public about how dental infections affect the mechanical function of the mouth. The content is authored by our Medical Content Team and reviewed by Dr. Stefan Petrov, a UK-trained physician, to ensure clinical accuracy. All information provided is strictly aligned with the diagnostic and safety guidelines established by the NHS and NICE.