bite down
Teeth pressing together
To bite down is to close the teeth together with pressure, especially onto something: Bite down on this cloth while I stitch you up.
The phrase often implies bracing oneself—physically or mentally—for something unpleasant: She bit down and pushed through the pain.
Without an object, it simply means to clench the jaw.
Grind with teeth
- masticateCrush food orally
- crunchCrushing, grinding noise
- gnawBite repeatedly at
- chompLoud, vigorous mouthwork
nibble · grind · munch · teeth · jaw · molars · food · morsel
Squeeze tightly shut
- grindCrush into particles
- bruxismInvoluntary jaw clenching
- jawBone holding teeth
- mouthguardProtective dental insert
TMJ · teeth · molars · pressure · nightguard · enamel · dentist · occlusion
Determination or abrasive particles
- persevereContinue despite obstacles
- resolveFirmness of purpose
- endureSuffer through without yielding
- steelCarbon-hardened iron alloy
determination · push through · tough it out · focus · willpower · fortitude · tenacity · brace
chew
Grind with teeth
chomp · nibble · grind · munch · teeth · jaw · molars · food · morsel · tough
clench
Squeeze tightly shut
mouthguard · TMJ · teeth · molars · pressure · nightguard · enamel · dentist · occlusion · tension
grit
Determination or abrasive particles
steel · determination · push through · tough it out · focus · willpower · fortitude · tenacity · brace · steady
wince
Reflexive recoil from distress
- endureSuffer through without yielding
- braceDevice providing structural stability
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
sting · needle · injection · procedure · grit · grimace · tolerate · bear · agony · discomfort
- mouth actionschewing, chew, swallowing, licking, chomp
- Dentistdentist, dental floss, dental hygienist, cavity filling, cavity