A toothache is pain that you feel in or around a tooth, and it usually means something isn’t right. Most of the time, the cause is linked to your teeth or gums, such as decay, infection, or injury.
In some cases, though, the pain may be referred from another part of the body, like the jaw or sinuses. That’s why it’s important not to ignore even mild discomfort.
While toothaches aren’t always serious, they can signal underlying problems that require prompt attention. Left untreated, what starts as a small cavity or gum irritation can develop into an infection or tooth loss.
Let’s look at the most common reasons for tooth pain and what your dentist can do to help.
Key Takeaways
- Toothaches are usually a sign of an underlying dental problem such as decay, infection, or gum disease.
- Pain that lasts more than two days or gets worse should always be checked by a dentist.
- Some toothaches can indicate serious health concerns if they’re paired with swelling, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
- Home remedies can ease discomfort temporarily, but only professional treatment provides lasting relief.
- At Hanna Dental Implant Center, patients receive complete care from fillings and root canals to extractions and dental implants for long-term comfort and a healthy smile.
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What Does a Toothache Feel Like?
Toothache pain can range from mild, nagging discomfort to intense, intermittent pain. It may last a few hours or linger for several days, depending on the cause.
You may experience:
- A throbbing or pulsing ache around the tooth or gum area
- Swelling or tenderness near the affected tooth
- Sharp pain when biting, chewing, or touching the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- A dull, aching pressure that spreads to the jaw or ear
- In some cases, a burning or electric-like pain
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to see your dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent the pain from worsening and protect your tooth from further damage.
7 Common Reasons for Tooth Pain
Toothaches can have many causes, but most are attributed to a few common dental issues that require professional attention. Here are the most common causes of toothache:
1. Tooth Decay
Cavities are one of the leading causes of tooth pain. They form when plaque and bacteria erode the outer enamel, creating holes that expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth. At first, the discomfort may feel mild, but as decay progresses, the pain becomes sharper and more persistent. Treatment usually involves cleaning out the decay and placing a filling or crown to restore strength and stop bacteria from spreading.
2. Gum Disease
Gum inflammation can also cause tooth pain. When plaque builds up along the gumline, it irritates the surrounding tissue, causing redness, bleeding, and tenderness. As gum disease advances, it can expose tooth roots, making them sensitive to temperature changes and pressure.
Professional cleaning, scaling, and improved oral hygiene can help reverse early-stage gum disease and prevent further damage.
3. Dental Abscess or Infection
An abscess forms when bacteria reach the pulp of the tooth or the surrounding gum tissue. This creates a pocket of pus that leads to throbbing pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. The pain often radiates to the jaw or ear.
A dentist must drain the abscess and remove the infection through root canal therapy or extraction to prevent it from spreading.
4. Cracked or Broken Tooth
Even a small crack can expose the inner layers of a tooth, leading to sensitivity or sharp pain when chewing. Cracks can result from biting hard foods, grinding, or injuries.
Treatment depends on the depth of the fracture. Options include bonding, crowns, or, in severe cases, dental implants if the tooth cannot be saved.
5. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep, can wear down enamel and strain the jaw muscles. This can cause morning toothaches, jaw tension, and even headaches.
Custom night guards help protect your teeth and ease pressure, while stress management can reduce the habit over time.
6. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to erupt, they push against nearby teeth and gums, causing pain and swelling. The discomfort can extend to the jaw or ear. When this happens, we often recommend wisdom tooth extraction to relieve pressure and prevent infections or crowding.
7. Sinus Pressure or Infection
Sometimes, tooth pain isn’t caused by a dental problem at all. The roots of your upper teeth are close to the sinuses, so sinus inflammation or infection can create a heavy, aching pressure that feels like a toothache. Once the sinus issue is treated, the tooth pain usually fades as well.
When to See a Dental Specialist
A mild toothache might go away on its own, but ongoing pain often means there’s a deeper problem that needs attention. If the discomfort lasts more than two days, becomes more intense, or causes sensitivity, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth, it’s time to visit your dentist.
In some cases, a toothache can signal a more serious condition. Seek immediate medical care if you notice:
- Swelling in your jaw or face, which could mean an infection is spreading
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, which may indicate heart-related issues
- A persistent cough, wheezing, or coughing up blood
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
These symptoms are rare but serious and should never be ignored
Get Lasting Relief for Tooth Pain
Toothaches rarely improve on their own. While pain relievers can help for a short while, only professional treatment can stop the problem from returning. Identifying what’s causing the pain, whether it’s decay, infection, or injury, allows your dentist to restore both comfort and function.
At Hanna Dental Implant Center in Houston, TX, we identify the exact cause of your tooth pain using digital imaging and a thorough exam. Whether you need a filling, root canal, or a replacement for a damaged tooth, our team provides expert care to stop the pain and protect your health.
If you’ve been dealing with tooth pain, don’t wait until it gets worse. Book your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get a toothache to go away?
You can ease toothache pain temporarily with warm saltwater rinses, cold compresses, or over-the-counter pain relievers. However, these only provide short-term relief. To stop the pain completely, your dentist must treat the cause.
What does it mean when only one tooth hurts?
Pain in a single tooth often points to a specific issue like decay, a crack, or an infection in that tooth. It may also be caused by grinding or pressure from a neighboring tooth. A dental exam helps pinpoint the problem so your dentist can provide the right treatment.
What is the main cause of tooth pain?
The most common cause is tooth decay. When bacteria damage the enamel and reach the inner layer of the tooth, they irritate the nerves and cause pain. Other causes include gum disease, tooth fractures, and infection. Regular checkups help catch these problems early before they become painful.
Can a toothache cause nausea?
Yes, in some cases. A severe tooth infection or untreated pain can trigger inflammation that affects other parts of the body, leading to nausea or general discomfort. If you have both nausea and tooth pain, see a dentist right away to rule out infection and prevent complications.
