Tooth pain can range from a mild sensitivity to severe, throbbing pain that makes it difficult to sleep, eat or concentrate.
If you are wondering, “Why does my tooth hurt?”, there can be several possible causes. Toothache may be caused by tooth decay, an infection, a cracked tooth, gum disease, teeth grinding or even a problem affecting the jaw.
Understanding the possible cause of your tooth pain can help you know when to seek professional dental care.
1. Tooth Decay
One of the most common causes of toothache is tooth decay.
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that gradually damage the enamel and deeper layers of the tooth.
Early tooth decay may not cause any symptoms. As the decay progresses, you may experience:
Sensitivity to cold or hot food and drinks
Pain when eating sweet foods
Toothache
Pain when biting
A visible hole or dark area in the tooth
If decay reaches the inner part of the tooth, where the dental nerve is located, the pain may become severe and persistent.
Treatment may involve a filling, crown, root canal treatment or extraction, depending on the condition of the tooth.
2. An Infected Tooth or Dental Abscess
A dental infection can cause intense, throbbing tooth pain.
A dental abscess is a collection of infection that can develop around the root of a tooth or within the surrounding gum tissues.
Possible symptoms include:
Severe toothache
Throbbing pain
Swollen gums
Facial swelling
A bad taste in the mouth
Pus around the tooth
Pain when biting
Fever or feeling unwell
A dental infection should be assessed promptly.
If you experience facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical attention.
3. A Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A cracked tooth can cause sharp or unpredictable pain.
Some patients experience pain when biting down, while others feel pain when releasing their bite.
A cracked tooth may also cause sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks.
Cracks can sometimes be difficult to see, especially when they extend below the gum line.
Depending on the severity of the crack, treatment may include:
A filling or bonded restoration
A crown
Root canal treatment
Other restorative treatment
Extraction if the tooth cannot be saved
Early assessment may help determine whether the tooth can be treated and preserved.
4. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can cause a sharp, sudden pain when you consume:
Cold drinks
Hot foods
Sweet foods
Acidic foods
Sensitivity can occur when the protective enamel of the tooth becomes worn or damaged, exposing the more sensitive inner layers.
Possible causes include:
Tooth wear
Gum recession
Tooth grinding
Acid erosion
Aggressive brushing
Tooth decay
Cracked teeth
Persistent or worsening sensitivity should be assessed to determine the underlying cause.
5. Gum Disease
Tooth pain is not always caused by the tooth itself.
Gum disease can cause inflammation, swelling and discomfort around the teeth.
Symptoms may include:
Bleeding gums
Red or swollen gums
Gum tenderness
Bad breath
Receding gums
Loose teeth
Pain when chewing
Advanced gum disease can affect the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
If your gums bleed regularly when brushing or flossing, it is important to have your oral health assessed.
6. A Dental Filling or Crown Problem
If you have recently had a filling, crown or other dental treatment, some temporary sensitivity may occur.
However, ongoing or worsening pain may indicate a problem that requires assessment.
Possible causes may include:
A high filling or crown
Irritation of the dental nerve
A crack in the tooth
Recurrent decay
Infection
If your tooth remains painful after dental treatment, contact your dentist for advice and assessment.
7. Wisdom Tooth Problems
Wisdom teeth can cause pain when they are impacted, partially erupted or surrounded by inflamed gum tissue.
Symptoms may include:
Pain at the back of the mouth
Swollen gums
Difficulty opening the mouth
Pain when chewing
Bad breath
A bad taste
Swelling around the jaw
Wisdom tooth pain may come and go, but recurring symptoms should be assessed.
A dental examination and X-ray may help determine the position and condition of the wisdom tooth.
8. Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Teeth grinding and clenching can place significant pressure on the teeth.
Over time, this may cause:
Tooth sensitivity
Cracked teeth
Worn or flattened teeth
Jaw pain
Headaches
Pain when chewing
Some people grind their teeth during sleep without realising it.
If your tooth pain is accompanied by morning headaches, jaw soreness or worn teeth, bruxism may be contributing to your symptoms.
A dental and TMJ assessment may help identify signs of excessive clenching or grinding.
9. Sinus Problems
Sometimes pain that feels like toothache may actually be related to the sinuses.
The roots of some upper teeth are located close to the sinus cavities. Sinus inflammation or congestion may create pressure that feels like pain in the upper teeth.
Sinus-related tooth discomfort may be associated with:
Nasal congestion
Facial pressure
Headaches
Pain in several upper teeth
Symptoms that worsen when bending forward
If you are unsure whether your pain is dental or sinus-related, a dental assessment may help determine the possible cause.
10. Jaw and TMJ Problems
Not all pain felt around the teeth is caused by a problem with the teeth themselves.
Temporomandibular joint disorders, commonly known as TMJ disorders or TMD, can cause pain that radiates into the:
Teeth
Jaw
Face
Ear
Temples
Head
Other symptoms may include:
Jaw clicking
Jaw popping
Difficulty opening the mouth
Jaw locking
Headaches
Ear pain
Facial muscle tension
If your toothache occurs together with jaw pain or headaches, the jaw joints and muscles may also need to be assessed.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt at Night?
Tooth pain can sometimes feel worse at night.
This may happen because:
You are lying down
Increased blood pressure in the head may increase the sensation of throbbing
There are fewer distractions
Tooth grinding may occur during sleep
An infection or inflammation may be progressing
If tooth pain repeatedly wakes you during the night, it is important to arrange a dental assessment.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Bite?
Pain when biting may be associated with:
Tooth decay
A cracked tooth
An infection
A loose filling
A high dental crown or filling
Inflammation around the tooth
Teeth grinding
Pain when biting should not be ignored, particularly if it is persistent or worsening.
Can Toothache Go Away by Itself?
Sometimes tooth pain may temporarily improve, but this does not always mean that the underlying problem has resolved.
For example, pain from an infected tooth may reduce if the nerve inside the tooth becomes severely damaged.
The infection, however, may continue to progress.
If you have persistent, recurring or severe tooth pain, it is best to have the cause assessed by a dentist.
When Is Toothache a Dental Emergency?
Seek urgent dental care if you experience:
Severe or worsening tooth pain
Facial swelling
Swelling around the gums
Fever
Pus or a bad taste in the mouth
A broken or cracked tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth
Difficulty opening your mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly increasing swelling, may require immediate medical attention.
How Is the Cause of Tooth Pain Diagnosed?
Your dentist may:
Discuss your symptoms
Examine the painful tooth
Assess the surrounding teeth and gums
Test the sensitivity of the tooth
Check your bite
Assess your jaw and muscles
Take dental X-rays where clinically indicated
A careful assessment is important because different causes of tooth pain may require completely different treatments.
How Can Tooth Pain Be Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause.
Possible treatments may include:
Dental fillings
Root canal treatment
Crowns
Treatment for gum disease
Wisdom tooth treatment
Dental restorations
Management of teeth grinding
TMJ treatment
Tooth extraction where necessary
The aim is to identify and treat the underlying cause rather than simply masking the pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my tooth hurt but there is no cavity?
Tooth pain can be caused by a cracked tooth, gum recession, sensitivity, teeth grinding, an infection or a jaw-related problem. A dental examination may be needed to identify the cause.
Why does my tooth hurt when I drink cold water?
Cold sensitivity can be caused by tooth decay, worn enamel, gum recession, a cracked tooth or an irritated dental nerve.
Why does my tooth hurt when I bite down?
Pain when biting may be associated with a cracked tooth, infection, decay, a loose restoration or inflammation around the tooth.
Can stress cause tooth pain?
Stress can contribute to teeth clenching and grinding, which may cause tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches and tooth wear.
How do I know if my tooth is infected?
Severe throbbing pain, swelling, fever, a bad taste or pus may be signs of a dental infection. Prompt dental assessment is recommended.
Should I see a dentist if my toothache goes away?
Yes, particularly if the pain was severe or keeps returning. Pain disappearing does not always mean that the underlying problem has been resolved.
Toothache and Dental Pain in Sydney
If you are experiencing tooth pain, the cause may not always be obvious.
Toothache can be caused by decay, infection, a cracked tooth, gum disease, wisdom teeth, teeth grinding or problems affecting the jaw.
At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we can assess your symptoms and help identify the possible cause of your dental pain.
If you have a toothache that is severe, persistent or getting worse, contact us to arrange a dental assessment.
📞 Call Pain Free Dentist Sydney on 9558 8988.
Serving patients in Dulwich Hill, Hurlstone Park and Sydney's Inner West.