Tooth Pain: Why Does My Tooth Hurt & When Should I See a Dentist?

If your tooth hurts, it is your body’s way of telling you that something may need attention. Sometimes the cause is relatively simple. Other times, tooth pain can be a sign of decay, a crack, inflammation or infection that needs dental treatment.

The location and type of pain can provide clues, but you cannot reliably diagnose the cause of tooth pain by symptoms alone. A dental examination can help determine what is happening and what, if anything, needs to be treated.

Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Bite Down?

Pain when biting or chewing can have several possible causes. A cracked tooth is one possibility. Decay, a problem with an existing restoration or inflammation around the tooth may also cause discomfort when pressure is applied.

Even a small crack can sometimes be difficult to see without a dental examination. If biting consistently causes pain, it is worth having the tooth evaluated.

Why Does My Tooth Hurt With Hot or Cold?

Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold can occur for different reasons, including tooth decay, worn enamel, gum recession that exposes part of the root, a worn filling or a fractured tooth.

Occasional mild sensitivity and pain that repeatedly returns are not necessarily the same thing. If a tooth has become noticeably more sensitive, the discomfort is getting worse or the pain lingers after the hot or cold stimulus is gone, talk with your dentist.

What About a Throbbing Toothache?

Persistent or throbbing tooth pain deserves attention, particularly when it is accompanied by swelling, redness of the gums, a bad taste in the mouth or fever. Those symptoms can occur with a dental abscess or other infection.

Pain medication may temporarily reduce discomfort, but it does not tell you what is causing the toothache or correct the underlying dental problem.

When Should I See a Dentist for Tooth Pain?

You do not need to wait until tooth pain becomes severe before calling a dentist. Contact a dental office if the pain persists, keeps returning, is getting worse or is interfering with eating, sleeping or normal activities.

You should also call when tooth pain occurs with swelling, a broken or cracked tooth, pain when chewing, or other symptoms that concern you. A dentist can examine the area and determine what is causing the problem.

When Is Tooth Pain More Urgent?

Severe pain, significant or increasing swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out permanent tooth or significant dental trauma may require more urgent attention. If you are unsure how urgent your situation is, call the dental office and explain what is happening.

For a potentially life-threatening medical emergency — including difficulty breathing or swallowing — seek emergency medical care.

What Can I Do Until I See the Dentist?

For a toothache, the American Dental Association recommends rinsing the mouth with warm water and gently flossing to remove food that may be caught between the teeth.

Do not place aspirin directly against the aching tooth or gum tissue. If you are considering an over-the-counter pain reliever, follow the product directions and make sure it is appropriate for you based on your health conditions, medications and advice from your healthcare professionals.

Finding the Cause Is the Important Part

Tooth pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Two people can describe similar pain and have very different dental problems.

At Cedar Hills Dental Care, Christine Chin, DMD brings more than 35 years of dental experience to evaluating dental concerns. The goal is to identify the source of the discomfort, explain what is happening clearly and discuss appropriate treatment options with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a toothache go away on its own?

Tooth pain can sometimes lessen or come and go, but that does not necessarily mean the underlying problem has resolved. If pain persists or returns, have the tooth evaluated.

Does tooth pain always mean I need a root canal?

No. Tooth pain has many possible causes, and treatment depends on what is actually causing the discomfort. A dental examination is needed to determine the appropriate treatment.

Should I wait until my tooth really hurts before calling?

No. Persistent, recurring or worsening tooth pain is a good reason to contact your dentist. Earlier evaluation can help determine the cause before you spend more time wondering what is wrong.

Helpful Dental Resources

Family Dentist Near Beaverton: Dental Care for Kids, Parents & Adults

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency? When to Call a Dentist