Toothache: What Your Tooth Pain Could Be Telling You
What Causes Toothache?
There isn’t one single cause of toothache. Pain can originate from the tooth structure itself, the dental pulp (often referred to as the “nerve” of the tooth), the gums and supporting tissues, or occasionally from surrounding structures.
Some common causes include:
Tooth Decay
Decay occurs when bacteria in dental plaque produce acids that damage the tooth structure. Early decay often dows not cause any noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses deeper into the tooth it can result in sensitivity or toothache as the pulp (“nerve” of the tooth) starts to get affected and eventually infected.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
A crack in a tooth can cause pain when biting or chewing and sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks. Cracks often go undetected as they can be very fine and difficult to see without specialised tools like magnification or transillumination. Symptoms may only start to occur once the pulp (“nerve” of the tooth) starts to be affected by the crack. So, it is quite common for the crack to have started long before you realise the tooth has been damaged.
Learn more about fractured teeth.
Inflammation or infection of the dental pulp
The centre of each tooth contains dental pulp, consisting of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Deep decay, cracks or trauma can cause the pulp to become inflamed or infected. Symptoms can include increased sensitivity to temperature, spontaneous aching, pain when chewing, pressure or swelling.
If the pulp is irreversibly damaged, root canal treatment may be required to relieve symptoms and retain the natural tooth.
Gum and Periodontal Problems
Pain doesn’t always originate from inside a tooth. Inflammation or infection of the gums and supporting tissues can sometimes cause discomfort around individual teeth or areas of the mouth.
Maintaining healthy gums through regular teeth cleaning and gum health care is an important part of maintaining your overall oral health.
Grinding and Clenching
Bruxism — grinding or clenching your teeth — places considerable pressure on the teeth, jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Over time, it can contribute to worn, chipped or fractured teeth, increased sensitivity and facial or jaw joint discomfort.
Read more about bruxism and TMJ pain.
What Does Toothache Feel Like?
Tooth pain can present differently depending on its cause. You may experience:
- A sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks
- A dull or persistent ache
- Throbbing pain
- Pain that occurs without an obvious trigger
- Tenderness around a tooth or gum
- Pain or pressure when chewing
- Swelling around the tooth, gum, face or jaw
- Pain that seems to spread into the jaw, ear or surrounding area
The type and intensity of pain alone cannot always tell you what is wrong. A dental examination is recommended to determine which tooth or surrounding structure is causing the symptoms.
Toothache or Sensitive Teeth?
Tooth sensitivity and toothache can sometimes feel similar.
Generalised tooth sensitivity is commonly associated with exposed dentine caused by worn or eroded tooth surfaces or gum recession. You may notice a short, sharp sensation when having something cold, hot, sweet or acidic.
Pain affecting one particular tooth, pain that occurs spontaneously, discomfort when biting, or sensitivity that lingers after the stimulus has been removed may indicate another underlying dental problem.
Rather than assuming persistent sensitivity is simply something you have to live with, mention any changes to your dentist, hygienist or oral health therapist. Read more on Tooth Sensitivity here.
Why You Shouldn't Ignore Persistent Tooth Pain
Dental pain can sometimes come and go, but the disappearance of pain doesn’t necessarily mean the underlying problem has resolved.
Decay, cracks and infections can progress over time. Identifying the cause early may provide more options for managing the affected tooth, including more simple and less expensive options, and reduce the likelihood of an unexpected dental emergency.
Medland’s preventive approach includes regular Active Maintenance appointments, where we thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and mouth and consider the individual factors that may influence your oral health.
When Is Toothache a Dental Emergency?
Contact your dentist promptly if you experience significant or persistent tooth pain, particularly if it is accompanied by swelling or signs of infection.
Severe toothache accompanied by facial swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing requires urgent dental or medical attention.
For advice on urgent dental problems, visit our Toothaches and Dental Emergencies page.
How Can Medland Help With Toothache?
The first step is determining why your tooth hurts.
Your Medland dentist will examine the affected tooth and surrounding tissues and, where appropriate, may use dental X-rays or other diagnostic tests to help identify the source of your symptoms.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and may range from preventive care or a restoration through to treatment for a cracked tooth, gum condition or damaged dental pulp.
Most importantly, you don’t need to diagnose the cause yourself. If you’ve noticed a new toothache, persistent sensitivity or a change in the way a tooth feels when you bite, arrange an appointment so the cause can be properly assessed.
For dental care and service you can rely on in a friendly, welcoming environment, book your dental appointment at Medland today.