8 common causes of tooth pain
- Tooth decay (cavities). Decay eats through enamel into the softer dentine beneath. Pain often starts as twinges with sweet, hot or cold food and becomes constant as the cavity deepens.
- A cracked or broken tooth. Sharp pain when you bite down, or when you release your bite, often points to a crack. These can be invisible to the eye.
- Tooth sensitivity. Short, sharp pain with cold drinks or air usually means exposed dentine from worn enamel or receding gums.
- Gum disease. Inflamed gums can ache and make teeth feel tender or loose.
- A tooth abscess. A severe, throbbing pain that may spread to your ear or jaw, sometimes with swelling or a bad taste, can indicate infection. This needs prompt treatment.
- A damaged filling. Old or broken fillings can leave gaps where bacteria and temperature reach the nerve.
- Teeth grinding. Clenching at night can leave teeth and jaws aching in the morning.
- Sinus pressure. A sinus infection can make upper back teeth ache, often on both sides at once.
What your tooth pain might be telling you
| Type of pain | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Brief twinge with cold | Sensitivity or early decay |
| Lingering pain after hot or cold | Inflamed nerve |
| Pain when biting | Crack, decay or loose filling |
| Constant throbbing | Deep decay or abscess |
| Several upper teeth ache | Sinus pressure |
When to see a dentist
Book an appointment if pain lasts more than a day or two, keeps returning or wakes you at night. Seek urgent care if you have facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or pain that painkillers do not control. These can be signs of a spreading infection.
How we treat tooth pain
At Melrose Advanced Dentistry, we start by finding the cause with an examination and, if needed, an X-ray. Treatment may be as simple as a filling or desensitising treatment, or it may involve a crown or root canal treatment to save the tooth.
Frequently asked questions
Can tooth pain go away on its own? Sensitivity sometimes settles, but pain from decay, cracks or infection usually returns and worsens. The problem underneath does not heal by itself.
Why does my tooth hurt at night? Lying down increases blood flow to your head, which can make an inflamed nerve throb more. Night-time grinding can also cause pain.
Is tooth pain an emergency? It is urgent if you have swelling, fever or pain you cannot control. Otherwise, book an appointment within a few days.
Tooth pain in Johannesburg? Call Melrose Advanced Dentistry on 072 200 1774 or book online at advanced-dentistry.co.za.