Dental pain, whether it manifests as an achy and dull sensation or sharp and stinging pain, can make it very difficult for you to get through the day. You may find it difficult to eat and drink, concentrate, or even fall asleep at night even if you are taking over-the-counter medications for the pain. You should seek help from your dentist in case the pain persists even after 2 days.

You will find information regarding causes, symptoms and treatment (plus remedies) of dental pain in the following article, so read on!

Overview

Dental pain, also known as toothache or tooth pain, is characterised by pain in the teeth or around your teeth due to trauma, dental decay, infection, gum disease, or a cracked or impacted wisdom tooth. Dental (tooth) pain is caused due to irritation of the nerve in or around your teeth.

A wisdom tooth is painful because it is growing but cannot develop through the gum. Tooth decay (dental decay) can be prevented by using fluoride toothpaste and reducing sugar intake. Even though it is preventable, a large number of children undergo tooth extractions due to decay.¹

While mild toothache is a common complaint and can be treated at home with appropriate self-care, severe toothaches cannot be managed at home, and you should visit your healthcare provider immediately. If a toothache becomes unbearable or is accompanied by fever and chills, it may indicate a dental emergency. Seek medical care promptly so that the cause is determined, and your teeth can be protected from any further damage. Self-care at home can help alleviate pain and discomfort in your teeth.

What is self-care for dental pain?

The following tips can help you reduce pain and discomfort in your teeth:²

• Use a cold pack or ice pack on your cheek for about 10 to 20 minutes, and place a piece of cloth between the cheek and the pack. Avoid using heat
• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding prescribed medications. Take all prescribed medications and do not stop taking them just because you feel better after a few days
• If you feel pain in your teeth from consuming very hot, cold, or sweet foods, avoid eating them
• Consult with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve). Children under the age of 16 should not take aspirin. 
• Avoid smoking
• Wash your mouth with warm salt water to lessen pain and swelling. Children should not rinse their mouths with warm salt water
• Use special toothpastes if your teeth are very sensitive and you experience pain when eating very hot or cold foods or while brushing

What are the causes of dental pain?

Your teeth may ache due to several reasons. Toothache can worsen when eating certain foods, especially if they are very hot, cold, or sweet. However, the possible causes of toothache include the following:³

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Trauma or injury to teeth
• Broken tooth
• Broken dental filling
• Dental abscess
• Gum disease
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Genetics (a family history of dental pain increases the chances of you developing it)
• Wisdom teeth (pushing through the gums and causing pain)

Tooth decay

Tooth decay, also known as cavities or caries, refers to irreversibly damaged areas in your teeth that cause the formation of small holes or openings. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to damage to deeper layers and causes tooth loss, infection, and severe dental pain (toothache). 

Risk factors are the factors that increase the chances of developing a certain disease. Risk factors behind tooth decay include the following:⁴

• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Sugary and starchy foods
• Snacking between meals

Gum disease

Gum disease, also called periodontitis or gingivitis, is an infection and inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding your teeth, known as gums. It is a major contributing factor to tooth loss. The risk factors for gum disease include:⁵

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Obesity
• Autoimmune disorders (such as lupus, crohn’s disease)

Dental abscess

Dental abscess is the formation of pus, either inside the teeth or the gums, resulting from a bacterial infection. If it forms in the gums, it is called periodontal abscess; if it occurs at the base of your teeth, it is called periapical abscess. The causes of a tooth abscess include:⁶

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Cracked teeth
• Gum disease
• Tooth injury

Tooth injury

Injury or trauma to the tooth is a common cause of toothache and can also result in tooth decay. When dental decay penetrates the enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth) and affects the dentin (the softer, sensitive layer under the enamel), cavities can form, causing increased pain and discomfort.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, often occurs unknowingly and while sleeping. However, bruxism can damage teeth and cause toothache. Sometimes, it may also lead to increased teeth sensitivity. 

Broken teeth

In some cases, the break or fissure is not visible even though it is deep, and results in toothache whenever you put pressure on the effected tooth (such as when you bite or chew). This condition is called cracked tooth syndrome.

What are the symptoms of dental pain?

Symptoms of dental pain can vary depending on the underlying cause, but the more common symptoms include:⁷

• Throbbing tooth pain
• Persistent dull pain in the tooth 
• Sharp tooth pain
• Sensitive tooth
• Swollen gums
• Bad breath or taste
• Pain while chewing
• Bleeding from the tooth or gums
• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth

Toothache can be of different types. They may involve constant pain or be intermittent, where the pain comes and goes. Additionally, the pain may start suddenly, characterised by sharp pain, and it can vary in intensity from mild to severe. Infected teeth can lead to pain in surrounding tissues as well.

For instance, if a lower tooth is affected, one may perceive the pain as originating from the ear. If the upper teeth are damaged, you may feel that the pain is coming from the sinuses, which are tiny cavities located at the back of the cheekbones and forehead. The jaw area proximal to the affected teeth may also feel sore and tender.

How can I prevent toothaches?

The fool-proof way to prevent tooth pain is by maintaining your oral hygiene to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. The following ways can help sustain the health of your teeth and gums:⁸

• Avoid eating sugary or starchy foods and drinks, limiting them to occasional events
• Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth and brush them twice a day regularly for the duration of 2 minutes. Always make sure that you brush along the gum line
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups to ensure your teeth are healthy
• Floss your teeth regularly to remove any residue left in between them, using either floss or a brush

How is dental pain diagnosed?

The healthcare professional performs the following tests to determine the cause and treatment of toothaches:

• Dental X-rays
• Other diagnostic tests, which aim to determine the cause of pain, such as sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli or pressure from biting and chewing

In some cases, tooth pain may result from issues in other parts of your body, a phenomenon known as referred pain. An example of referred pain is when a toothache arises due to earache. In such cases, your provider performs specific diagnostic tests to assess the problem.

How do you treat dental pain?

Dental procedures include:

Dental filling

Filling is a procedure used to treat small holes or cavities (tooth decay) in your teeth. In order to treat these cavities, your dentist removes the damaged tooth tissue and replaces it or fills the empty space with a strong and suitable dental filling material. This procedure is done for small cavities or when a small section of your teeth has been affected.⁹

Root canal therapy

This procedure is entirely painless and is done when bacteria invade your tooth pulp (soft tissue inside the centre of your teeth). During this procedure, the inflamed pulp is extracted, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. Following disinfection, the tooth is filled with suitable filling material and sealed.

Extractions and crowns

Due to excessive damage, tooth extractions may be required. During this procedure, your teeth are removed from their sockets and replaced with a dental implant or bridge.

Dental crowns are caps shaped like teeth. The crown covers your tooth, reducing further damage.

Toothache medication

Medication for dental pain includes both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers, which will provide temporary relief. Unless the underlying cause is not treated, the infection causing the pain persists. 

OTC medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are taken to relieve pain and discomfort.

When to see a dentist?

Visit your dentist if you experience pain that remains even after 2 days, or if the pain does not go away even after you take OTC medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Also, seek the dentist’s help if you have a high temperature (fever), pain while biting, or reddish and swollen gums.

FAQs

Can dental pain be prevented?

Yes, dental pain can be prevented by adopting good hygiene practices. Regularly floss your teeth and brush them twice a day. Make sure you visit your dentist for regular dental check-ups.

What is the relationship between oral health and dental pain?

Good oral hygiene prevents dental pain and promotes healthy, and strong teeth. Flossing and cleaning with brushes are some good oral hygiene practices. Foods and drinks such as hot, cold, or sugary foods should be consumed less frequently.

Why do I get a toothache when I eat hot or cold foods?

Sensitivity to hot or cold foods is one of the symptoms of dental pain, and you should visit your dentist for a complete check-up.

How can I tell if I have a cavity?

Tooth cavity can be detected through symptoms such as toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, and visible pits or holes on the surface of your teeth. Regular check-ups by your dentist can help detect cavities early on.

Summary

Dental pain (toothache) is a common event caused by the irritation of nerves in or around your teeth. The causes of dental pain include trauma, gum disease, tooth infection (abscess), broken teeth, tooth decay, tooth grinding, and genetics. Toothaches, although common, are usually mild and only require the use of OTC medication. However, if the pain persists for more than 2 days, it is advisable to visit your dentist.