What Can Cause a Toothache?

DEPENDING ON WHAT’S causing the problem, tooth pain can come in many forms. The more specific our patients can be about the tooth pain they experience, the more clues we will have about where it’s coming from.

1. Short-term temperature change sensitivity usually doesn’t mean anything serious. Try switching to a tooth sensitivity toothpaste.

2. Post-treatment temperature sensitivity can happen if the dental pulp is a little inflamed during the healing process. Go back to the dentist if it doesn’t go away on its own in a few weeks.

3. Lingering pain from temperature changes could mean damage to the pulp from trauma or decay. The tooth may require endodontic treatment.

4. Dull, aching pressure in the jaw and upper teeth could be from a sinus headache or chronic teeth grinding. Talk to the dentist.

5. Sharp pain while chewing could mean damage to the dental pulp from a loose filling, tooth decay, or a crack in the tooth. The dentist can evaluate the problem and they may recommend a trip to the endodontist.

6. Sensitivity to touch, severe pain and pressure, and swollen gums are all signs of a dental abscess, meaning a tooth infection that has spread into the bone and gum tissue. Get to the endodontist as soon as possible.

7. Chronic neck, ear, or head pain sometimes traces back to a dental problem, so it’s a good idea to get an evaluation from an endodontist.

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.