Common Causes of Toothache: What You Need to Know



Toothache is one of the most common dental complaints, ranging from mild discomfort to intense, throbbing pain that can disrupt your daily life. Whether it creeps up slowly or strikes without warning, a toothache is your body’s way of signalling that something is wrong.

If you're experiencing dental pain, don't wait—Contact Us to schedule an assessment at Star Dental Care.

Below, we explore the 15 most frequently asked questions about toothache, based on real-world search trends and SEO data. Each question helps clarify a different possible cause—and what you can do about it.

🤔 What Are the Most Common Causes of Toothache?

Toothache can stem from multiple sources, including decay, trauma, or gum disease. The most frequent causes include:

  • Dental cavities (tooth decay)

  • Cracked or broken teeth

  • Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)

  • Dental abscess or infection

  • Exposed tooth roots from receding gums

  • Erupting wisdom teeth

  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)

  • Sinus infections

  • TMJ dysfunction

Understanding the source is crucial for treatment. Contact Us to get an accurate diagnosis.

🦷 Can a Cavity Cause a Toothache?

Yes—cavities are the leading cause of toothache. When plaque bacteria create acids that erode tooth enamel, they expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth. As the cavity deepens, pain intensifies, especially when eating or drinking.

🔥 Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat or Drink Something Hot or Cold?

This type of pain is usually due to tooth sensitivity. Common causes include:

  • Worn enamel

  • Gum recession exposing roots

  • Micro-cracks in enamel

  • Teeth whitening treatments

  • Recent dental procedures

If the sensitivity is persistent, it may indicate a deeper issue like decay or nerve inflammation.

💥 What If My Tooth Pain Is Sharp and Sudden?

A sudden, sharp pain could signal:

  • A cracked tooth

  • Loose filling

  • Trauma

  • Sensitivity

Cracks often don’t show up on X-rays but can still cause sharp pain when biting.

🦠 Can Gum Disease Cause Toothache?

Yes. Gum disease doesn’t always hurt at first, but as it progresses it can lead to inflammation, infection, and loose teeth. Symptoms include bleeding gums, bad breath, and pain around the teeth.

🤢 Can a Tooth Infection Cause Swelling and Fever?

Absolutely. An abscessed tooth, caused by untreated decay or trauma, results in a pocket of pus forming at the root. Symptoms include:

  • Persistent throbbing pain

  • Swelling in the face or jaw

  • Fever

  • Bad taste in the mouth

This is a dental emergency and needs prompt treatment to avoid serious complications.

💤 Why Do I Wake Up With a Toothache?

Night-time tooth pain can be caused by:

  • Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism)

  • Dental abscess becoming more painful when lying down

  • Dry mouth reducing saliva's protective role

  • Sinus pressure building overnight

A custom nightguard can help with bruxism. Infections need urgent treatment.

😮‍💨 Can Sinus Pressure Cause Toothache?

Yes. Sinus infections can cause dull pain in the upper molars because of their proximity to the sinus cavities. If your toothache coincides with a cold or sinus congestion, this may be the cause.

😬 What Is Referred Pain in Toothache?

Referred pain happens when a problem in one area (like the jaw or ear) causes pain in another (like a tooth). Common causes include:

  • TMJ disorders

  • Ear infections

  • Nerve compression

A dentist can help rule out dental causes and refer you to the appropriate specialist.

💔 Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Bite Down?

Pain when biting often indicates:

  • Cracked tooth

  • Loose crown or filling

  • Infection or abscess

  • Misaligned bite

If the pain is sharp or radiates, see your dentist immediately to prevent further damage.

🦷 What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause Pain?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt, often between ages 17–25. Pain is common when:

  • They are impacted (stuck under gum or bone)

  • They erupt partially, trapping bacteria

  • They crowd other teeth

Extraction is often necessary if there's not enough space in the jaw.

😓 Can Stress or Anxiety Cause Toothache?

Indirectly, yes. Stress can lead to:

  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)

  • Jaw clenching

  • Poor oral hygiene habits

These behaviours can wear down enamel and inflame jaw muscles, leading to chronic discomfort.

⚠️ When Should I See a Dentist for Toothache?

Seek dental help immediately if:

  • Pain lasts more than 2 days

  • Pain is severe or throbbing

  • You have swelling, pus, or fever

  • There's a bad taste in your mouth

  • You’ve suffered trauma

Delaying care may result in complications or tooth loss. Contact Us for a professional evaluation.

🧑‍⚕️ How Is Toothache Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves:

  • Clinical examination

  • Dental X-rays

  • Thermal or percussion tests

  • Discussion of symptoms and history

Your dentist will determine if the pain is nerve-related, structural, or referred.

🛠️ What Are the Treatment Options for Toothache?

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

  • Fillings for cavities

  • Root canal therapy for infected pulp

  • Tooth extraction for non-restorable teeth

  • Gum treatment for periodontal disease

  • Nightguards for grinding

  • Antibiotics for infections

Prompt diagnosis and care can save your tooth—and your peace of mind.

🪥 Can I Prevent Toothaches from Occurring?

Yes, prevention is key:

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste 🪥

  • Floss once a day 🧵

  • Avoid sugary foods and drinks 🍬

  • Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth 😬

  • Schedule regular dental check-ups 📅

Professional cleanings and early detection help you stay pain-free.

📍 Need Help? Let Us Take the Pain Away

Tooth pain is never just “nothing.” If you're experiencing discomfort, it’s time to get it checked.

👉 Contact Us to book an appointment today.


📍 Star Dental Care
61 Lord Street, Port Macquarie, NSW
📞 65836111

#dentistportmacquarie #smilemakeoverportmacquarie #toothachehelp #dentalpainrelief #oralhealthmatters #toothinfection #cavitycare #bruxismrelief #wisdomteethextraction #emergencydentistportmacquarie #stardentalcare

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Slippery Teeth are less likely to decay

Researchers have created a small molecule that prevents or impedes tooth cavities in a pre-clinical model. The inhibitor blocks the function of a key virulence enzyme in an oral bacterium, a molecular sabotage that is akin to throwing a monkey wrench into machinery to jam the gears. see full story https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170810173339.htm
Read more
Image
  Everything You Need to Know About the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS): $1,132 in Free Dental Care for Your Child As parents, we want the very best for our children—from a good education and a loving home to something just as essential: a healthy smile. Dental health plays a crucial role in a child’s overall well-being, yet for many families, accessing regular dental care can be challenging due to cost or lack of information. Fortunately, the Australian Government has a powerful initiative in place to help families stay on top of their children's dental health. It’s called the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) , and it provides eligible children and teenagers with access to $1,132 worth of free dental care over a two-year period. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the CDBS—who it covers, what services it includes, how to access it, and why it’s such an important opportunity for every eligible family. 🌐   Contact Us  What Is the...
Read more