Tooth pain is your body's warning that something needs attention. The type of pain — sharp, dull, throbbing or triggered by hot and cold — often points to the cause.
Here are eight of the most common reasons a tooth hurts, what each one feels like, and what you should do about it.
The 8 most common causes
- 1. Tooth decay (cavity): a dull ache or sharp pain when eating sweet, hot or cold foods.
- 2. Sensitivity: a quick zing with cold or hot, often from worn enamel or exposed roots.
- 3. Cracked or chipped tooth: sharp pain on biting that comes and goes.
- 4. Dental abscess / infection: severe, throbbing, constant pain, sometimes with swelling — this is urgent.
- 5. Gum disease: tender, bleeding gums and aching around the teeth.
- 6. Impacted wisdom tooth: pain and pressure at the back of the jaw.
- 7. Lost or broken filling/crown: sudden sensitivity where the filling was.
- 8. Sinus pressure: aching in the upper back teeth, often with a cold or sinus infection.
How to relieve tooth pain before your appointment
- • Rinse with warm salt water to reduce irritation.
- • Take your usual over-the-counter pain relief if you tolerate it.
- • Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for swelling.
- • Avoid very hot, cold, sweet or hard foods on that side.
- • Do not place aspirin directly on the gum — it can burn the tissue.
These measures only manage symptoms. The underlying cause still needs to be treated by a dentist.
When tooth pain is an emergency
See a dentist the same day if you have any of these:
- • Severe, constant or throbbing pain
- • Facial or gum swelling
- • Fever along with tooth pain
- • A knocked-out or badly broken tooth
- • Pain that stops you sleeping or eating
These can signal an infection that needs prompt treatment. We keep same-day emergency slots at Smile Architects — call us right away if any of these apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my tooth hurt with cold water?
A quick, sharp pain with cold usually means sensitivity or a cavity. If the pain lingers after the cold is gone, the nerve may be involved and you should see a dentist.
Can a toothache go away on its own?
The pain may fade temporarily, but the cause — decay, infection or a crack — does not heal by itself and usually worsens. Get it checked even if the pain settles.
Is throbbing tooth pain serious?
Constant throbbing often indicates an infection or abscess, which is a dental emergency. Seek same-day care.
What can I take for severe tooth pain at night?
Use your usual pain relief, rinse with warm salt water and keep your head elevated. Contact a dentist as soon as possible — night pain often signals nerve involvement.