Need a Dentist? Why Your Tooth Is Aching & Medically Approved Next Steps

Tooth pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a dentist. Sometimes it's mild and comes and goes. Other times, it's sharp, throbbing, or severe enough to interrupt sleep.

While not every toothache is an emergency, tooth pain is your body's way of telling you something isn't right. Understanding what may be causing the discomfort can help you take the right next steps — calmly and confidently.

Below is a medically grounded guide to why your tooth may be aching and what you should do next.

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Common Reasons Your Tooth Is Aching

A dentist evaluates tooth pain by looking at the type of pain, how long it lasts, and what triggers it. Here are the most common causes.

1. Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Cavities are the leading cause of tooth pain. Bacteria in the mouth produce acids that break down enamel, forming small holes in the tooth.

Symptoms may include:

• Sensitivity to sweets
• Pain when biting down
• Persistent dull ache
• Visible holes or dark spots

If decay reaches the inner pulp (where nerves and blood vessels live), pain can become more intense and constant. At that stage, treatment from a dentist is necessary to prevent infection.

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2. Gum Disease

Inflamed or infected gums can cause tooth discomfort, especially near the gumline.

Signs include:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Tenderness when chewing

Early gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) requires more involved dental treatment.

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3. Tooth Sensitivity

If your pain is sharp and brief — especially with hot, cold, or sweet foods — it may be dentin hypersensitivity.

Common causes:

• Worn enamel
• Receding gums
• Aggressive brushing
• Acidic diet

A dentist can recommend desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, or protective sealants to reduce discomfort.

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4. Cracked or Fractured Tooth

A crack may not always be visible but can cause:

• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to temperature
• Intermittent discomfort

Cracks can worsen over time, so early evaluation by a dentist is important to prevent deeper damage.

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5. Wedge-Shaped Tooth Defect (Abfraction)

Sometimes tooth pain comes from a wedge-shaped notch near the gumline. This is known as a wedge-shaped tooth defect or abfraction.

It can cause:

• Sensitivity to cold
• Pain when brushing
• A visible notch at the base of the tooth

If you're experiencing sensitivity near the gumline or notice unusual notching on your teeth, you can use a free Wedge-shaped tooth defect symptom checker to help identify whether your symptoms match this condition before your dental visit.

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6. Dental Abscess (Infection)

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. This condition requires prompt care.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe, throbbing pain
• Swelling in the face or jaw
• Fever
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Pain that spreads to the ear or neck

An abscess will not go away on its own. A dentist must treat it, often with drainage, antibiotics, and possibly a root canal.

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7. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Grinding or clenching your teeth — often during sleep — can cause:

• Jaw soreness
• Headaches
• Tooth sensitivity
• Flattened or worn teeth

A dentist may recommend a custom night guard to protect your teeth.

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8. Sinus Issues

Upper tooth pain can sometimes be related to sinus infections. If tooth discomfort is accompanied by nasal congestion or facial pressure, your dentist may evaluate whether the pain is dental or sinus-related.

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When Should You See a Dentist?

You should schedule a dental visit if:

• Pain lasts more than 1–2 days
• Pain is severe or worsening
• There is swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
• You have fever with tooth pain
• You notice a cracked or broken tooth
• Chewing becomes painful

While mild sensitivity may not require urgent care, persistent or worsening pain should always be evaluated.

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What You Can Do Before Seeing a Dentist

If you're waiting for an appointment, these steps may help reduce discomfort:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Gently floss to remove trapped food.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for swelling.
• Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods.

Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums. This can irritate tissue.

These measures are temporary. They do not replace professional dental care.

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What to Expect at the Dentist

A dentist will:

• Ask about your symptoms
• Examine your teeth and gums
• Take dental X-rays if needed
• Tap or apply cold testing to identify the affected tooth

Treatment depends on the cause and may include:

• Filling a cavity
• Deep cleaning for gum disease
• Crown placement
• Root canal therapy
• Extraction (if the tooth cannot be saved)
• Night guard for grinding
• Desensitizing treatments

Modern dentistry focuses on comfort and tooth preservation whenever possible.

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Can Tooth Pain Become Serious?

Most toothaches are treatable and not life-threatening. However, untreated dental infections can spread.

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Rapid facial swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• High fever
• Confusion

These symptoms require urgent medical attention. Speak to a doctor right away if you notice any of these signs.

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Preventing Future Tooth Pain

The best way to avoid needing urgent dental care is prevention.

Daily habits that protect your teeth:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once per day
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks
• Avoid aggressive brushing
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind
• Visit your dentist every 6 months (or as recommended)

Routine dental exams often catch small problems before they become painful or expensive to fix.

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Should You Worry?

Tooth pain is common. In many cases, it's manageable and treatable — especially when addressed early.

What matters most is not ignoring persistent discomfort. The sooner a dentist evaluates the problem, the simpler the solution usually is.

If you're unsure what might be causing your symptoms, particularly if you notice notching or sensitivity at the gumline, checking your symptoms with a Wedge-shaped tooth defect tool can help you better understand your condition before your appointment.

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The Bottom Line

If your tooth is aching, your body is signaling that something needs attention. Common causes include:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Cracked teeth
• Sensitivity
• Wedge-shaped tooth defects
• Infection

Most dental problems are highly treatable when addressed early.

Schedule a visit with a dentist if pain lasts more than a day or two, worsens, or comes with swelling or fever. And if you experience symptoms that could be serious or life-threatening — such as trouble breathing, significant swelling, or high fever — speak to a doctor immediately.

Taking action now can protect your comfort, your health, and your smile.