Tooth Pain? Why Your Teeth Hurt & Medically Approved Next Steps

Tooth pain is one of the most common health complaints worldwide. If your teeth hurt, your body is sending you a clear message: something needs attention. While some causes are minor and temporary, others require prompt dental care.

Understanding why your teeth hurt can help you take the right next steps—without panic, but without delay either.

Below is a clear, medically grounded guide to what causes tooth pain, what you can do now, and when to see a professional.

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Why Do Teeth Hurt?

Your teeth may look solid, but inside they contain living tissue. Beneath the hard enamel and dentin is the pulp, which holds nerves and blood vessels. When something irritates or damages this inner layer, you feel pain.

Common reasons your teeth hurt include:

1. Tooth Decay (Dental Caries)

Tooth decay is the most common cause of tooth pain. It happens when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and produce acids that slowly damage enamel.

As decay progresses:

• You may notice sensitivity to sweets, cold, or heat.
• Pain may become sharper or linger longer.
• You may see dark spots or small holes.

If untreated, decay can reach the inner pulp and cause severe pain or infection.

If you're experiencing these symptoms and want to understand whether tooth decay might be the cause, you can use a free Dental Caries symptom checker to get personalized insights in minutes.

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2. Gum Disease

Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) affects the tissues supporting your teeth.

Symptoms may include:

• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Pain when chewing

Advanced gum disease can damage the bone around your teeth and lead to tooth loss if untreated.

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3. Tooth Sensitivity

If your teeth hurt when exposed to hot, cold, or sweet foods, you may have dentin hypersensitivity.

Common causes include:

• Worn enamel
• Gum recession
• Cracked teeth
• Over-brushing

This pain is usually sharp and brief. Special toothpaste and dental treatments can often help.

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4. Cracked or Broken Teeth

Teeth can crack from:

• Biting hard foods
• Grinding your teeth
• Trauma or injury

A crack may not always be visible. Pain often occurs when chewing or releasing pressure.

Even small cracks can worsen over time, so it's important to have them evaluated.

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5. Tooth Abscess (Infection)

An abscess is a pocket of infection at the root of a tooth or in the gum.

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

This is not something to ignore. Dental infections can spread and become serious if untreated. Prompt dental care is essential.

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6. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

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

• Jaw pain
• Headaches
• Worn-down teeth
• Generalized tooth soreness

A dentist can evaluate for signs of grinding and may recommend a night guard.

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7. Sinus Infections

Surprisingly, sinus pressure can make upper back teeth hurt. If you also have:

• Nasal congestion
• Facial pressure
• Cold symptoms

Your tooth pain may be sinus-related rather than dental.

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What You Can Do Right Now

If your teeth hurt, here are medically appropriate first steps:

✅ Rinse With Warm Salt Water

Helps reduce bacteria and soothe irritated gums.

✅ Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help reduce pain and inflammation when used as directed.

✅ Avoid Triggers

Stay away from:

• Very hot or cold foods
• Sugary snacks
• Hard foods
• Chewing on the painful side

✅ Maintain Gentle Oral Hygiene

Keep brushing and flossing, but gently. Avoid aggressive brushing, which can worsen sensitivity.

✅ Use Desensitizing Toothpaste

If sensitivity is the issue, these products may help over time.

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When to See a Dentist

You should schedule a dental appointment if:

• Pain lasts more than 1–2 days
• The pain is severe
• You have swelling in your gums or face
• You have fever
• A tooth is cracked or broken
• You notice pus or a bad taste

Tooth pain rarely improves permanently without treating the underlying cause.

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When It May Be Urgent

Seek immediate medical or dental care if you experience:

• Swelling spreading to your eye, neck, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• High fever
• Severe facial swelling

These symptoms may indicate a spreading infection and require urgent care. In situations that feel life-threatening or severe, speak to a doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.

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How Dentists Treat Tooth Pain

Treatment depends on the cause. Common dental treatments include:

• Fillings for cavities
• Root canal therapy for infected pulp
• Crowns for cracked or weakened teeth
• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) for gum disease
• Tooth extraction when damage is too severe

Modern dental care is highly effective and typically much less painful than people expect.

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Preventing Future Tooth Pain

The best way to avoid painful teeth is prevention.

Daily Habits That Protect Your Teeth

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Limit sugary foods and drinks
• Drink water after meals
• Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months
• Avoid smoking or tobacco use

Professional Care

• Visit your dentist every 6 months (or as recommended)
• Get professional cleanings
• Address small problems early before they become painful

Prevention is far easier—and less expensive—than treating advanced dental problems.

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The Bottom Line

If your teeth hurt, there is always a reason. It may be something minor like sensitivity, or something more serious like decay or infection. Either way, ignoring tooth pain rarely solves the problem.

Start with simple steps at home, but don't delay professional care if the pain continues or worsens. If you suspect a cavity and want clarity before your appointment, try this free Dental Caries assessment tool to help identify whether decay may be the issue.

Most dental problems are highly treatable—especially when caught early.

And remember: if your symptoms include severe swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, speak to a doctor right away. Your overall health matters just as much as your teeth.

Taking action today protects your smile—and your health—for the long term.