Unfortunately, a toothache is not uncommon and can range from mild to severe pain within and around the gums and jaws. It is usually brought about by the inflammation of the innermost layer of the tooth, which is the dental pulp, but it can also be caused by many other factors.
The good news is that there are treatments available. To help you free yourself from oral discomfort, here are the most common causes of toothache and sensitive teeth, the ways to prevent them, and their respective treatments.
Quick Treatment Guide
Most tooth pain has a clear cause and a straightforward fix, but early treatment almost always means a simpler, less expensive solution. Here is a quick reference:
|
Cause |
What to do |
|
Tooth decay |
See a dentist promptly. Early cavities are a simple fill; ignored ones become root canals. |
|
Misaligned teeth |
Options range from veneers and crowns to braces, depending on severity. |
|
Teeth grinding |
A night guard protects your teeth. Mention grinding to your dentist at your next visit. |
|
Damaged fillings |
Replace worn or cracked fillings before the exposed tooth becomes infected. |
|
Temperature sensitivity |
Use desensitising toothpaste, a soft brush, and avoid acidic foods. Persistent cases need a dentist. |
|
Tooth fractures |
Small chips can be bonded. Larger cracks need a crown. Cracks below the gumline may mean extraction. |
|
Gum disease |
Professional cleaning removes the cause. Catch it early as gingivitis before it becomes periodontitis. |
|
Tooth abscess |
Do not wait. An abscess needs same-day or next-day dental attention. |
|
Orthodontic soreness |
Normal and temporary. Pain relief and soft foods see most people through within a few days. |
Tooth Decay
One of the most common reasons for a toothache is tooth decay, which may lead to cavities in the teeth. When this hole penetrates the enamel and reaches the dentin, it causes tooth pain.
If the cavities have not penetrated the enamel yet, a simple molar sealant or fluoride varnish can be applied. However, if the cavities have broken down the enamel, a root canal must be performed by a dentist.
Misaligned Teeth
When a misaligned tooth forces another tooth to become out of line, the impact causes tooth pain. Treatment of dental misalignment can be prosthodontic, such as tooth veneers, crowns, bridges, or dentures in mild cases. Major cases, however, require orthodontic treatment like braces.
Teeth Grinding
Bruxism or teeth grinding can chip or even crack our teeth. As a result, it causes tooth, jaw, and other pains. Dental night guards can be worn during sleep to prevent teeth grinding. It covers the worn teeth, which reduces tooth stress. Consulting a dentist for a suitable treatment plan is necessary.
Damaged Fillings or Dental Sealants
The inner tooth is a vulnerable and sensitive part of the tooth. This is why it must be covered with fillings and sealants. If the sensitive inner part of the tooth is exposed, it will lead to a sharp, piercing aching sensation.
Fillings and sealants can last up to seven years or more. But to avoid tooth pain caused by damaged fillings or sealants, make sure to maintain good oral hygiene, have dental check-ups when required, and consult an oral health professional.
Temperature Sensitivity
A painful sensation felt after eating or drinking hot or cold food is a sign of worn-down tooth enamel. This means that the inner tooth nerves are already exposed, which causes the painful sensation.
Sensitive teeth have no single treatment; they must be properly diagnosed and will never be completely treated, according to oral health professionals. However, you can make use of desensitising toothpaste along with a soft-bristle toothbrush as a home remedy. Avoiding highly acidic foods and a fluoridated mouthwash will also help.
Tooth Fractures
Tooth fractures can be a chip or a crack in the tooth, commonly caused by biting something hard or other impacts. When the crack reaches the nerve endings of the tooth, it causes tooth pain.
The treatment of a tooth fracture depends on the extent of damage to the tooth. If only a small piece of the tooth breaks off, it can be treated by means of a dental filling or bonding. However, a dental cap or crown is needed if a large portion of the tooth is fractured.
Gum Disease
The swelling of the gums, along with redness and bleeding, characterises gum disease. This affects the stability of the teeth, which results in pain.
Since gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque, tartar, and food debris, professional cleaning by a dental hygienist is needed. Depending on the severity of the disease, ultrasonic root scaling or laser treatment may also be performed by oral healthcare professionals.
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess happens when tooth decay reaches the root of the tooth. This causes infection within the surrounding tissues and results in a pulsating pain. This condition requires opening up and draining the abscess. A root canal will be performed by the dentist to save the tooth. Otherwise, tooth extraction is needed to get rid of the infection.
Orthodontic Work
Teeth alignment devices such as braces and retainers can also initiate temporary pain. This happens after orthodontic adjustments that tighten or move teeth. Pain from tightening orthodontics normally subsides after several days. But you can apply an oral anesthetic, take pain relief, use cold packs, and eat soft foods to relieve the pain.
When to see a dentist urgently✔ Throbbing pain that does not settle with pain relief ✔ Swelling in the face, jaw, or neck ✔ Fever alongside tooth or jaw pain ✔ A tooth that has been knocked loose or knocked out ✔ Bleeding gums that do not stop after brushing |
Toothache Treatment with GC Dental Solutions
Now that you know the most common causes of toothache and the ways to get rid of them, you can get the right treatment immediately. But remember, prevention is always better than the cure. So, make sure that you regularly brush, floss, and visit your dentist. Read our tips on how to best care for your teeth and gums.
For toothache and other dental treatments on the Gold Coast, you can visit GC Dental Solutions. Located in Helensvale, we provide general dentistry services like root canal therapy and fillings, as well as treatments such as implants and bridges. Our clinic also offers a unique environment to help make your dental visits as comfortable and relaxed as possible, with a range of dental sedation options for those who are anxious.
Call GC Dental Solutions today at 07 5573 1368 to book an appointment or make an online enquiry to know more about our toothache and dental treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my toothache is serious?
Any toothache lasting more than a day or two, waking you from sleep, or coming with swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth warrants a dental appointment. Those are signs of an underlying problem (usually infection or a cracked tooth) that will not improve without treatment.
Can a toothache go away on its own?
Occasionally, very mild sensitivity settles down if minor gum irritation resolves or a small area of enamel re-mineralises. But most causes of toothache (decay, fracture, infection, abscess) do not self-resolve. The pain may ease temporarily while the underlying damage continues until it is treated.
What is the difference between a toothache and sensitive teeth?
Sensitivity is typically a sharp, short-lived pain triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or acidic food and drink. A toothache is more persistent and may throb or ache even with no food or drink involved. Both warrant investigation, but persistent throbbing pain is more likely to signal infection.
What can I do at home for a toothache while I wait for an appointment?
Over-the-counter ibuprofen or paracetamol helps manage the pain. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods. None of these fixes the underlying problem, but they make the wait more manageable.
Is tooth sensitivity always a sign of a serious problem?
Not always. Sensitivity after whitening treatment is common and usually temporary. Mild cold sensitivity that does not linger may just reflect minor enamel wear. That said, if sensitivity is new, getting worse, or the pain lingers after the trigger is gone, it is worth getting checked to rule out a cavity or exposed root.
How often should I visit the dentist if I have sensitive teeth?
Six-monthly check-ups are the standard recommendation for most adults. If you have a history of sensitivity, gum recession, or enamel erosion, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits to catch changes early.
Can gum disease cause a toothache?
Yes. Advanced gum disease causes gums to pull away from teeth, exposing sensitive root surfaces and eventually leading to bone loss. Both of these cause pain, and gum disease is a common driver of temperature and pressure sensitivity.
Does GC Dental Solutions treat all of these conditions?
Yes. GC Dental Solutions in Helensvale, Gold Coast, offers a full range of general and restorative treatments, including fillings, root canal therapy, crowns, bridges, and gum treatment.
