Tooth pain - What's the Cause? What should You do?
Key points
- If you have tooth pain, you can use the chart below to give you some idea as to what the source of the pain might be.
- When you contact your dentist regarding your tooth pain, it's important that you be as thorough as you can in your explanation of the pain; i.e., how severe it is, when you feel it, where it's located, and whether any conditions make it better or worse.
- Bear in mind, though, that the intention of this chart is not to diagnose your pain; only your dentist can do that.
- That way, your dentist will have a sense as to the urgency of your problem.
If you have tooth pain, you can use the chart below to give you some idea as to what the source of the pain might be. Bear in mind, though, that the intention of this chart is not to diagnose your pain; only your dentist can do that.
When you contact your dentist regarding your tooth pain, it's important that you be as thorough as you can in your explanation of the pain; i.e., how severe it is, when you feel it, where it's located, and whether any conditions make it better or worse. That way, your dentist will have a sense as to the urgency of your problem.
| Symptom | What Could This Be? | Possible Solutions |
| You feel a sharp pain when you bite down. | Decay, a cracked tooth, or a loose filling can cause sharp pain in your tooth when you bite. You could also have an infection inside the pulp layer of your tooth; this is where the nerve exists. | A dentist should evaluate the tooth that's causing your discomfort to determine the source of the pain. If you have an infection within the pulp of your tooth, you will need root canal therapy to remove the infected tissue and seal off the space to prevent further infection. |
| You have severe pain, pressure and swelling in your mouth that does not go away. | It is possible that you have an abscess, which is an infection in the tooth and/or gum and bone tissue. | Take an over-the-counter pain reliever until you can see a dentist or endodontist (a specialist who treats injuries, diseases and infections of the tooth pulp) to evaluate and treat the infection. |
| Your upper teeth and jaw ache, but the pain is not sharp or severe. | You may have a sinus headache or a sinus infection. Sinus pain can "travel" to the upper jaw because of its proximity to the sinus cavity. Also, grinding your teeth (a condition called bruxism) can also cause a dull ache in the upper jaw, due to pressure on the temporomandibular joint (the TMJ). | Your physician can determine if the pain you are feeling is from a sinus infection, and can prescribe medication, if necessary. Over-the-counter pain relievers and sinus medications often are very effective in reducing sinus pain. If your pain is due to bruxism, see your dentist for treatment recommendations. |
| You have pain in your head, neck or ear that does not go away. | Damaged or infected pulp tissue in your teeth can cause pain elsewhere in your head. However, there may be other medical or dental causes for the pain. Problems in your temporomandibular joint (the TMJ) can also cause this type of pain. | See your dentist, who can tell you if the problem is tooth-related, or if it would be more appropriately treated by a physician. Your dentist can also diagnose any dysfunction that may be occurring in your TMJ, and identify your treatment options for correcting it. |
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.