Toothache: What It Means and What to Do Next

What does a toothache feel like?

A toothache can feel like a dull ache that won’t go away, a sharp or jabbing pain, or a throbbing pain. Some people only feel it when they bite down or sip something cold. Others feel it all the time.

You may also notice sensitive teeth, swollen gums, a headache, bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Fever and chills along with tooth pain point to an infection, and Cleveland Clinic calls that combination a dental emergency that needs prompt care.

Pain you feel in a tooth doesn’t always start there. MedlinePlus notes that an earache, a sinus infection or a jaw injury can cause tooth pain, and that a heart attack can cause jaw, neck or tooth pain.

What causes a toothache?

A toothache usually comes from a problem in the tooth or in the gums around it. Common causes include:

• Cavities. Tooth decay that reaches the deeper layers of a tooth.
• An abscessed tooth. A pocket of infection at the root or in the gum. Our tooth abscess guide explains the warning signs.
• A cracked or chipped tooth. Even a small crack can hurt when you chew. See our guide to a broken or chipped tooth.
• A damaged filling or crown. Worn or loose dental work can let bacteria reach the tooth.
• Grinding or clenching. Also called bruxism, it can cause a dull ache in your teeth and jaw.
• Gum disease or gum irritation. Food caught under the gum can cause pain that fades once the area is clean.

How long does a toothache usually last?

It depends on the cause. Pain from minor gum irritation often fades on its own within a day or two.

Pain from a cavity or an abscess is different. It may come and go, but the problem underneath won’t heal by itself. If a toothache lasts longer than two days, call a dentist.

Don’t cancel your visit if the pain suddenly stops. Pain can fade when an infection kills the nerve inside the tooth, while the infection itself keeps spreading.

How do I deal with a sore tooth at home?

Home care can ease a sore tooth for a short time while you wait to see a dentist. These steps are simple and gentle:

• Rinse. Swish warm water to clean your mouth. A warm salt-water rinse, about half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, can also soothe sore gums.
• Floss gently. Clear away any food caught between your teeth.
• Use a cold compress. Hold an ice pack wrapped in a cloth against the outside of your jaw for about 20 minutes at a time.
• Try an over-the-counter pain reliever. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce pain until you’re seen. Follow the package directions, and ask your pharmacist if you take other medicines or have health conditions.
• Don’t put aspirin on the tooth or gums. It can irritate the tissue and cause mouth sores.

When is a toothache an emergency?

A toothache is an emergency when it comes with spreading swelling, a high fever, bleeding that won’t stop, or trouble breathing or swallowing. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:

• Swelling in your face, under your jaw or in your neck that makes it hard to breathe or swallow
• Swelling below your eye, or swelling that affects your vision
• A fever over 101°F along with tooth pain or swelling
• Bleeding that won’t stop when you press on it
• Unbearable pain that doesn’t get better with medication
• A serious injury to your face or jaw, or teeth that suddenly don’t fit together when you close your mouth

When should I see a dentist for a toothache?

See a dentist if a toothache lasts longer than two days, if your face or jaw swells, or if it hurts to open your mouth wide. For a bad toothache without emergency warning signs, call our office at (951) 677-1054 and our team will talk with you about next steps, or read about emergency dental care at our office.

Also call if pain lingers after hot or cold foods, or if you feel a sharp pain when you bite. Pain that lasts more than 30 seconds after something hot or cold often means the nerve inside the tooth is damaged.

That kind of damage is often treated with root canal treatment, which removes the inflamed or infected pulp so you can keep your natural tooth. As Dr. Neff’s letter to our patients explains, root canal treatment will be available right here, so you will not need to travel to another office.

What will the dentist do for a toothache?

The dentist’s first job is finding the cause, because the right treatment depends on it.

Expect questions about when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and what medicines you take. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums and may take X-rays. Our updated technology includes digital X-rays and 3D imaging.

A cavity may need a filling. A cracked or badly broken tooth may need a crown. An infection may need root canal treatment, draining, or removal if the tooth can’t be saved.

If dental visits make you nervous, tell us. Our office has offered comfort touches like blankets, and nitrous oxide for anxious patients. Learn more about dental anxiety and comfort.

How can I prevent toothaches?

You can prevent many toothaches by preventing the cavities and gum problems that cause them.

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
• Floss or clean between your teeth once a day.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, and avoid frequent snacking.
• Get regular dental exams and cleanings.
• Ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride treatments.
• Tell your dentist if you grind your teeth.

Questions & answers

Common questions