What Causes Dental Pain? Common Reasons, Symptoms & Relief

Dental pain is discomfort felt in or around a tooth or the jaw when the nerve inside a tooth or the surrounding tissues become irritated or inflamed. It can be a fleeting zing to cold, a dull ache, or a throbbing pain that keeps you awake at night. Common triggers include tooth decay, infection or abscess, a cracked tooth, gum problems, ill‑fitting dental work and teeth grinding.

This guide sets out the most common causes of toothache, the symptoms to watch for and what they might mean, safe ways to ease pain at home, and when to seek urgent help (including NHS 111/A&E) versus booking a routine appointment. You’ll also see how dentists diagnose the problem, the treatments that fix it, special situations, and simple steps to prevent future flare‑ups.

Common causes of dental pain

If you’re wondering what causes dental pain, it usually comes down to irritation or infection of the tooth’s nerve (pulp) or the supporting gums and bone. Pinpointing the cause matters, because the right fix can stop pain quickly and prevent bigger problems.

• Tooth decay (cavities): Bacteria erode enamel and dentine, exposing nerves and causing lingering ache.

• Dental abscess: A pocket of pus from infection; severe throbbing, swelling and a bad taste.

• Cracked or damaged tooth: Sharp pain on biting or with hot/cold; may come and go.

• Loose/broken fillings or crowns: Gaps trap bacteria; pain on chewing and temperature sensitivity.

• Gum disease/periodontal abscess: Inflamed, tender gums with a dull ache and occasional loosening.

• Erupting or impacted wisdom teeth (pericoronitis): Sore, swollen gum at the back that’s hard to clean.

• Teeth grinding/clenching (bruxism): Generalised toothache and jaw ache, with worn or fractured enamel.

• Receding gums/exposed roots: Short, sharp pain to cold, touch or sweet foods.

• Orthodontic movement/appliance issues: Temporary ache after adjustments, or pain from rubbing or a high bite.

Typical symptoms and what they might mean

Noting how the pain feels, what triggers it and any extra signs (swelling, bad taste, fever) can hint at what causes dental pain and how urgent it is. Keep a brief note of patterns to share with your dentist.

• Dull, persistent ache: Often tooth decay, early pulp irritation, gum disease or teeth grinding.

• Sharp, stabbing pain on biting or cold: Possible cracked tooth, cavity or a high/loose filling or crown.

• Throbbing pain with swelling, bad taste or fever: Likely infection/abscess needing prompt treatment.

• Sensitivity to hot/cold: If it fades quickly, think worn enamel or receding gums; if it lingers, decay or a crack.

• Morning jaw/tooth ache, headaches: Clenching or grinding (bruxism).

• Soreness behind back molars with swollen gum: Erupting or impacted wisdom tooth.

When to seek urgent care or a routine appointment

Some dental pain needs emergency help; other problems can wait. Use this quick guide to know when to go to A&E, seek urgent care, or book routine care in the UK.

• Go to A&E now if: the area around your eye or into your neck is swollen; or swelling in your mouth/neck makes it hard to breathe, swallow or speak.

• Seek urgent same‑day dental care if: you have throbbing pain with facial swelling, a bad taste or fever (possible abscess); toothache lasting more than 2 days or not eased by painkillers; pain on biting or a swollen cheek/jaw.

Contact your dentist first; if they’re closed or unavailable, use NHS 111 to arrange urgent dental care. Don’t see your GP for dental treatment.

For a routine appointment, book if you have sensitivity that settles quickly, a chipped tooth or loose filling, or wisdom tooth soreness without spreading swelling or fever.

Self-care to ease pain until you see a dentist

Short-term self-care can calm inflammation and reduce discomfort while you arrange an appointment. These tips don’t cure the cause (like decay or infection), but they can make things more bearable and safer until you’re seen.

• Take painkillers: Use ibuprofen or paracetamol as directed; a pharmacist can advise. Children under 16 should not take aspirin.

• Warm saltwater rinse: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water, swish, then spit. Children should not do this.

• Topical relief: Apply a pain‑relieving oral gel to the sore area.

• Cold compress: Hold a cold pack to your cheek for up to 20 minutes at a time.

• Gentle cleaning: Use a soft toothbrush and avoid flossing directly around the sore tooth.

• Soft diet: Choose soft foods and chew on the opposite side.

• Avoid triggers: Skip very hot, very cold or sugary foods/drinks, and don’t smoke.

• Escalation signs: If pain lasts more than 2 days, or you develop swelling, fever or a bad taste, arrange urgent dental care via your dentist or NHS 111.

How dentists find the cause

Because different problems can feel the same, dentists combine your story with careful examination and imaging to pinpoint what causes dental pain. They’ll ask when it started, what triggers it, and what eases it, then check teeth, gums and your bite to narrow down the source.

• Clinical check: Looks for decay, broken fillings, cracks, gum disease and wisdom‑tooth irritation.

• Simple chairside tests: Gentle pressure and temperature checks help localise the painful tooth.

• Dental X‑rays: Reveal hidden decay, abscesses, bone loss and impacted teeth.

• Bite assessment: Spots high fillings and signs of clenching/grinding.

• Digital scans: At Wigmore Smiles, 3D iTero scans support precise diagnostics and planning.

Treatments that relieve dental pain at the source

Lasting relief comes from fixing the cause, not just masking the symptoms. Dentists remove infection, repair damage and settle the tooth’s nerve, usually under quick, comfortable local anaesthetic. Here are the main treatments used to stop dental pain at its source.

• Fillings: Remove decay and seal the cavity to stop sensitivity and ache.

• Crowns, inlays or onlays: Reinforce teeth with larger decay or cracks so biting is comfortable again.

• Root canal therapy: Clears inflamed/infected pulp, disinfects and seals the canals; often finished with a crown.

• Drainage and antibiotics (when needed): Abscesses are drained; antibiotics are only used for spreading infection and don’t cure the underlying problem on their own.

• Gum (periodontal) treatment: Deep cleaning and abscess drainage to reduce inflammation and tenderness.

• Bite adjustment and night guard: Levels a high filling/crown and protects against clenching or grinding.

• Wisdom tooth care: Cleaning and, if problems recur or space is limited, removal of the tooth.

• Tooth extraction and replacement: When a tooth can’t be saved, careful removal followed by a bridge or dental implant to restore function and comfort.

Tooth sensitivity versus toothache

Tooth sensitivity is a short, sharp zing to cold, sweet or touch that settles within seconds, usually from worn enamel, receding gums or recent dental work. A toothache is a deeper ache or throb that can start on its own, lingers after hot or cold, and may come with swelling, a bad taste or fever. Telling them apart helps your dentist pinpoint what causes dental pain fast.

Pain when biting or chewing

Pain only when you bite or chew can help pinpoint what causes dental pain: it often signals a mechanical problem with the tooth or your bite. Common culprits include a cracked tooth, a loose or broken filling or crown, a restoration that sits too high, deep decay, or a dental/periodontal abscess. Avoid chewing on that side, keep the area clean, and arrange prompt dental assessment. If pain comes with swelling, a bad taste or fever, seek urgent same‑day care.

Jaw, ear or sinus pain that mimics toothache

Sometimes what causes dental pain isn’t the tooth at all. Nerves in the jaw, ear and sinuses share pathways, so discomfort can be “referred” and feel like toothache. Noting where you feel pressure, whether you’re congested, and if the pain changes with chewing or head position can point to the true source.

• Upper teeth and sinuses: Blocked or infected sinuses can cause a dull ache in upper molars, worse on bending forward.

• Lower molars and ear: Pain can feel like it’s coming from the ear when a lower molar is involved.

• Jaw joint/muscles (TMJ) or bruxism: Aching jaw, morning stiffness or clicking with chewing may mimic toothache.

If you’re unsure, book a dental assessment; if sinus symptoms dominate, a pharmacist or GP can advise.

Special situations: pregnancy, children and braces

Pregnancy, little ones and braces can change what causes dental pain and how you manage it. If you’re pregnant, tell your dentist so care and pain relief advice can be tailored; seek urgent help for any spreading swelling, difficulty swallowing or fever. For children, act early—decay and erupting teeth are common—and keep pain control safe. Braces can cause temporary ache or rubbing; persistent pain needs adjustment.

• Pregnancy: Share your stage with your dentist; a pharmacist can advise on pain relief that’s suitable in pregnancy.

• Children: Use paracetamol (never aspirin under 16) and avoid saltwater rinses; book a dental check promptly.

• Braces: If a wire/bracket rubs or a tooth hurts on biting (or a bite feels “high”), contact your orthodontist/dentist for adjustment.

Prevention: daily habits and regular care

Most toothaches can be prevented with consistent home care and timely check‑ups. The goal is to reduce acid attacks from sugar, protect enamel, keep gums healthy and spot problems early. Put simply, controlling daily habits is the easiest way to avoid what causes dental pain.

• Brush twice daily: Two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.

• Clean between teeth daily: Floss or use interdental brushes to remove plaque your brush misses.

• Limit sugar frequency: Keep sugary foods/drinks to mealtimes; choose water between meals.

• Be gentle but thorough: Use a soft brush and replace it every 2 to 3 months.

• Don’t smoke: Smoking worsens gum disease and delays healing.

• Protect against grinding: Ask about a custom night guard if you clench or grind.

• Attend regular check‑ups: Follow your dentist’s advised recall; book professional cleanings as needed.

• Boost protection if at risk: Your dentist may recommend high‑fluoride toothpaste/varnish or fissure sealants.

Getting help in the UK: NHS 111, emergency and private options

In the UK, choose the right route so you’re seen quickly and safely.

• Call your dentist first; if not available, use NHS 111 to arrange urgent or out‑of‑hours care.

• Go to A&E now if swelling reaches your eye or neck, or you struggle to breathe, swallow or speak; call 999.

• For non‑urgent issues, book a routine dental appointment; charges may apply. GPs don’t treat dental problems.

• Prefer faster access? Private emergency dentists often offer quick appointments. Wigmore Smiles in Luton provides emergency care, online booking and 0% finance.

Key takeaways

Dental pain usually signals a problem—decay, infection, a crack, gum disease or grinding—not something to ignore. Self-care can tide you over, but track symptoms and act early. Good daily habits and regular check-ups prevent most toothaches. Know the red flags that need urgent help.

• Urgent signs: Facial/neck swelling, fever, bad taste, or pain over 2 days. A&E if breathing, swallowing or speaking is hard, or swelling reaches your eye/neck.

• Sensitivity vs ache: A quick zing is sensitivity; lingering/throbbing suggests decay or a crack.

• Bite pain: Often a crack, high filling or abscess—avoid chewing that side and book promptly.

• Fix the cause: Fillings, root canal, gum care, bite guards or extraction provide lasting relief.

Ready to feel better? Book with Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics for prompt, friendly care and flexible finance.