Book Appointment

Patient guide

Tooth Pain? Let’s Help You Understand What May Be Causing It.

Tooth pain can have many different causes. You don’t need to work out which one — but understanding the possibilities can make the next step feel less worrying.

Talk to Our Dental TeamUse the treatment finder

Seek urgent care: If you have severe swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, facial trauma, a high fever or other serious symptoms, seek urgent medical care at the nearest hospital emergency department.

Pain can come from the tooth itself, the gum around it, the jaw, or even the sinuses. The type of pain — sharp or throbbing, brief or lingering, on biting or at night — gives your dentist important clues.

Below are the most common causes. Tap any card to see typical symptoms, what treatment may involve and when to seek urgent care.

What may be causing your tooth pain?

Tap a card to jump to details. Only a dentist can confirm the cause after an examination.

Tooth decay (cavity)A hole in the tooth caused by acid from plaque bacteria.Nerve inflammation / dental infectionInflammation or infection of the soft tissue (pulp) inside a tooth.Cracked or broken toothA crack or fracture in the tooth, from biting, grinding or injury.Gum diseaseInflammation of the gums, from early gingivitis to periodontitis.Wisdom tooth problemsPain or infection around a wisdom tooth that is trapped or coming through at an angle.Tooth sensitivityA short, sharp twinge with cold, hot, sweet or air.Dental abscessA collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection at the tooth or gum.

Tooth decay (cavity)

What it is

Plaque bacteria turn sugars into acid, which gradually dissolves tooth enamel. Early decay may not hurt; as it gets deeper it can cause sensitivity and pain.

Common symptoms

  • Sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold
  • A visible hole or dark spot
  • Food catching in one spot
  • Pain when biting

Possible causes

  • Frequent sugary snacks or drinks
  • Plaque left on teeth
  • Dry mouth
  • Missed check-ups

When to seek care

Book a check-up if you notice sensitivity, a dark spot or a hole. Earlier treatment is usually simpler.

What treatment may involve

Small cavities are often repaired with a tooth-coloured filling. Deep decay that reaches the nerve may need root canal treatment.

The area is numbed, the decay is removed and the tooth is rebuilt with filling material shaped to your bite.

What it may feel like & recovery

With local anaesthetic, most people feel pressure and vibration rather than pain.

You can usually eat once the numbness wears off. Mild sensitivity for a few days can be normal.

Very early enamel changes can sometimes be reversed with fluoride and better habits, but a true cavity (hole) does not heal by itself.

Learn more: General Dentistry Root Canal

Nerve inflammation / dental infection

What it is

When decay, a crack or an injury reaches the pulp inside the tooth, the nerve can become inflamed. If bacteria spread, the pulp can become infected.

Common symptoms

  • Throbbing pain
  • Pain to hot or cold that lingers
  • Pain that wakes you at night
  • Tenderness when biting

Possible causes

  • Deep decay
  • Cracked tooth
  • Large or repeated fillings
  • Trauma to the tooth

When to seek care

See a dentist soon if pain lingers, throbs or keeps you awake.

Seek same-day care if you develop facial swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing.

What treatment may involve

Root canal treatment to remove the inflamed or infected pulp and save the tooth, or extraction if the tooth cannot be saved.

After examination and an X-ray, the tooth is numbed, the pulp removed, canals cleaned and sealed, and the tooth restored.

What it may feel like & recovery

The tooth is numbed first; many people find it similar to a filling. Some tenderness afterwards is common.

Tenderness usually settles within a few days. The tooth should be fully restored to protect it.

Antibiotics may be prescribed in some situations, such as spreading infection, but they do not remove the cause inside the tooth. Dental treatment is usually needed.

Learn more: Root Canal General Dentistry

Cracked or broken tooth

What it is

Teeth can crack from biting something hard, grinding, large old fillings or an accident. Cracks can be tiny and hard to see.

Common symptoms

  • Sharp pain when biting, especially on release
  • Pain with cold
  • A sharp edge or missing piece
  • Pain that comes and goes

Possible causes

  • Biting hard foods or objects
  • Teeth grinding
  • Large fillings
  • Trauma

When to seek care

See a dentist soon — cracks can spread. Keep any broken piece.

Seek urgent care for facial trauma, heavy bleeding, or if a tooth is knocked out.

What treatment may involve

Bonding, a filling, a crown, root canal treatment if the nerve is affected, or extraction for deep vertical cracks.

Your dentist examines and may test the tooth to locate the crack, then explains repair options.

What it may feel like & recovery

Treatment is done with local anaesthetic where needed.

Usually quick. A crown may be recommended to protect the tooth long-term.

Yes. A broken tooth can become sensitive, cut your tongue or break further. Early repair is usually simpler.

Learn more: General Dentistry Root Canal Cosmetic Dentistry

Gum disease

What it is

Plaque along the gumline inflames the gums. Early gum disease is often reversible; advanced gum disease affects the bone supporting the teeth.

Common symptoms

  • Bleeding when brushing
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Bad breath
  • Receding gums
  • Loose teeth

Possible causes

  • Plaque and tartar build-up
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Hormonal changes
  • Some medications

When to seek care

Book a gum assessment if gums bleed regularly.

What treatment may involve

Professional cleaning, deep cleaning below the gumline and a personalised home-care plan.

Gum pockets are measured, then cleaning is carried out — with local anaesthetic for deep cleaning.

What it may feel like & recovery

Deep cleaning is usually comfortable with anaesthetic; gums can be tender for a few days.

Bleeding usually reduces over the following weeks with good home care.

No — gentle, thorough cleaning is part of healing. See a dentist to find the cause.

Learn more: Gum Treatment General Dentistry

Wisdom tooth problems

What it is

Wisdom teeth may not have space to come through. The gum over a partially erupted wisdom tooth can trap food and become inflamed (pericoronitis).

Common symptoms

  • Pain at the very back of the jaw
  • Swollen gum behind the last tooth
  • Difficulty opening the mouth
  • Bad taste

Possible causes

  • Lack of space
  • Food trapping under the gum flap
  • Decay in hard-to-clean teeth

When to seek care

Book an assessment if pain or swelling at the back of the mouth keeps returning.

Spreading swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth needs urgent care.

What treatment may involve

Cleaning and managing the gum infection, monitoring, or wisdom tooth extraction.

An X-ray shows the tooth position. Options, including risks, are explained before any extraction.

What it may feel like & recovery

Extraction is done with local anaesthetic; soreness and swelling afterwards are common.

Most people feel much better within about a week.

Not necessarily. Each tooth is assessed individually.

Learn more: Wisdom Teeth

Tooth sensitivity

What it is

Sensitivity happens when the inner layer of the tooth (dentine) is exposed, often due to worn enamel or receding gums.

Common symptoms

  • Sharp twinge with cold drinks or ice cream
  • Discomfort when brushing
  • Sensitivity to cold air

Possible causes

  • Brushing too hard
  • Acidic foods and drinks
  • Receding gums
  • Grinding
  • Recent whitening
  • Decay or a cracked tooth

When to seek care

If sensitivity lasts more than a couple of weeks, is getting worse, or is limited to one tooth.

What treatment may involve

Desensitising toothpaste, fluoride application, bonding over exposed areas, or treating any decay or crack.

Your dentist identifies the cause and recommends the simplest effective option.

What it may feel like & recovery

Most treatments for sensitivity are quick and comfortable.

Desensitising toothpaste may take a few weeks of regular use to work.

Not always, but it can. An examination helps tell the difference.

Learn more: General Dentistry Gum Treatment

Dental abscess

What it is

An abscess forms when infection collects at the tip of a tooth root or in the gum. It will not go away without treatment of the cause.

Common symptoms

  • Severe, throbbing pain
  • Swelling of gum or face
  • A gum boil or pimple
  • Bad taste
  • Fever or feeling unwell

Possible causes

  • Untreated decay
  • Cracked tooth
  • Advanced gum disease

When to seek care

Contact a dentist as soon as possible.

Swelling spreading to the eye, neck or floor of the mouth, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or high fever needs urgent medical care (hospital emergency department).

What treatment may involve

Draining the infection and treating the cause — usually root canal treatment or extraction. Antibiotics may be needed in some cases.

Your dentist will assess, relieve pressure where appropriate and plan definitive treatment.

What it may feel like & recovery

Relief often comes once pressure is released. The area is numbed for treatment.

Most people improve within a few days of treatment. Complete the treatment plan so the infection does not return.

An abscess needs professional care. Swelling can reduce temporarily but the infection usually remains until the cause is treated.

Learn more: Root Canal General Dentistry

What you can safely do while you wait for your appointment

  • Rinse gently with warm water and clean carefully around the tooth.
  • Avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods and chew on the other side.
  • Over-the-counter pain relief may help — follow the packet directions and check with a pharmacist or doctor if you have medical conditions or take other medicines.
  • Never place aspirin or other tablets directly on the gum; this can burn the tissue.
  • A cold compress on the outside of the cheek may ease swelling for short periods.

What to tell your dentist

  • When the pain started and whether it’s getting worse
  • What triggers it (cold, hot, biting, lying down)
  • Whether it lingers or goes quickly
  • Any swelling, bad taste or fever
  • Any recent dental treatment or injury

Seek urgent care if you notice

  • Swelling of the face, jaw, eye or neck
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • High fever or feeling very unwell
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Injury to the face or jaw

This information is for general guidance only and does not replace a professional dental examination. Your dentist will assess your condition and treatment options may vary.

Talk to Our Dental Team

Tell us what you’re experiencing. We’ll help you understand your options and how soon you should be seen.

Book an Urgent ConsultationWhatsApp UsCall the Clinic

Frequently asked questions

Contact a dentist as soon as possible. If you also have facial swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek urgent medical care at a hospital emergency department.

Related treatments

Root Canal TreatmentTreat infection inside the tooth and keep your natural tooth.General DentistryMaintain your oral health with check-ups, cleaning and fillings.Wisdom Tooth TreatmentAssessment and care for painful or trapped wisdom teeth.

Patient guides

Dental EmergencyIn a dental emergency, knowing what to do in the first hour can make a real difference. Here’s how to tell how urgent it is — and what to do next.Read guide Tooth SensitivityA sudden twinge from ice-cold water or something sweet is one of the most common dental complaints — and often one of the most manageable.Read guide Wisdom Tooth PainPain at the back of the jaw is often linked to a wisdom tooth trying to come through. It’s common — and it can usually be sorted out.Read guide

Articles

Your next step

Take the First Step
Toward Feeling Better.

Whether you’re dealing with pain, considering treatment, or simply want to take better care of your smile, we’re here to help you understand your options.

Book an AppointmentWhatsApp Us

Online requests are confirmed by our team — we’ll contact you to agree a time.