- Medical License No.: 144189
- 021-8805 0794
Dr. Zahra Sadat Shamekhi
General Dentist
Toothache is one of the most common dental problems and can occur for many different reasons. Sometimes tooth pain is mild and temporary, but in some cases, it can be a sign of advanced tooth decay, nerve inflammation, or a dental infection.
If you are wondering, “Why does my tooth hurt?”, this article explains the most common causes of toothache and the symptoms that indicate you should see a dentist.
One of the most common causes of toothache is tooth decay. In its early stages, tooth decay may not cause any symptoms. However, as the decay progresses, you may experience pain when eating sweet foods or drinking hot or cold beverages.
If decay reaches the inner part of the tooth and affects the nerve, the pain may become more severe, and the tooth may require root canal treatment.
Deep tooth decay or an injury can cause inflammation of the tooth nerve. This type of pain is usually more severe and may feel like nighttime or throbbing tooth pain.
In these situations, painkillers may only provide temporary relief. The underlying cause needs to be examined and treated by a dentist.
A dental abscess occurs when an infection causes pus to build up around a tooth. Severe pain, swelling of the gums or face, fever, and pressure around the affected tooth can all be signs of an abscess.
A dental infection should not be ignored because, if it progresses, it can spread to the surrounding tissues.
If you experience a sharp, short-lasting pain when eating ice cream or drinking cold water or hot tea, you may have tooth sensitivity.
Gum recession, enamel erosion, and certain dental problems can cause sensitivity. However, not every toothache triggered by hot or cold foods is simply sensitivity. Sometimes it may indicate tooth decay or a problem with the tooth nerve.
A cracked or broken tooth can also cause pain. The pain may become worse when chewing or when the tooth comes into contact with hot or cold foods and drinks.
One of the most common questions patients ask is, “Why does my tooth hurt more at night?”
Nighttime tooth pain may be related to deep tooth decay, nerve inflammation, or a dental infection. If your toothache becomes worse at night or wakes you from sleep, it is best not to delay seeing a dentist.
Tooth pain when drinking cold water can be caused by tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, gum recession, or problems with the tooth nerve.
If the pain lasts only a few seconds, sensitivity may be the cause. However, severe or prolonged pain after exposure to cold temperatures should be evaluated by a dentist.
To temporarily relieve tooth pain, you can rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and gently clean your teeth. It is also a good idea to avoid foods and drinks that make the pain worse, such as very cold, hot, or sugary foods.
Painkillers may temporarily reduce discomfort, but the treatment for toothache depends on its underlying cause. Taking antibiotics without a dentist’s recommendation is not advised.
If your toothache is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should see a dentist as soon as possible:
Swelling of the gums, face, or jaw
Fever
Pus around the tooth
Severe or persistent pain
Difficulty opening your mouth
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
In particular, facial or neck swelling accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing is a medical emergency and should not be ignored or delayed.
Toothache can be caused by tooth decay, sensitivity, nerve inflammation, infection, dental abscesses, cracked teeth, or gum problems. Therefore, even if the pain goes away on its own, it is important to determine what caused it.
Early diagnosis can help prevent the problem from getting worse and may reduce the need for more complex dental treatment. If you have severe, persistent, or recurring tooth pain, schedule an appointment with a dentist for a proper examination and diagnosis.
