What a Toothache Is Telling You

A toothache is a signal that something needs attention. Tooth pain can have many causes, and symptoms may sometimes improve temporarily even when an underlying dental problem remains. Persistent, recurring or worsening toothache should be assessed by a dentist.

Early assessment can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment is needed, and treatment started earlier is generally simpler and less costly.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain

• Tooth decay that has reached the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, often needing a filling
• Infection or an abscess associated with a tooth, which may require dental treatment such as root canal treatment or extraction, depending on the condition of the tooth
• A cracked or broken tooth, where pain often appears when biting
• Gum disease or a gum abscess, causing localised soreness and swelling
• An erupting or impacted wisdom tooth, which can cause pain or inflammation in some people
• Grinding and clenching, which can cause aching teeth and jaw muscles, discussed on our teeth grinding page
• Sinus pressure, which can mimic toothache in the upper back teeth

What to Do While You Wait for Your Appointment

Rinse with warm salt water, use over the counter pain relief as directed on the packet, and avoid very hot, cold or sweet food and drink on that side. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum, as this can burn the tissue. If a tooth is sensitive to pressure, avoid chewing on it. These steps manage symptoms only; they do not treat the cause.

When It Is Urgent

Contact a dentist promptly if tooth pain is persistent, worsening, wakes you at night, or is accompanied by swelling, fever or other concerning symptoms.

Seek urgent dental care through our emergency dentistry service if you develop facial swelling, significant or increasing pain, fever, or swelling around a tooth or gum.

If swelling is affecting your breathing or swallowing, is rapidly increasing, or is spreading towards the eye or neck, seek urgent medical attention by calling 000 or attending the nearest emergency department.

How We Diagnose and Treat Toothache

We examine the tooth, test how it responds, and use digital imaging to see what is happening beneath the surface. Treatment depends entirely on the cause and may range from a simple filling to root canal treatment or, where a tooth cannot be saved, extraction with replacement options discussed. We explain the findings and options before any treatment begins, and individual outcomes vary depending on the condition of the tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions