A toothache can range from a dull, occasional ache to throbbing pain that keeps you up at night. Pain is your body’s signal that something needs attention. Understanding the likely cause helps you know how quickly to act.

Common causes of a toothache

• Tooth decay: Cavities that reach the inner layers of the tooth cause sensitivity and pain.
• Infection or abscess: A bacterial infection at the root can cause severe, throbbing pain and swelling.
• Cracked tooth: Pain when biting or releasing a bite often points to a crack.
• Gum disease: Inflamed or infected gums can make teeth ache.
• Grinding: Clenching overnight can leave teeth and jaws sore in the morning.
• Sinus pressure: Upper back teeth may ache during a sinus infection.
• Erupting wisdom teeth: Pressure and swollen gums at the back of the mouth.

Safe ways to ease pain at home

• Rinse with warm salt water to clean the area.
• Gently floss to remove any trapped food.
• Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers may help when taken as directed on the label.
• Never place aspirin directly on the gums, as it can burn the tissue.

Home relief is temporary. The underlying cause still needs treatment.

When to call right away

Call your dentist promptly if pain lasts more than a day or two, is severe, or comes with swelling, fever, a bad taste, or pain when you open your mouth. Facial swelling that spreads, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, is a medical emergency, so go to an emergency room. The American Dental Association offers more emergency guidance at MouthHealthy.org.

How we treat a toothache

After an exam and x-rays, treatment may include a filling, a crown, a root canal, gum treatment, or in some cases extraction. The sooner the cause is found, the simpler the fix usually is.

Toothache FAQs

Can a toothache go away on its own?

Sometimes the pain fades, but the cause, such as decay or infection, usually remains. A toothache that disappears can even mean the nerve has died, so it still needs an exam.

What is the best thing to do for a toothache at night?

Rinse with warm salt water, keep your head elevated, and use an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Call your dentist in the morning.

Toothache help near you

If you are dealing with a toothache in South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, or Niles, call Michiana Family Dental at (574) 347-3333. Our office is at 3575 Portage Ave, Suite A, South Bend, IN.