Common Causes of Tooth Pain and When to See a Dentist

Decoding Your Tooth Pain

Tooth pain is your body's alarm system telling you something needs attention. The cause can range from a minor sensitivity issue to a serious infection. What the pain feels like — sharp, dull, throbbing, constant, or only when biting — gives important clues about the underlying cause. Here are the most common reasons your tooth hurts and what each type of pain means.

Sharp Pain When Biting

A sharp, localized pain when you bite down usually points to a cracked tooth, a loose filling, or decay that has reached the inner layers of the tooth. If the pain goes away immediately after releasing the bite, a crack is most likely. If it lingers, the nerve may be involved and you may need a root canal.

Throbbing Pain That Keeps You Up at Night

Persistent, throbbing pain — especially pain that gets worse when you lie down — is a sign of infection or inflammation in the tooth's nerve (pulp). This usually means the decay or damage has reached the innermost part of the tooth. This type of pain rarely resolves on its own and typically requires a root canal or extraction.

Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

Brief sensitivity to temperature (lasting less than 30 seconds) is often caused by exposed root surfaces, worn enamel, or a recent dental procedure. This is usually manageable with sensitivity toothpaste. However, if the sensitivity lingers for more than 30 seconds or is intense, the nerve may be dying — see your dentist promptly.

When Tooth Pain Is an Emergency

Seek immediate care if you have tooth pain combined with fever, facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or pus drainage. These signs indicate a spreading infection that can become life-threatening. Do not wait for a regular appointment — call your dentist or go to an emergency room.