Tooth pain can range from mild and intermittent to severe or persistent. If you are unsure whether your symptoms require urgent dental care, an emergency dentist can assess the cause and discuss appropriate treatment.
Dental problems that may require urgent assessment include severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out adult tooth, dental trauma or signs of infection. Uncontrolled bleeding after dental treatment and a knocked-out adult tooth require prompt assessment. Intermittent toothache may or may not be urgent, depending on its severity, duration and whether symptoms such as swelling, fever or trauma are also present.
Tooth pain can have several causes, and identifying the cause usually requires dental assessment.
Common causes of tooth pain
Several factors can cause toothache, including:
Tooth decay
Tooth decay involves progressive loss of mineralised tooth structure and may eventually affect deeper dentine or the dental pulp. Symptoms can include sensitivity or pain, although some cavities produce few noticeable symptoms.
Infection or a dental abscess
Deep decay can sometimes affect the dental pulp and contribute to infection. Symptoms may include persistent or severe pain, swelling, tenderness, sensitivity or pus, although presentations vary.
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Grinding or clenching may contribute to tooth wear, jaw muscle discomfort, headaches or sensitivity in some patients. A dentist can assess whether bruxism or another condition may be contributing to the symptoms.
Oral trauma
A blow to the mouth, fall or other dental trauma may cause tooth or jaw pain, chips, cracks, fractures or other injuries. Significant dental trauma should be assessed promptly, with the urgency depending on the injury and symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relief may be appropriate for some people while waiting for assessment. Follow the product directions and ask a pharmacist, doctor or dentist if you are unsure whether a medicine is suitable for you.
Treatment depends on the cause of the tooth pain. Root canal treatment may be considered where the dental pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected, while a dental splint may be discussed where grinding or clenching is relevant.
When is toothache a dental emergency?
Persistent or severe tooth pain should be assessed by a dentist, particularly if it is worsening or accompanied by swelling, fever, pus, trauma or difficulty opening the mouth.
Some dental infections can progress if the underlying cause is not treated. Management depends on the diagnosis and may involve dental treatment, medication where clinically indicated, or urgent medical care in more serious cases.
Why Prompt Assessment May Be Needed
If tooth pain is severe, worsening or associated with swelling, trauma or other concerning symptoms, arrange urgent dental assessment. The dentist can investigate the cause and discuss treatment options based on the clinical findings.
The appropriate treatment for tooth pain depends on its cause. Some conditions may require a filling, root canal treatment, extraction or another approach, while others may be monitored. A dentist can explain the available options after assessment.
How a Dentist May Assess and Manage Tooth Pain
Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Dental decay may be managed with a restoration where appropriate, while root canal treatment may be considered if the dental pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected. Other causes of tooth pain may require different management.
Management of a periodontal abscess depends on the clinical findings and may involve drainage, periodontal treatment or medication where clinically indicated. Management of a cracked or fractured tooth depends on the location and extent of the damage and may involve monitoring, bonding, a filling, crown, root canal treatment, extraction or another approach. A dental crown may be considered where sufficient tooth structure remains and a full-coverage restoration is clinically appropriate.
Temporary Measures While Waiting for Dental Assessment
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A gentle warm salt-water rinse may be used by some adults to help keep the mouth clean while waiting for dental assessment. Do not swallow the rinse.
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If there is swelling after dental trauma, a cold compress wrapped in cloth may be applied externally for short periods while assessment is arranged.
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Over-the-counter pain relief may be appropriate for some people. Follow the product directions and seek advice from a pharmacist, doctor or dentist if you are unsure whether a medicine is suitable for you.
What Determines the Outlook for Tooth Pain?
The outlook depends on the cause of the tooth pain, the condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues, and the treatment that is clinically appropriate. Persistent, severe or worsening pain should be assessed by a dentist.
Is it possible to prevent toothache?
Not every cause of tooth pain can be prevented. Routine oral care generally includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth and attending dental examinations at intervals recommended for individual needs.
Seek urgent medical care or call Triple Zero (000) if dental or facial symptoms are causing difficulty breathing, significant difficulty swallowing, rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or another potentially life-threatening problem.
Are you dealing with a painful tooth?
If you have persistent or severe tooth pain, swelling, dental trauma or another urgent dental concern, schedule an emergency appointment with Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora for an assessment.
