Tooth pain is usually a sign that something in or around the tooth is irritated, inflamed, or damaged, and it should almost always be checked by a dentist if it’s strong, sudden, or lasting more than a day or two.

Quick Scoop: Why your teeth might hurt

Common reasons your teeth hurt include:

  • Cavities (tooth decay) – Bacteria in plaque produce acids that dissolve enamel and dentin, creating holes that can reach the nerve and cause sharp or throbbing pain, especially with sweets or at night.
  • Tooth sensitivity – When enamel thins or gums recede, dentin and its tiny tubules become exposed, so hot, cold, sweet, or even air can trigger quick, stabbing pain.
  • Gum disease and receding gums – Inflamed, swollen, or receding gums expose the tooth roots, which are not protected by enamel and are very sensitive. You might also notice bleeding when brushing and bad breath.
  • Cracked or chipped tooth – A small crack can let fluid and bacteria reach the inner nerve, causing pain with biting or temperature changes, even if you don’t see much on the surface.
  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) – Grinding at night or clenching when stressed puts extreme pressure on teeth, wearing down enamel and making them ache or feel bruised.
  • Enamel erosion and acidic diet – Frequent acidic drinks (soda, energy drinks, citrus, wine) and sugary snacks can slowly dissolve enamel, leading to sensitivity and decay.
  • Infection or abscess – A deep cavity or crack can infect the pulp (nerve), causing intense, throbbing pain, swelling, and sometimes fever or a bad taste; this is urgent and can’t heal on its own.
  • Sinus problems or referred pain – Sometimes upper teeth hurt when your sinuses are inflamed, or facial nerve issues can mimic tooth pain even when the tooth itself is healthy.

How to think about your tooth pain

Ask yourself a few quick questions:

  1. When does it hurt?
    • Only with cold/heat/sweets → more likely sensitivity, early cavity, or exposed roots.
 * Constant throbbing or waking you at night → more likely deep decay or infection.
  1. Where does it hurt?
    • One specific tooth when you bite → cracked tooth, high filling, or localized cavity.
 * All or many teeth suddenly → generalized sensitivity, strong grinding, or sinus/nerve issues.
  1. What do your gums look like?
    • Red, swollen, bleeding when brushing → gingivitis or periodontitis, which can cause tooth discomfort and looseness.
  1. Any other symptoms?
    • Swelling in your face or gum, fever, trouble swallowing or breathing → possible abscess; this is an emergency and needs same‑day urgent care.

What you can safely do right now

While waiting to see a dentist, you can often ease mild to moderate pain with:

  • Gentle cleaning – Brush with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss carefully to remove food trapped between teeth that can cause pressure and pain.
  • Sensitivity toothpaste – Using a desensitizing toothpaste daily can help calm nerve responses over days to weeks if your main issue is sensitivity, though it won’t fix cavities.
  • Avoid triggers – Skip very hot/cold drinks, very sweet foods, and highly acidic drinks (soda, citrus, energy drinks, sports drinks, wine) until you’re checked.
  • Pain relief medicine – Over‑the‑counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help if you can take them safely; follow package directions and your doctor’s advice.
  • Cold compress outside the cheek – For swelling or deep ache, a cold pack on the face can reduce pain and inflammation temporarily.

Avoid putting aspirin directly on the tooth or gum; it can burn the tissue and doesn’t treat the underlying problem.

When it’s urgent to see a dentist (or ER)

Tooth pain is one of those things that tends to get worse, not better, if the cause is decay or infection, so timing matters.

Seek emergency dental or medical care the same day if:

  • You have severe, throbbing pain , especially if it doesn’t improve with pain medicine.
  • You notice swelling in your face, jaw, or under your tongue, or you have difficulty swallowing or breathing.
  • You have a fever , feel generally unwell, or see a pimple‑like bump on your gum that’s draining.

Book a prompt dental appointment (within a few days) if:

  • Pain lasts more than 24–48 hours, even if it’s mild.
  • You feel sharp pain with cold, hot, or sweets, or when you chew on a certain tooth.
  • Your gums are bleeding, receding, or painful.

Forum-style wisdom: what people often discover

If you read recent forum discussions and Q&A posts from 2024–2025, a few patterns show up again and again:

“I thought it was just sensitivity, but it turned out to be a deep cavity that almost needed a root canal.”

“I grind my teeth in my sleep and didn’t know until my dentist pointed out the wear and tiny cracks.”

“My upper teeth hurt, but it was actually a sinus infection making the roots ache.”

These stories echo what dentists and medical sites explain: the same “why do my teeth hurt” question can have very different answers , from simple sensitivity to serious infection, which is why an in‑person exam and sometimes X‑rays are so important.

If you tell me more about your pain (where it is, what triggers it, how long it’s been going on, and any other health issues), I can help you narrow down the most likely causes and what to do next—while still urging you to see a dentist for a proper diagnosis. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.