Top 7 Causes of Toothache and How to Relieve the Pain Fast

A toothache isn’t just a mild inconvenience—it’s a pain that can throw off your day. Whether it starts as a dull throb or a sharp, sudden jolt, that discomfort in your mouth can quickly become impossible to ignore.

And while it’s tempting to hope it’ll go away on its own, a toothache is almost always your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right here.”

Understanding what causes a toothache is the first step toward getting relief. So, let’s break down the most common reasons behind that pesky pain—and why getting to the root of it (sometimes literally) matters more than you might think.

1. Tooth Decay: The Classic Culprit

Tooth decay is a major contributor to toothaches. It often starts small, with a little cavity forming as plaque eats away at your enamel.

But over time, decay can burrow deeper, reaching the dentin and eventually the nerve-rich pulp of your tooth. That’s when the pain sets in.

If you’re feeling teeth sensitivity when you eat sweet, hot, or cold foods—or if a particular tooth just aches without warning—it could be a sign that decay has reached a painful stage.

The good news is that it’s treatable with a simple filling when caught early. Ignored, it might need more complex treatment, like a root canal.

2. Gum Disease: It’s Not Just About Your Gums

You might think of gum disease as something that causes bleeding or receding gums—and you’d be right. But it can also lead to toothaches.

As the gums pull away from your teeth, pockets form where bacteria can thrive. This can lead to infections and expose tooth roots, which are not protected by enamel and are much more sensitive.

Gum disease may contribute to your toothache if your gums are swollen, red, or bleed when you brush. It can impact the supporting components of your teeth and result in deep-seated discomfort, so it’s not simply a superficial issue.

3. A Cracked or Fractured Tooth: Small Break, Big Pain

Sometimes a tooth looks fine outside, but it still causes pain. That could be due to a crack or fracture, especially if you’ve recently bitten down on something hard or had a facial injury.

These cracks can expose the inner nerves or allow bacteria to seep inside, triggering pain. You may notice this type of toothache when you chew, especially if it’s sharp or comes and goes.

Diagnosing a cracked tooth isn’t always straightforward, but a dentist can spot the problem and recommend the right fix—whether that’s a dental crown, bonding, or, in some cases, tooth extraction.

4. Dental Abscess: When Infection Gets Serious

A dental abscess is one of the more intense and urgent causes of a toothache. It occurs when bacteria form a pus pocket at the tooth root or in the gums.

The pain can be severe, throbbing, and even radiate to the ear or jaw. Other warning signs include swelling, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth.

You cannot treat an abscess at home. It is an emergency requiring immediate dental care. Untreated, the infection can progress and develop severe complications.

5. Teeth Grinding or Clenching: Hidden Damage

If you grind your teeth at night or clench your jaw during the day (often without even realising it), you could put your teeth under a lot of pressure. Over time, this may erode enamel, fracture teeth, or swell the gum tissue that surrounds them, causing a toothache.

Waking up with jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or a headache? Those could be signs you’re grinding in your sleep. A custom mouthguard (occlusal splints) can make a difference, protecting your teeth and easing that daily discomfort.

6. Sinus Pressure: The Unexpected Toothache

Believe it or not, not all toothaches start in your mouth. If you’ve got a sinus infection or heavy congestion, the pressure in your sinuses—especially those right above your upper teeth—can mimic the feeling of a toothache.

This pain usually affects several teeth in the upper back row and might feel worse when you bend over or press on your sinuses. Treating the sinus issue often brings relief, but it’s worth checking your teeth if the pain persists. Sometimes it’s a combination of both.

7. Erupting or Impacted Teeth: Growing Pains

If you’re in your teens or early twenties and feeling pain in the back of your mouth, your wisdom teeth might be trying to make an entrance. These third molars often don’t have enough space to emerge properly, leading to impaction, infection, or pressure on surrounding teeth.

The discomfort can be profound and radiating and may be accompanied by swelling or jaw stiffness. Mostly, the impacted wisdom teeth have to be extracted, and you do not need to fret because the subsequent relief is generally gratifying.

Listen to What Your Toothache Is Telling You

A toothache is never just “one of those things.” It’s a sign that something is wrong; ignoring it worsens the problem.

Whether it’s decay, infection, pressure, or trauma, your body asks for help. You don’t have to endure the pain or guess what’s happening. That’s where your dentist comes in.

Toothache Treatment in Cabramatta

If you’ve been dealing with a toothache, don’t wait for it to get unbearable. Book an appointment and let your Cabramatta dentist get to the bottom of it.

Preliminary diagnosis and treatment can save you from bigger and more expensive issues in the future.

At your next dental check-up, talk about any discomfort you’ve felt, even if it seems small. A quick chat can be the start of lasting relief.

Don’t let a toothache take over your life. Contact your Cabramatta dentist today and take a step toward a painless smile.

Same-Day Dental Emergency Appointment Available in Cabramatta

Call (02) 9755 5300 or visit us at 47 Arthur St in Cabramatta.