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Tooth pain
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Most of us suffer from tooth sensitivity or tooth pain at some point in our lives. When a dentist tries to find the source of pain, he or she uses differential diagnosis. It is a systematic method used to identify unknown causes of toothache using the process of elimination. During the examination, it turns out that the causes of toothache can be different - from an incorrectly placed filling to inflammation of the pulp - the inner tissue of the tooth.
[ Symptoms: sharp and constant pain in the area of the teeth, but it is difficult to say which tooth is causing it
Possible problem
The pulp tissue inside the tooth is acutely infected, which threatens inflammation and death of the pulp. The dental nerve is usually irritated, which is very painful.
What to do
Visit your dentist for a thorough examination of your mouth. Once the problematic tooth is found, root canal treatment will be needed to remove the infected pulp tissue. This will provide relief to the person and will help save the tooth. If left untreated, the toothache may become even more severe.
Symptom: sensitivity of teeth to hot or cold food and liquids.
Possible problems
If the discomfort lasts only a few minutes, tooth sensitivity usually does not indicate a serious problem. It can be caused by a small area of a crack in the tooth, a poorly placed filling, or an exposed root surface due to gum recession. Or using the wrong toothbrush, which can wear away tooth enamel.
What to do?
If the root surface of the tooth is very sensitive, you need to first keep it clean and free of bacterial plaque. For this, you can order a service such as tartar cleaning. In addition, use a soft toothbrush, move it very gently along the gum line, and brush your teeth no more than twice a day.
Try using fluoride toothpastes that are specifically formulated for sensitive teeth. You can even try using toothpaste as an ointment, rubbing it onto the root surface for ten minutes or so. If the sensitivity still persists, see your dentist.
Symptom: sharp pain in the tooth when a person bites something hard (an apple).
Possible problem
An incorrectly placed filling, inflammation of the pulp inside the tooth and/or cracks in the tooth enamel are possible causes of this toothache.
What to do?
It is important to visit your dentist to diagnose the problem, especially if your tooth pain is getting worse. The inflammation in the tooth needs to be treated, and the crown or filling needs to be replaced if it is not in place properly. If the pain is caused by damage to the pulp tissue, your dentist will prescribe a root canal to clean out the damaged pulp, disinfect the root canal, and fill the remaining space with a filling to save the tooth. A cracked tooth can be difficult to treat not only when it is small, but also depending on the location and depth of the crack.
Symptom: prolonged toothache after eating, hot or cold food and liquid.
Possible problem
This condition may mean that the pulp is becoming inflamed. The tissue inside the tooth dies and the tooth may be permanently damaged, usually as a result of deep damage or physical trauma.
What to do?
See your dentist to diagnose the problem before your tooth pain becomes unbearable due to the development of an abscess. The tooth will likely require root canal treatment to remove the dying or dead pulp tissue and save the tooth.
Symptoms: dull pain, pressure in the upper teeth and paranasal sinuses - on one or both sides of the face.
Possible problem
The pain is felt in the sinuses of the nose - areas of the face that are often associated with the upper teeth because the same nerves pass through them. The origin of this pain is often very difficult to determine. Thus, sinus pain can manifest as toothache, and vice versa. This is why sinus pain from a cold or flu can cause pain in the upper teeth. This is important to determine what factors can cause similar symptoms.
What to do
See your dentist to make sure your symptoms are related to a toothache and not another type of pain. However, don't wait until your toothache gets worse to see your dentist.
Symptom: constant severe pain in the tooth, swelling of the gums and sensitivity even to touch.
Possible problem
The tooth may be infected (an abscess that has spread from the pulp into the surrounding periodontal tissues (“peri” - around, “odont” - tooth) and bone.
What to do
See your dentist immediately. A root canal is unlikely to be necessary. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms until you can treat your sore teeth.
Don't wait until your toothache gets worse
Please note that all the above examples of toothache are only a guide to action, but it is not necessary to follow them literally. The main thing is to contact a specialist when toothache occurs, do not tolerate toothache, so as not to aggravate your own situation.
Who to contact?
Symptom: tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food after dental treatment.
Possible problem
The work of a not very qualified dentist can lead to increased tooth sensitivity due to inflammation of the pulp - the tissue inside the tooth.
What to do?
This sensitivity should not last longer than a few days, but if you have recently had a filling or crown placed, the tooth may not hurt for a week or two to settle. Mild painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen should help. If your tooth pain persists or gets worse, see your dentist.