What Your Toothache is Trying to Tell You – Different Types of Pain Explained

A toothache is more than just a nuisance, it’s your body’s way of sending a warning signal. While many people brush it off or pop a painkiller and move on, the type and location of tooth pain can actually reveal a lot about what’s going on inside your mouth.

In this blog, we’ll decode the different types of toothaches, what they might mean, and when it’s time to see your dentist.

1. Sharp, Sudden Pain (Comes and Goes)

If your tooth pain feels like a quick jolt or stabbing sensation, especially when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet, it could be:

• Tooth sensitivity

• A small cavity

• Exposed dentin or receding gums

• Cracked tooth

  
  

What to Do: Use desensitizing toothpaste and avoid extreme temperatures. If the pain persists, it could be a sign of something deeper like a fracture or cavity needing treatment.

2. Dull, Persistent Ache

A constant, throbbing pain that won’t go away usually points to a more serious problem.

Possible Cause:

• Tooth decay reaching the nerve

• Infection or abscess

• Food stuck between teeth or under gums

• Clenching or grinding

What to Do: Rinse your mouth, gently floss, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever. But don’t wait too long—this kind of pain often means a root canal or deep cleaning may be needed.

3. Pain When You Bite Down

If biting or chewing causes pain, especially on one side of your mouth:

Possible Cause:

• Cracked tooth

• Damaged filling or crown

• Tooth abscess

• Gum infection

What to Do: Avoid chewing on that side and make a dental appointment ASAP. Your dentist may need to examine your bite or take an X-ray to find the cause.

4. Throbbing Pain With Swelling

Pain that’s paired with swollen gums, a puffy face, or even fever is a red flag.

Possible Cause:

• Dental abscess (a pocket of infection)

• Advanced gum disease

• Impacted tooth

What to Do: Don’t delay. This requires immediate dental attention, and in some cases, antibiotics or emergency treatment to stop the spread of infection.

5. Pain at the Back of Your Jaw

If you're feeling discomfort at the very back of your mouth, especially during chewing or opening your mouth wide:

Possible Cause:

• Erupting or impacted wisdom teeth

• Jaw joint (TMJ) issues

What to Do: Warm compresses may help, but you’ll likely need an X-ray to confirm if wisdom teeth are the issue. Removal may be recommended if they’re impacted or misaligned.

6. Radiating Pain to the Ear or Head

Toothaches that radiate to your ear or give you headaches can sometimes be confused with sinus pain or ear infections.

Possible Cause:

• Upper tooth infections

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

• Bruxism (grinding)

What to Do: A dental exam will help rule out oral causes and determine if a referral to a TMJ or ENT specialist is needed.

When to See a Dentist

You should never ignore persistent tooth pain. See your dentist if you experience:

✅ Pain lasting more than a day or two

✅ Swelling or pus

✅ Fever or general discomfort

✅ Trouble eating, sleeping, or speaking

Final Thoughts

Your teeth can’t talk, but they can still send clear signals when something is wrong. Understanding the type of toothache you're experiencing can help you and your dentist get to the root of the problem—literally!

📅 Experiencing tooth pain? Book an appointment at AK Dental Clinic today and let us help you find relief.