The Most Common Causes of Toothaches

Why Does My Tooth Hurt? Common Toothache Causes & What to Do

When a toothache strikes, whether it’s a sharp pain, a dull throb, sensitivity to hot or cold, it’s your body telling you something is off. Here at Miami Smiles Dental in Miami, we want you to understand what might be behind the discomfort, what your dentist might check, and when you should get help.

Diagnosing the Cause

To find out why your tooth hurts, a dentist will often ask:

• “Does cold, heat or sweets trigger the pain?”
• “Does it hurt when you chew or bite down?”
• “Has the pain woken you up at night?”

They’ll likely use diagnostic tools too:

• X‑rays to spot cavities, abscesses, or hidden damage
• Tap tests (percussion) or biting tests to locate sensitive spots
• Cold‑air tests to see which part of the tooth reacts

Common Toothache Causes

Here are frequent culprits behind tooth pain:

1. Cavities (Tooth Decay)
   Bacteria eat into enamel, weakening it, then moving inward. Sensitivity to sweets, temperature, or touch are early signs.
2. Pulpitis (Inflammation of Tooth Pulp)
   If the inner nerve chamber becomes inflamed, pressure builds. Pain can range from mild ache to pulsing, intense discomfort.
3. Dental Abscess
   An infection deep in the tooth that can swell, drain, and cause severe pain. X‑rays often reveal abscesses near the root.
4. Cracked or Fractured Tooth
   Might happen from biting hard foods, injury, or even grinding. Sharp pain when biting or with extremes of temperature.
5. Impacted Teeth (especially Wisdom Teeth)
   When a tooth doesn’t fully emerge, it can press against neighboring teeth or bone, causing pain, swelling, or jaw soreness.
6. Gum Disease (Gingivitis / Periodontitis)
   Inflamed gums, pockets of infection, bone loss, exposed roots become sensitive; gums bleed or pull away, letting bacteria cause trouble.
7. General Tooth Sensitivity
   Sometimes the protection over the roots wears down, enamel is thin, or gums recede. Cold air, cold drinks, sweet or acidic foods trigger pain.
8. Non‑Dental Causes
   Believe it or not, some toothaches are from things outside your mouth, for example, sinus infections pressing above upper teeth, or referred pain.

What You Can Do & When to Call Us

• Rinse with warm salt water
• Avoid extremely hot, cold, or very sweet foods
• Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
• Over the counter pain relievers (if safe for you) may help temporarily

If your pain: wakes you at night, lasts more than 1‑2 days, includes swelling, fever, or spreads, schedule an appointment at Miami Smiles Dental. Early treatment prevents worse issues later.

FAQs

• What should I do if my tooth hurts when I bite down?
  Likely a crack or damage in the tooth. See a dentist so they can assess and possibly place a crown or filling.
• Can sinus problems cause tooth pain?
  Yes, sinuses are just above your upper teeth. If you’ve had congestion or sinus infection, pain might feel like it's coming from your teeth.
• How long after a cavity starts will I feel pain?
  Varies widely, some decay is painless until it hits dentin; others feel sensitivity early. Don’t wait until pain is bad.

Ready to Get to the Root of That Tooth Pain?

If your toothache isn’t going away, or you’re just not sure what’s causing it, let’s take a look. Just call us or book online anytime. We’ll help you get answers and relief without the stress.