Combat sudden tooth pain: uncover causes & solutions
Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • Teeth Whitening
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armour™ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • Sports Mouth guards
  • Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOUR™
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERS™
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlighters™ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • HELPFul
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
    • Contact Us
  • Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      Commonly Asked Customer Questions
    • CONTACT US
      Contact Form & Phone Number
    • ABOUT US
      See How it All Began
    • GUARANTEE
      We Stand Behind Everything We Sell
    • Smile Brilliant Product Reviews
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
0
  • Whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armour™ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • Sports Guards
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOUR™
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERS™
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlighters™ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • REVIEWS
  • HELPFul
    • HELPFUL LINKS
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
    • Contact Us
  • Support
    • Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      Commonly Asked Customer Questions
    • CONTACT US
      Contact Form & Phone Number
    • ABOUT US
      See How it All Began
    • GUARANTEE
      We Stand Behind Everything We Sell
    • Smile Brilliant Product Reviews
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
0
Get $25
Science & Articles >> CAVITIES, TEETH GRINDING, TOOTH PAIN

Combat sudden tooth pain: uncover causes & solutions

Kari Carter-Cherelus, RDH, DA

Sudden tooth pain requires a visit to your dental provider to determine & treat the cause. Learn possible causes, prevention and treatment essentials from a dental hygienist.

Tooth pain is often hard for one to ignore regardless if it is sharp, sudden, dull, or a constant ache.[1] The most common causes of tooth pain is an active tooth infection, decay, injury, or tooth loss.[1] At times pain might originate from other areas such as the jaw joint, ears, sinuses, and even from heart problems that radiate to your teeth and present as tooth pain.[1] Most causes of tooth pain are treatable by your dentist.[3]

What causes tooth sensitivity?

A toothache occurs when the pulp (central portion of the tooth) becomes sensitive to pain, often due to inflammation.[1] Common causes of pulpal inflammation are dental cavities, trauma, teeth grinding, gum disease, or infection.[1]

You might be experiencing pain due to having a cracked tooth. This can occur due to clenching or grinding your teeth or even chewing on hard foods such as ice, nuts, or hard candy[2]Some other causes of a cracked tooth are pressure from clenching or grinding your teeth, large fillings that weaken the tooth’s integrity, or trauma to the mouth.[2]

Correct-size-1200-x-600-8.jpg

Complications of a cracked tooth

You should not ignore pain in your teeth as doing so could lead to complications. Infection from your tooth can spread to the bone, gums, and enter into your bloodstream. Your dentist will determine what treatment may be needed to treat your toothache by finding out what is causing the discomfort. Antibiotics will be prescribed if there is an infection present around the tooth, you have a fever, or swelling of the jaw is present[1]

Symptoms of a dental infection or a cracked tooth are a fever, pain when chewing, swollen gums, sensitivity to hot and cold food or beverages, and sore lymph nodes[2]

How tooth pain is treated

The dentist may recommend possible procedures such as fillings, extractions, root canal therapy, occlusal guard, or crowns.

  • Fillings – A plastic resin restoration that is placed that resembles the natural look of the tooth is used to fill the crack and restore the tooth to its functionality.[2]
  • Extraction- When the tooth is extremely decayed, cracked, or damaged then it will need to be extracted or permanently removed[2]
  • Root Canal Therapy- when decay or a crack extends into the pulp a root canal is need to remove the damaged pulp and restore the integrity of the tooth, preventing further damage or infection.[2]
  • Occlusal Guard – prevents damage to your teeth that can be caused by grinding and clenching
  • Crown – a dental crown is usually made of porcelain or ceramic and fits over the tooth.[2]

Sometimes the dentist might recommend not to proceed with any treatment. If a patient has a hairline crack in the enamel of their teeth that doesn’t produce pain or negatively affect their appearance no treatment might be needed.[2]

How to prevent a toothache

Avoid chewing hard foods and use a mouth guard if you clench or grind your teeth. If you play contact sports wear a sports mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.[2] Visiting your dentist regularly for preventative care can help your healthcare professional to address concerns when they are small and manageable[2] Receiving prompt treatment can help you reduce the risks of losing your tooth, further damage, and preventing harmful infection from spreading.[2] Brushing twice a day and flossing daily will help to prevent dental diseases that contribute to tooth problems.

Kari Carter-Cherelus

Kari Carter-Cherelus RDH, DA is a registered Dental Hygienist, writer, consultant, coach, international keynote speaker, with 23 years of experience in dentistry. She is passionate about helping others recover from burnout, improving organization’s work culture, and helping her clients to improve their mindset. She authored the book The Ultimate Guide For Dental Hygienist Burnout, and has written for RDH Graduate, RDH Magazine, and Inside Dental Hygiene.

View My Profile Contact Kari
  1. Web MD. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache
  2. Cracked Tooth. Christiano, Donna. (2018, September 28). https://www.healthline.com/health/cracked-tooth
  3. All My Teeth Hurt Suddenly: 10 Possible Explanations Watson, Kathryn. (2019, May 23). https://www.healthline.com/health/all-my-teeth-hurt-suddenly#cracked-tooth-or-crown

RELATED ARTICLES

How to brush your teeth to avoid damage

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

Why you’re getting cavities even with excellent oral hygiene

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

What is xylitol?

By: Lacy Walker

How sports mouthguards prevent concussions & protect teeth

By: Rachel Stroble

Can I cure my cavities by oil pulling?

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

TOPICS

  • ALL
  • BAD BREATH
  • BRAND
  • BRUSHING & FLOSSING
  • CAVITIES
  • DRY MOUTH
  • FOR PROFESSIONALS
  • GINGIVITIS
  • KIDS
  • MEDICAL CONDITIONS
  • NEWS
  • ORAL MICROBIOME
  • Oral-Systemic Health
  • PH
  • PRODUCT REVIEW
  • TEETH GRINDING
  • TEETH WHITENING
  • TOOTH PAIN

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

TEETH WHITENING PRODUCTS
  • New! Dental Stain Concealer
  • Teeth Whitening Trays
  • Teeth Whitening Gel
  • Teeth Desensitizing Gel
  • Electric Toothbrush
  • Toothbrush Heads
  • Water Flosser
  • Teeth Grinding Night Guards
  • ProShield™ Sports Mouth guards
  • Plaque Highlighters
  • Dental Floss Picks
  • Plaque Highlighters Kids
  • Dental Probiotics
  • Oral & Sinus Probiotics for Kids
  • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
  • Enamel Armour
  • Ultrasonic Cleaner
SITE NAVIGATION
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Guarantee
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
SITE NAVIGATION
  • 10 Teeth Whitening Facts
  • Sensitive Teeth Guide
  • The Science of Bad Breath
  • 5 Facts About Oral Probiotics
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Science & Articles
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
already a customer?
  • Teeth Whitening
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armour™ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • Sports Mouth guards
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOUR™
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERS™
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlighters™ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • HELPFul
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
    • Contact Us
  • Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      Commonly Asked Customer Questions
    • CONTACT US
      Contact Form & Phone Number
    • ABOUT US
      See How it All Began
    • GUARANTEE
      We Stand Behind Everything We Sell
    • Smile Brilliant Product Reviews
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
Shopping Bag
ORDER PROCESSING