Toothaches are one of the most common dental complaints—and one of the most uncomfortable. That persistent throbbing, sharp pang, or dull ache can make it hard to eat, sleep, or concentrate. While it might be tempting to ignore dental pain and hope it goes away, a toothache is your body's way of signaling that something is wrong.

At Spring Dental, we believe that understanding the root cause of your toothache is the first step toward lasting relief. Here’s what that toothache could really mean—and why it’s important not to ignore it.

1. Tooth Decay (Cavities)

One of the most common causes of dental pain is tooth decay. When plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up on your teeth, it can produce acids that erode the enamel. Over time, this can lead to small holes or cavities.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold foods
• Sharp pain when chewing or biting
• Visible pits or dark spots on teeth

Why it matters: Untreated cavities can grow larger and eventually reach the tooth's nerve, causing intense pain and increasing the risk of infection or abscess.

What to do: See your dentist as soon as possible. Small cavities can be treated with fillings, while deeper decay may require a crown or root canal therapy.

2. Gum Disease (Gingivitis or Periodontitis)

Gum disease starts with inflammation (gingivitis) but can progress to serious infection (periodontitis) if left untreated. Gum disease can cause pain that feels like it's coming from the teeth, especially when chewing.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
• Receding gums or tooth mobility
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum tenderness

Why it matters: Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, and other systemic health problems if ignored.

What to do: Your dentist can perform a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and provide guidance on improving your oral hygiene routine. In more severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.

3. Tooth Abscess or Infection

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often resulting from untreated decay, gum disease, or dental trauma. This condition is typically very painful and requires immediate care.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Severe, throbbing toothache
• Swelling in the gums or face
• Fever or swollen lymph nodes
• Foul taste or drainage in the mouth

Why it matters: A tooth abscess is a dental emergency. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the body and become life-threatening.

What to do: Seek urgent dental care. Treatment may involve draining the abscess, prescribing antibiotics, and performing a root canal or tooth extraction.

4. Cracked or Fractured Tooth

A crack in the tooth may not always be visible but can cause significant pain, especially when biting or chewing. Cracks can result from trauma, teeth grinding, or biting into something hard.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Sharp pain when biting
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Pain that comes and goes

Why it matters: A cracked tooth can worsen over time, leading to infection or tooth loss if not treated.

What to do: Visit your dentist for a proper evaluation. Depending on the severity, the tooth may be restored with bonding, a crown, or in some cases, a root canal.

5. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge properly, they can become impacted—trapped in the gums or jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth often cause pain, swelling, and pressure in the back of the mouth.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Pain in the back of the mouth or jaw
• Swollen, tender gums
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Headaches or earaches

Why it matters: Impacted teeth can damage neighboring teeth, cause infection, or lead to cysts.

What to do: Your dentist may recommend extraction, especially if the impacted tooth is causing pain or complications.

6. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding often occurs during sleep and can cause chronic jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, and worn enamel. Many people don’t even realize they grind their teeth until their dentist spots the signs.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Dull, aching pain in teeth or jaw
• Headaches, especially in the morning
• Flattened or chipped teeth

Why it matters: Grinding can weaken teeth and contribute to gum recession or TMJ disorders.

What to do: A custom night guard can help protect your teeth while you sleep. Managing stress and avoiding caffeine before bedtime can also help reduce grinding.

7. Sinus Infections

Believe it or not, tooth pain isn’t always caused by dental problems. Infections in the sinuses, particularly the maxillary sinuses located near your upper teeth, can cause a dull ache in your back teeth.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Pain or pressure in upper molars
• Nasal congestion or drainage
• Headache and facial pressure

Why it matters: If a sinus infection is mistaken for a dental issue—or vice versa—you may not get the right treatment.

What to do: If your dentist rules out a dental cause, consult your doctor. Sinus infections typically respond well to antibiotics or decongestants.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Dental Pain

Dental pain is never normal. Whether it's a minor sensitivity or severe discomfort, it’s a sign that something needs attention. Early diagnosis and treatment not only relieve pain but can also prevent more serious complications.

Delaying care often results in more extensive (and expensive) treatment down the road. That’s why Spring Dental encourages all patients to reach out as soon as they notice any signs of discomfort.

Trust Spring Dental for Expert, Compassionate Care

At Spring Dental, your comfort and oral health are our top priorities. Our experienced team offers comprehensive dental services—from routine exams to emergency treatments—designed to address your concerns quickly and effectively.

If you’re dealing with tooth pain, don’t wait. We’ll work with you to identify the cause and create a personalized treatment plan that brings lasting relief.

Schedule your appointment with Spring Dental today and let us help you get back to a pain-free, healthy smile.