Toothache

Toothache is most often caused by inflammation of the tooth’s nerve, known as dental pulpitis.
This intense tooth pain can come on suddenly or develop gradually over several weeks before becoming unbearable.

There are several possible causes of a toothache.

Untreated tooth decay

The most common cause of toothache (approximately 60 to 80% of cases, according to clinical data on pulpitis and dental emergencies)

Deep tooth decay gradually progresses until it reaches the tooth’s nerve. When the pulp is affected, the inflammation causes intense, spontaneous, throbbing pain.

• Average duration: several months to several years, depending on the depth of the cavity.
• Early warning signs:
  • sensitivity to cold or sugar;
  • mild pain after meals;
  • the appearance of a brown or black spot on the tooth.

Untreated tooth decay can eventually lead to a dental infection or an abscess.

A dental abscess

A common cause of severe tooth pain (accounting for approximately 10 to 20% of infectious dental emergencies)

A dental abscess is a buildup of bacteria and pus around a tooth or the gum.
It often develops after a deep cavity or an infection of the tooth nerve.

• Average incubation period: a few days to a few weeks after an untreated infection.
• Early warning signs:
  • a feeling of pressure in the tooth;
  • pain when chewing;
  • a bad taste in the mouth or bad breath.

In advanced stages, an abscess can cause:

• swelling of the cheek;
• constant pain;
• a fever.

A dental injury or a cracked tooth

A less common but well-known cause of tooth pain (accounting for about 5 to 10% of cases of pulpitis)

A blow, a crack, or a broken tooth can cause gradual inflammation of the tooth’s nerve, sometimes several weeks after the injury.

• Average onset time: immediate or delayed by several weeks to several months.
• Early warning signs:
  • pain in the cold;
  • difficulty chewing;
  • a sensitive tooth or a tooth with a small crack.

Some tooth cracks are invisible to the naked eye but can cause severe toothache.

Nerve inflammation following dental treatment

A less common cause of persistent tooth pain

A tooth weakened by repeated dental procedures or deep decay may sometimes develop pulp inflammation after treatment.

• Average duration: a few days to several weeks.
• Early warning signs:
  • persistent sensitivity to heat or cold;
  • pain that does not subside after treatment.

When the inflammation becomes irreversible, nerve treatment may be necessary.

Wisdom teeth

A common cause of pain among young adults (particularly common among those aged 17–25)

When a wisdom tooth erupts only partially, the gum tissue can easily become infected.

• Average duration: a few days during teething.
• Early warning signs:
  • pain at the back of the jaw;
  • swollen gums;
  • difficulty opening the mouth.

An infection around a wisdom tooth can quickly cause severe pain.

The buildup of dental plaque and poor oral hygiene

A major factor contributing to toothaches and infections

The buildup of bacterial plaque and food debris promotes the development of cavities, gum infections, and inflammation of the dental nerve.

• Average duration: gradual over several weeks or months.
• Early warning signs:
  • bleeding gums;
  • bad breath;
  • a feeling of food being stuck between the teeth.

Smoking, frequent snacking, and sugary drinks significantly increase the risk of toothache.

Gum infections (gingivitis and periodontitis)

A less common cause of toothache but a common cause of oral pain

A gum infection can cause significant inflammation around the teeth and lead to pain that can sometimes be very severe.

• Average duration: several months to several years.
• Early warning signs:
  • red or swollen gums;
  • bleeding;
  • dental mobility;
  • persistent bad breath.

It is important to note that pulpitis is considered reversible when the inflammation is completely resolved, and irreversible when the inflammation becomes chronic despite treatment.

In the early stages of the condition, tooth pain may be mild. The latter occurs when the inflammation affects the entire dental pulp. At this stage, the tooth pain becomes throbbing and intense. The main symptoms of toothache are:

• severe toothache;
• pain spreading to the ear, jaw, neck, sinuses;
• increased pain when exposed to hot and/or cold temperatures in the mouth;
• headaches;
• In case of abscess, a metallic taste in the mouth, painful swelling of the cheek, moderate fever.

These symptoms are generally worse when lying down.

To relieve toothache, three complementary elements are necessary:

• prescribing painkillers to relieve pain;
• prescribing antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection;
• treatment of specific causes and possible complications of pulpitis.

Once again, consulting a dentist is essential to treat the specific causes and prevent possible complications. It is also necessary to brush your teeth regularly to avoid toothache.

At Sana Oris Dental Clinic, we emphasize the importance of annual checkups. They allow us to identify problems that could cause toothache and treat them before symptoms appear.

Establish, together with the patient, a brushing routine and oral health care regimen that is essential for maintaining dental health. In order to prevent toothache, this consultation is an integral part of the treatment.

In cases of reversible pulpitis, treatment can eliminate all symptoms and restore full pulp function.

However, in cases of irreversible pulpitis, the inflammation remains present. A pulpectomy may be recommended to prevent the risk of abscesses, or even tooth extraction in the most complex cases.

The various specialties of our dental surgeons, particularly in the field of periodontics, offer you a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to the causes and treatments of pulpitis.

The cost of treating a toothache varies depending on the specific issue and the treatment required. Your dentist will determine the cost as part of your dental care.

Toothache is often the result of a dental problem that has been developing over several weeks or months. Good preventive care can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, dental infection, or inflammation of the tooth’s nerve.

Daily Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene remains essential for preventing toothaches and infections.
Regular brushing helps limit the buildup of bacterial plaque, one of the main factors involved in the development of tooth decay and gum inflammation.

To make good habits part of your daily routine, check out our tips on brushing your teeth.

Regular follow-up visits

Regular dental checkups can help detect cavities, cracks, or inflammation early on, before a toothache sets in.

Regular dental checkups every 6 to 12 months also help prevent dental abscesses, infections, and more extensive emergency treatments.

Treating cavities early