Top 7 Causes of Toothaches (And How to Treat Them)

Tooth pain can sneak up on you when you least expect it — maybe while sipping your morning coffee or biting into a sandwich. One minute everything feels fine, and the next, you're wincing in pain. Even if you’ve been keeping up with regular cleanings, there are a few reasons a toothache might pop up.

Let’s look at the most common causes of toothaches and what you can do to start feeling better.

1. Cavities (Tooth Decay)

What it feels like: A dull ache or sharp pain, especially when eating sweets or drinking cold drinks.

What helps: Rinse with warm salt water to ease the pain. See your dentist as soon as you can to treat the cavity before it gets worse.

2. Tooth Infection (Abscess)

What it feels like: Throbbing pain, swelling, bad breath, or a bad taste in your mouth.

What helps: Try oil pulling with coconut oil to ease discomfort, but don’t wait — an abscess needs to be treated by a dentist right away.

3. Gum Disease

What it feels like: Red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing. Your teeth might feel loose or sore.

What helps: Keep brushing and flossing well, use mouthwash, and book a cleaning. Regular checkups can help prevent gum problems before they start.

4. Dental Injury

What it feels like: Sharp pain when biting down or general soreness.

What helps: If your tooth is chipped or loose, cover any sharp edges with sugar-free gum and call your dentist. If a tooth comes out, keep it in milk or saliva and bring it with you to your appointment.

5. Wisdom Teeth

What it feels like: Aching or pressure at the back of your mouth, swelling, or redness.

What helps: Rinse with salt water, try clove oil for temporary relief, and talk to your dentist about whether it’s time for them to come out.

6. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

What it feels like: Soreness in your jaw, headaches, or pain in multiple teeth.

What helps: Wear a nightguard, practice stress relief, and try warm compresses. Your dentist can help with options to protect your teeth.

7. Bite Problems

What it feels like: Discomfort when biting or chewing.

What helps: If your bite is off, your dentist might suggest braces, a mouthguard, or other dental work to fix the alignment.

Don’t Ignore a Toothache

Toothaches are your body’s way of saying something isn’t right — and the sooner you act, the easier it usually is to fix. Whether it’s a cavity, a grinding habit, or a deeper issue, your dental team can help you get relief.

If you’re dealing with tooth pain, don’t wait. Reach out to Fairview Family Dental in Brantford and let’s get you smiling again.