Livia Yang
A simple guide to understanding dental pain
Toothache always seems to come at the worst times of the day. You’re beginning to wind down after
a long day at work, and then all of a sudden, you feel this agonising pain, or during a busy week when
you have a long list of things to get through, or right before an exam, it’s definitely one of the last
things you really need.
But some of the biggest questions people have are: Do I need to do something about this? How do I
know if it’s something that will go away on its own or if it needs urgent attention?
Not all toothaches are the same. Knowing the differences can help you to act quickly and avoid
bigger problems in the future. So here’s an easy guide on how to recognise what your tooth is trying
to tell you.
- Mild sensitivity – you can monitor it initially
If you feel a very quick, sharp pain when having something hot, cold, or sweet, it’s likely to be due to
sensitivity. This usually settles relatively quickly (a few seconds/minutes later), and often when the
trigger is removed, and it isn’t always urgent.
Advice:
Try using a sensitive toothpaste (e.g. Sensodyne) and avoid having very hot or cold foods/drinks. If it
continues, then you should book a routine check-up. - Ongoing or worsening pain – now it’s time to call
If the pain lingers (usually a couple of hours), gets stronger, or starts affecting your sleep or eating,
it’s definitely a sign that something more serious could be happening. This could be due to decay or
inflammation inside the tooth, and this won’t fix itself.
Advice:
Contact your dental practice sooner rather than later. Early treatment is always simpler. - Swelling or severe pain – this could be an emergency
If your toothache is combined with swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, or even fever, this may be a
sign of infection. Infections can spread systemically (involving the rest of the body) if left untreated,
so this is definitely something that needs urgent attention.
Advice:
Call your dentist as soon as possible or seek emergency care if symptoms are severe. - Pain when biting down
Pain when you bite could mean a cracked tooth or a problem with a filling. These issues don’t always
show visibly, but can worsen over time.
Advice:
Avoid chewing on that side and get it checked out as soon as you can. - What you can do at home (in terms of short-term relief)
While waiting for your appointment, there are a few ways to manage discomfort.
Advice: Take appropriate over-the-counter pain relief, anything you would typically take for a
headache.
Rinse with warm salt water, as this acts as a natural antiseptic to reduce any harmful bacteria
in the mouth.
Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods
Now these measures can help temporarily, but they won’t fix the underlying issue.
Final thoughts
A toothache is your body’s way of telling you something needs attention. If you’re unsure, it’s always
safer to get it checked early. Acting quickly can prevent more serious problems and get you out of
pain faster.