Dental question about taxonomy:symptom:tooth-pain
Tooth pain comes from irritated tooth or surrounding tissues, and the location, trigger, and duration help identify the cause.
The short answer
Tooth pain is a symptom caused by irritation or inflammation in a tooth, its pulp, the ligament around its root, or nearby gum tissue.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Common causes include decay, a crack, a leaking restoration, exposed dentine, gum disease, an abscess, or pressure from an erupting wisdom tooth.
What can you do next?
Keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and use label-directed pain relief if appropriate. Do not put chemicals or tablets directly on the tooth or gum.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek urgent assessment for swelling, fever, pus, severe pain, or a broken tooth. Breathing or swallowing difficulty requires emergency help.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask which tissue is causing the pain, whether the nerve is recoverable, and what examination or imaging is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a tooth hurt with cold drinks?
Exposed dentine or an inflamed pulp can transmit temperature changes; persistent pain needs examination.
Can the dentist find the painful tooth?
Yes. Cold, tapping, bite, gum, and imaging tests can compare neighbouring teeth.