I have a bad toothache
A bad toothache needs a dental examination because it can result from decay reaching the pulp, an abscess, a crack, gum disease, trauma, or a bite problem
The short answer
A bad toothache needs a dental examination because it can result from decay reaching the pulp, an abscess, a crack, gum disease, trauma, or a bite problem. Pain relief can reduce symptoms but does not remove the dental cause.
How can I protect the painful tooth until review?
Until seen, rinse gently, clean around the tooth, avoid very hot, cold, sweet, or hard foods, and use an over-the-counter pain medicine only as directed on its label and suitable for your health history. Do not put aspirin on the gum.
How will the dentist identify the painful tooth?
The dentist localizes the tooth with examination, tapping, bite tests, temperature or electrical pulp tests, and dental X-rays when needed. Treatment may involve a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, extraction, or periodontal care.
When does severe toothache need prompt dental care?
Contact a dentist promptly for severe, persistent, or night pain, pain on biting, swelling, fever, a bad taste, or a broken tooth. Go to urgent medical care for facial or neck swelling with trouble breathing or swallowing.
What should you ask about the cause of severe toothache?
Ask what structure is causing the pain, whether the pulp is involved, what treatment preserves the tooth, and what symptoms mean the infection is spreading.
Frequently asked questions
What will the dentist check?
The dentist will examine the relevant teeth, gums, bite, restorations, and surrounding tissues, using tests or imaging when indicated.
Keep reading
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.