17/06/2026
  • 03 9557 0957
  • Opening Hours
    • Mon - Wed: 9.00-17.00
    • Thursday: 9.00 - 19.00
    • Friday: 9.00-17.00
    • Saturday: 8.00 - 13.00
    • Sunday: Closed

What Causes Tooth Pain?

A toothache is a symptom rather than a condition itself.

Pain can develop for a number of reasons, including:

  • Tooth decay
  • A cracked or damaged tooth
  • Infection inside the tooth
  • Gum disease
  • Teeth grinding
  • Impacted wisdom teeth
  • Food trapped between teeth

The severity of the pain does not always indicate the seriousness of the problem, so it's important to have persistent tooth pain assessed.

Toothache

Common Signs and Symptoms

Toothache can present in different ways.

You may experience:

  • Constant or intermittent pain
  • Sharp pain when eating or drinking
  • Pain when biting or chewing
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
  • Swelling around a tooth or gum
  • Pain that radiates into the jaw, ear or face

If you experience swelling, severe pain, or worsening symptoms, you should seek dental care as soon as possible.

How Is Toothache Treated?

Treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause of the pain.

Possible treatment options may include:

Tooth Fillings

If tooth decay is responsible, a filling may restore the damaged tooth and relieve symptoms.

Root Canal Treatment

If the nerve inside the tooth has become inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be required.

Gum Disease Treatment

If the pain is related to gum infection or inflammation, gum disease treatment may be recommended.

Wisdom Teeth Treatment

Impacted or infected wisdom teeth can also cause significant discomfort and may require further treatment or wisdom teeth removal.

When Should You See a Dentist?

While some mild tooth discomfort may settle, an ongoing toothache should never be ignored.

We recommend arranging a dental examination if:

  • The pain lasts more than a day or two
  • Pain is affecting eating or sleeping
  • You notice swelling
  • The tooth is sensitive to temperature
  • You suspect a cracked or damaged tooth

If you're experiencing a toothache or unexplained dental pain, early assessment can often prevent more complex problems from developing.

Quick and easy online booking - takes less than a minute.