Why does my tooth hurt intermittently?

Sharp, Intermittent Tooth Sensitivity or Pain:Sensitivity to cold may denote gum recession, enamel loss from over-brushing or aging, wear and tear or a small dental cavity. Sensitivity to heat may also signify a small cavity, but it could be the result of an abscess, crack or severe decay.

Why does tooth pain come and go?

There are several different issues that can lead to throbbing tooth pain that comes and goes. These include: Tooth decay – Bacteria and the related plaque can build up on the teeth leading to decay. Gum disease – Bacteria underneath the gums can lead to inflammation, swelling, and even gum loss.

Can you have a toothache that comes and goes?

You may feel toothache in many ways. It can come and go or be constant. Eating or drinking can make the pain worse, particularly if the food or drink is hot or cold. The pain can also be mild or severe.

Why does my tooth keep randomly hurting?

Tooth decay, also referred to as a cavity, might be the reason why your teeth have suddenly started bothering you. Tooth decay can linger on the sides or tops of your tooth enamel without being noticed for some time. Once the decay begins to progress toward an infection, you may start experiencing pain in your tooth.

What can mimic a toothache?

Nerve Disorders

A painful nerve condition called trigeminal neuralgia is often confused with a bad toothache. The trigeminal nerve—actually a pair of primarily sensory nerves—leaves the brain at the base of the skull and travels through soft tissue to reach each side of the face.

Tooth pain? It's telling you the important signal

Why does my tooth hurt but no cavity?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the inner layer of your tooth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. This type of toothache occurs even when there's no cavity to find. Dentin usually becomes exposed when there's a wearing away of enamel or gum recession.

Is occasional tooth pain normal?

An intermittent pain may seem little more than an occasional bother, while a chronic pain may prompt you to take immediate action. Regardless of the type, your toothache should be evaluated by a dental professional through an oral health examination.

Can a toothache go away by itself?

Can my toothache go away on its own? Some toothaches that come from pain around (but not inside) your tooth can get better without a trip to the dentist. Pain from a temporary irritation (redness) in the gum can be resolved within a few days. During this time try not to chew around the affected area.

Will tooth nerve pain go away?

Tooth nerve pain is unlikely to go away on its own and instead goes away when the problem that caused the nerve to be exposed is corrected.

What does nerve pain in tooth feel like?

Tooth nerve pain can feel severe like a sharp, stabbing pain or as little as a dull ache. If your tooth nerve is exposed, particular foods and drinks will probably trigger the pain. Pain in an exposed tooth nerve can be triggered by foods and drinks that are hot or cold, sugary, acidic, or sour.

Does root canal pain come and go?

When you have an infected root canal, the tooth is basically dying and decaying. The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharper shooting pain. It can be constant or come and go but pain almost always accompanies the need for a root canal treatment. If not treated, the infection can spread and create even worse pain.

Can a tooth nerve heal itself?

Nerve Damage Does Not Heal Itself…

There may be times where a dentist could identify techniques to reverse minor nerve pain, but only when there is mild inflammation.

How do you calm tooth nerve pain?

How do you know if root canal is needed?

If you feel pain in your tooth while you're drinking or eating something hot or cold you might need a root canal. The sensitivity can manifest itself as a sharp pain or a dull ache, and if you can feel it for a longer period of time, even after you finish drinking or earing.

Does a throbbing tooth mean infection?

Throbbing tooth pain is a sign that you might have tooth damage. Tooth decay or a cavity can give you a toothache. Throbbing tooth pain can also happen if there is an infection in the tooth or in the gums surrounding it. Toothaches are typically caused by an infection or inflammation in the tooth.

How do you tell if your tooth is infected?

Will brushing teeth stop toothache?

You should not neglect brushing the affected tooth, as this will accelerate the rate that bacteria builds up in and around the cavity. This build up of bacteria may make the swelling, and hence the pain, even worse. Brushing your teeth will not, however, make the toothache go away (sadly).

How long can a toothache go untreated?

If left untreated, it may take a few more weeks or months for the infection to spread to other tissues and cause complications. However, once this has happened, death can occur quickly. Factors like older age, having diabetes, or being immunocompromised can increase your risk of complications from a dental abscess.

Does tooth pain always mean infection?

Even if your pain goes away, this does not mean the infection did. A tooth infection can kill the nerves that cause tooth pain, only spreading the infection further if left untreated.

Does a sore tooth always mean cavity?

Tooth pain is not always caused by cavities. In fact, cavities generally do not cause tooth pain unless they are left untreated, in which case you may require a root canal. If you are experiencing any form of tooth pain, you should consult with your dentist who can identify the actual cause of your tooth discomfort.

What kills tooth pain instantly?

There are many toothache remedies to instantly relieve pain, which include cold compresses, hot packs, over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), pain-relieving oral gel, salt water rinse, garlic, peppermint tea bags, clove oil, homemade thyme mouthwash, and acupuncture.

How do you stop a toothache in seconds?

How do you know if the nerve in your tooth is exposed?

Exposed Tooth Root Symptoms

Sensitivity pain that persists long after your tooth came in contact with hot or cold beverages and food. Tender, swollen, or bleeding gums. Discoloration of the affected tooth. Infection of the nerve of the tooth, often accompanied by swelling and pain.

Will tooth pain go away without root canal?

The short answer is no, a tooth that needs a root canal cannot heal itself. The long answer is fairly straightforward. The infected tissue inside a tooth cannot heal by itself and will only get worse over time if left untreated. Even if you experience no pain, you should still seek treatment.

How do I know if my tooth is dying?

A dying tooth may appear yellow, light brown, gray, or even black. It may look almost as if the tooth is bruised. The discoloration will increase over time as the tooth continues to decay and the nerve dies. If you experience any symptoms of a dying tooth, it's important to see your dentist right away.