Causes of Toothache and How to Treat It

Toothache can be incredibly disruptive. It creeps up when you least expect it—during a quiet dinner, a good night’s sleep, or a busy day at work—and suddenly becomes impossible to ignore.

Whether it’s sharp, throbbing, or dull, the pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Ignoring a toothache never ends well.

Sometimes, it’s a simple issue with an easy fix. At other times, it’s a sign of something more serious that requires immediate attention.

The sooner you understand what might be behind your discomfort, the sooner you can take action to relieve it.

Here are 7 of the most common causes of toothache and how each one can be treated.

1. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most frequent causes of toothache. It starts when bacteria in your mouth break down food particles, especially sugars, and produce acid that erodes your tooth enamel.

Over time, this process creates cavities. You may not notice a cavity until the decay reaches deeper layers of the tooth.

At that point, the pain can become constant or triggered by eating, drinking, or even brushing. Your dentist can treat early-stage decay with a filling.

A root canal may be recommended if the cavity is deep and has extended into the tooth’s pulp. Regular check-ups can help detect decay before it becomes painful and requires treatment.

2. Gum Disease

When your gums are inflamed or infected, you might feel pain that seems like it’s coming from your teeth. Gum disease—gingivitis or periodontitis—can cause tenderness, swelling, and even bleeding.

If your teeth feel sore near the gum line or you notice bad breath and red gums, gum disease could be the reason. Professional cleaning is usually the first step.

If the disease has progressed, your Wodonga dentist may recommend deep cleaning techniques such as scaling and root planing. Daily brushing, flossing, and mouth rinses play a major role in long-term management.

3. Cracked or Chipped Teeth

Cracks can happen from biting something hard, a fall, or grinding your teeth in your sleep. Sometimes, the crack is too small to see, but it can still cause significant pain—especially when chewing or when exposed to heat or cold.

The tricky part is that the pain may come and go, making it easy to dismiss—until it gets worse. The solution depends on the depth of the crack.

Your dentist might recommend bonding, a crown, or, in some cases, a root canal. In some severe cases, the tooth might require extraction.

4. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Your wisdom teeth may be growing in the wrong direction or failing to erupt fully, thereby pressing against neighbouring teeth or even becoming infected. This often causes pain at the back of your jaw and may lead to swelling or difficulty opening your mouth.

You might also feel a dull ache radiating to your ear or neck. Impacted wisdom teeth typically require removal.

Extraction helps relieve the pressure and prevents infection or misalignment of your other teeth.

5. Tooth Sensitivity

If you experience sharp, sudden pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic, it could be due to tooth sensitivity. This usually occurs when the enamel wears down, or the gums recede, exposing the more sensitive dentin underneath.

You may also feel discomfort when brushing or breathing in cold air. Using a desensitising toothpaste can help reduce pain over time.

Your dentist may also prescribe fluoride therapies or dental veneers to seal exposed surfaces. It’s best to get sensitivity checked, as it can sometimes indicate early signs of decay or gum issues.

6. Dental Abscess

An abscess is a sharp infection that develops at the base of the tooth or the point of contact between the tooth and adjacent gum tissue. It usually results from untreated decay or gum disease.

When you experience swelling, pain (extreme), sour taste of the mouth or even fever, you might suffer a dental abscess. This condition can spread quickly and lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

Treatment may involve draining the abscess, performing a root canal, or, in some cases, extracting the tooth. Antibiotics are often prescribed to control the infection, but they’re not a substitute for proper dental treatment.

7. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

You might not realise you grind your teeth—especially if it happens while you sleep—but over time, this habit can wear down enamel and strain your jaw muscles, leading to toothaches and headaches.

If you wake up with jaw pain or notice your teeth look shorter or flatter, grinding could be the culprit. Your Wodonga dentist may suggest a night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

Stress management, jaw exercises, and other behavioural therapies may also help reduce grinding during the day or night.

Toothache Management in Wodonga

Pain is your body’s way of saying something needs attention—and when it comes to your teeth, that’s not something to ignore. Whether it’s a minor cavity or a more serious issue, such as an abscess, addressing the root of your toothache early can save you time, money, and unnecessary discomfort.

No matter the cause, there’s always a solution—and it starts with seeing your dentist. Book your appointment today at Prime Care Dental Wodonga, and let us help you find relief from toothache so you can smile, eat, and live comfortably again.

Call us at (02) 6024 1516 or visit us at 340 Beechworth Road in Wodonga.