Why teeth hurt
Short answer
Tooth pain usually comes from a cavity, an inflamed nerve, gum problems, or a cracked tooth.
Simple explanation
Different pains often mean different problems: sharp pain with cold usually points to sensitivity or a small cavity. Deep, throbbing pain often points to the nerve. Pain when biting can be a cracked tooth or high filling.
When this usually matters
Understanding the type of pain helps you describe it to the dentist.
When to seek dental help
Any pain that lasts more than 2–3 days, wakes you at night, or comes with swelling should be seen.
Questions to ask your dentist
- •Do I need an X-ray to find the cause?
- •Is the pain coming from a cavity, the nerve, the gums, or a cracked tooth?
- •Based on the cause, what are my treatment options?
This is simple educational information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a dental examination. Your dentist may recommend something different depending on your mouth, X-rays, pain, infection, gums, bone, medical history, and clinical judgment.