Severe Toothache

A severe toothache is strong, persistent tooth pain that interferes with eating, sleeping, or concentrating. It can be constant or throbbing, and it may get worse with hot or cold food, with pressure, or when you lie down. Common causes include deep decay, a cracked tooth, gum problems, or infection inside the tooth, and the cause is not always obvious from the pain alone.

What Severe Toothache involves

A dentist will ask about when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and whether there is swelling or a recent injury. An examination and, when needed, an X-ray can help identify the tooth involved and whether infection or damage is present, so the treatment can address the cause rather than only the pain.

Signs of Severe Toothache

• Strong or throbbing pain that does not settle
• Pain that worsens with hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Pain when biting or when the tooth is touched
• Swelling, a bad taste, or a fever along with the pain

What to do right away for Severe Toothache

• Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and clean around the sore tooth
• Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods on that side
• Do not place painkillers directly on the gum, and follow the directions on any medicine you take
• Call for dental help promptly, especially if swelling or fever is present

How a dentist may help with Severe Toothache

• Examine the tooth and the surrounding gum
• Take an X-ray when needed to look for decay, a crack, or infection
• Treat the cause, which may include a filling, a root canal procedure, or another dental treatment
• Give advice on pain relief and follow-up until the tooth settles

When to seek urgent care for Severe Toothache

Seek urgent care if there is swelling of the face or neck, trouble opening your mouth, trouble swallowing, a fever, or pain after an injury.

General information on this page is not medical advice. A dentist who examines you can give advice for your situation.

Related emergency dental help

• Tooth Abscess
• Root Canals
• Tooth Extraction

Emergency Dental Services — back to the full list. Contact Emergency Dentist for general enquiries, or call for urgent help.

Frequently asked questions about Severe Toothache

Should I wait to see if a severe toothache goes away?

Severe pain that persists is a reason to call promptly. Pain that fades on its own can still come from a problem that needs checking.

Can a toothache be caused by something other than a tooth?

Sometimes pain in the jaw, sinuses, or nearby areas can feel like tooth pain. A dentist can help identify the tooth involved.

What information helps the dentist?

Note when the pain started, what triggers it, whether there is swelling, and any recent injury or dental work.