A toothache can feel different depending on what’s causing it.

The type of pain you have can help explain what might be going on.

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Sharp pain when you eat or drink something cold

This type of pain may be caused by:

• Receding gums.
• A lost or worn filling.
• A cracked or broken tooth.

What you can try short-term:

• Use a desensitising toothpaste.
• Brush twice a day for two minutes as normal.
• At night, rub a small amount of the toothpaste onto the sore area and leave it on overnight.
• If cold air makes it worse, covering your mouth when outside may help.

If there is no improvement after two weeks, make an appointment with your dentist.

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Pain when you bite down

Pain when biting can be a sign of:

• A cracked tooth.
• Tooth decay.
• A loose filling.

This type of pain should always be checked by a dentist.

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A dull, lingering ache

A constant or ongoing ache that:

• Comes and goes.
• Needs painkillers to manage.

This may mean the nerve inside the tooth is irritated, damaged, or dying.

You will need to see a dentist for further checks.

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Severe pain that keeps you awake at night

If you have severe pain that:

• Does not improve with painkillers.
• Is throbbing or constant.
• Comes with swelling or a lump in the mouth or face.

This may be caused by an infection or a dental abscess.

Contact a dentist urgently.

You may need medication to control the infection and further dental treatment.

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Dental swelling – when to get urgent help

Swelling in the mouth, face, or neck can sometimes be serious.

Seek emergency medical care immediately if swelling occurs that:

• Affects your breathing.
• Makes it hard to swallow.
• Affects your vision.
• Spreads towards your eye or neck.
• Comes with fever and severe pain.

Contact a dentist urgently for same-day care if:

• You have facial swelling.
• The swelling is getting bigger.
• You have significant pain.

Do not ignore swelling. Infections can spread quickly and may become dangerous.

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Important to remember

Pain relief can help ease discomfort, but it does not fix the cause of the toothache.

Getting dental advice early can prevent small problems from becoming serious.

If you’re unsure what’s causing your pain, or if it’s getting worse, seek dental care as soon as possible.