What Causes Tooth Pain? Best Treatments for Tooth Pain

A sudden tooth twinge is a type of sharp and intense pain that many people experience. This pain may be caused by tooth decay, sensitivity, inflammation, infection, or a cracked tooth, and it’s best to see a dentist to determine the cause.

Sometimes, the pain is triggered when consuming cold, hot, or sweet foods, or when pressure is applied to the tooth while chewing. In some cases, it may begin without any clear reason.

This pain is more commonly felt in the lower front teeth and can be very bothersome. Knowing the cause of a sudden tooth twinge helps in finding the right treatment and prevents the problem from getting worse. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups is the best way to prevent sudden tooth pain and other dental issues.

 

Main Causes of Sudden Tooth Twinges

A sudden tooth twinge is one of those pains many of us have experienced at least once in our lives. This pain may strike suddenly or appear after consuming something cold or hot. There are various reasons for this type of pain, depending on the location of the tooth and the intensity of the pain. Below are the most common causes of sudden tooth twinges:

• Tooth decay: Bacteria penetrating the inner layers and forming cavities;
• Abscess or root infection: Pus accumulation in the pulp or gum tissue;
• Tooth fracture or crack: Creating a pathway for air or bacteria to enter the pulp;
• Damage to a filled or crowned tooth: Restorative materials may crack or become loose;
• Bruxism (teeth grinding): Grinding can irritate the tooth nerves;
• Eruption of a new or wisdom tooth: Especially common in young adults, causing sharp pain;
• Gum disease or plaque buildup: Gum inflammation and root irritation;
• Enamel erosion and dentin sensitivity: Causes sudden pain with cold or hot liquids;
• Sensitivity to cold, hot, or sour foods: Makes sensitive teeth react painfully;
• Using the wrong toothpaste: May be a cause of pain in an otherwise healthy tooth.

 

 

Sudden Pain in a Filled Tooth

 A sudden twinge in a filled tooth is one of the problems that may occur after dental restoration and can have various causes. One common reason is the loosening or cracking of the filling material, which can irritate the tooth nerve.

Also, if the restorative material puts too much pressure on the nerve or the tooth has not been properly shaped, the chance of sudden pain increases. In rare cases, a person may be allergic to the filling material, which can also cause brief and sudden pain.

If you experience a tooth twinge while chewing, drinking cold water, or consuming hot foods after a filling, a prompt check-up is essential. Sometimes, the real cause behind the pain in a filled tooth is a hidden abscess or pulp irritation, which can lead to more serious issues if left untreated.

To relieve this pain, re-treatment or replacing the filling material is usually recommended.

 

Sudden Pain in a Crowned Tooth

 If a crown is not properly fitted or if the tooth underneath is decayed or infected, the likelihood of experiencing a sharp pain increases. Common causes of sudden pain in a crowned tooth include:
 • A high crown puts excessive pressure on the tooth while chewing, which can lead to sudden pain;
 • If the crown is loose, bacteria can enter the space underneath, causing inflammation and pain;
 • The tooth beneath the crown may still be decayed or damaged and cause discomfort;
 • If a root canal was not completed properly, the remaining active nerve may cause pain;
 • An infection beneath the tooth leads to inflammation, pressure, and as a result, sharp pain;
 • Pressure from nighttime teeth grinding can irritate the crowned tooth;
 • In some cases, crown cement can cause sensitivity or a painful reaction;
 • Gum recession can expose the sensitive part of the tooth and cause discomfort;
 • An old crack in the tooth may worsen under pressure and become painful;
 • If the tooth was previously damaged, it may still react despite being crowned.

 

Treating Sudden Tooth Pain with Traditional Medicine

 Treating sudden tooth pain through traditional medicine is a natural and low-risk method for reducing pain and inflammation, which can be helpful alongside professional treatments. However, it's important to note that these remedies are not substitutes for visiting a dentist and are only used temporarily to relieve discomfort.

 • Turmeric: Has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce inflammation in and around the tooth.
 • Clove: With its numbing effect, it helps reduce tooth pain and provides relief.
 • Guava leaves: Soothe gum inflammation and surrounding tissues, helping to ease the pain.
 • Diluted hydrogen peroxide: Effectively disinfects the infected area and promotes faster pain relief.

To accurately determine the cause of sudden tooth pain—such as decay, abscess, a crack, or nerve irritation—it is best to consult a dentist so that the most appropriate treatment can be selected.

 

 

When Does Sudden Tooth Pain Require Immediate Dental Attention?

 If sudden tooth pain lasts more than 24 to 48 hours or is accompanied by fever, swelling, or bad breath—especially if the pain comes from a previously filled or crowned tooth, such as a crowned or filled tooth experiencing sharp pain—immediate dental care is essential. During pregnancy, if sudden tooth pain occurs, it’s important to visit a dentist with extra caution.

Also, in cases where the pain radiates to the ear or spreads to the face, sinuses, or throat, it could indicate a spreading infection. Ignoring these symptoms may lead to the need for more advanced treatments like root canal therapy or tooth extraction.

 

Ways to Prevent Sudden Tooth Pain

 To avoid sudden tooth pain, it's important to take good care of your teeth from the beginning. Issues like decay, sensitivity, or cracks are often preventable. If we maintain good oral hygiene, we’re less likely to experience sudden pain and can also reduce dental costs. Below are a few simple and effective ways to prevent tooth pain:
 • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste suitable for sensitive teeth;
 • Floss daily to remove plaque and food debris;
 • Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent infection;
 • Avoid extremely cold, hot, or acidic drinks that can damage tooth enamel;
 • Use a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping;
 • Visit the dentist every six months for regular check-ups;
 • Avoid excessive consumption of sugary and sticky foods;
 • Drink enough water to keep the mouth moist and prevent bacterial growth;
 • Avoid opening bottles or breaking objects with your teeth;
 • Change your toothpaste if you experience pain in a healthy or front tooth.

 

 

Conclusion

 What does sudden tooth pain indicate?

This type of pain can be caused by various issues such as decay, cracks, abscesses, sensitivity, or even physical pressure. Sometimes, even teeth that appear healthy can hurt—this is known as pain in a healthy tooth.

It’s important to identify the cause of tooth pain to choose the right treatment. Home remedies like cold water may help in the early stages, but if the pain persists or worsens, a visit to the dentist is necessary.

By maintaining oral hygiene and using the right toothpaste, many cases of front tooth pain, pain in a filled tooth, or pain in a canine tooth can be reduced. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and identifying the cause of sudden tooth pain in front teeth or other areas in time helps prevent more serious damage. To evaluate the cause of your tooth pain, you can visit Dr. Ebadian’s Dental Clinic.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What causes sudden tooth pain?
   Most of the time, sudden tooth pain is caused by decay, sensitivity to hot and cold, infection, or nerve damage.
• Why does sudden pain in the lower front teeth occur more often?
   Lower front teeth are more exposed to impact and pressure, and they may also be more sensitive to environmental factors.
• Is pain in a filled tooth a serious problem?
   Yes. It may be due to a loose or cracked filling, or an infection beneath the filling, which requires immediate treatment.