Why Do My Teeth Hurt? 9 Common Causes and How to Find Relief

Tooth pain has a way of demanding your full attention. One moment you're going about your day, the next you're wincing every time you sip your coffee or bite into lunch. If you've found yourself googling "why do my teeth hurt" at 2 AM, you're definitely not alone.

At Cambridge City Dental, we see patients every week who've been dealing with dental pain and just want answers. The truth is, tooth pain rarely sorts itself out. Understanding what's behind your discomfort is the first step toward getting proper relief and protecting your long-term oral health. If you are experiencing dental pain, make sure to book in for a check-up and clean or an emergency dental appointment.

What Your Tooth Pain Might Be Telling You

Your teeth aren't meant to hurt. When they do, it's usually your body's way of flagging something that needs attention. The type of pain you're experiencing (sharp, dull, throbbing, or fleeting) can actually point us toward the underlying cause.

Sometimes the answer is straightforward. Other times, what feels like a dental issue might surprise you. Let's walk through the most common reasons teeth start hurting and what you can do about each one.

1. Dental Decay and Cavities

Tooth decay remains the number one reason people experience toothache across Australia. When bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars, they produce acids that gradually eat away at your tooth enamel. Once decay reaches the softer dentin layer beneath, you'll likely notice sensitivity or pain, especially with sweet, hot, or cold foods.

Left untreated, decay doesn't stop. It continues deeper into the tooth structure, eventually reaching the pulp where nerves live. That's when pain can become constant and quite severe.

We treat cavities with white fillings that blend naturally with your teeth. The earlier we catch decay, the simpler (and more comfortable) the treatment. Regular dental check-ups and cleans help us spot problems before they cause pain.

2. Sensitive Teeth from Enamel Erosion

If your teeth hurt when you drink cold water or eat ice cream, you're probably dealing with tooth sensitivity. This happens when the protective enamel layer wears thin or when gums recede, exposing the dentin underneath. Dentin contains tiny tubules that lead directly to the tooth's nerve, which is why cold temperatures or acidic foods can trigger sharp pain.

Several things contribute to enamel erosion: brushing too hard with a hard toothbrush, acidic foods and drinks (citrus fruits, soft drinks), or simply age. Grinding your teeth at night doesn't help either, as it literally wears away the outer layer of your teeth.

A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help. During your check-up, we can also apply fluoride products or desensitising treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce discomfort. Sometimes what seems like a minor annoyance is actually your teeth asking for gentler care.

3. Gum Disease and Receding Gums

Gum disease affects roughly 30% of Australian adults aged 35-54, and it's sneaky. Early stages (gingivitis) might only cause slight bleeding when you brush. But as it progresses to periodontitis, you'll notice gum recession, loose teeth, bad breath, and yes, dental pain.

When gums pull away from teeth, they expose the sensitive tooth roots. This creates pockets where plaque buildup accumulates, leading to infection and inflammation of the gum tissue. The pain can be dull and persistent, or it might flare up when you're eating.

We treat gum disease with professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line. In more advanced cases, deep cleaning procedures help gum tissue reattach to teeth. The good news? With proper treatment and good oral hygiene at home, most gum problems are preventable.

4. Cracked or Chipped Tooth

A cracked tooth can be tricky to diagnose because the pain often comes and goes. You might feel sharp pain when biting down, then nothing at all. That's because the crack opens slightly under pressure, irritating the inner layers of the tooth where nerves sit.

Cracks happen. Maybe you bit down on something hard (ice, popcorn kernels, hard lollies), or perhaps you took a knock playing sport. Sometimes, teeth develop hairline fractures simply from years of chewing and temperature changes.

The treatment depends on the crack's severity. Small chips might only need smoothing or bonding. Deeper cracks often require a crown to hold the tooth together and prevent further damage. If the crack extends into the pulp, root canal treatment might be necessary. Either way, a chipped tooth won't heal on its own, so it's worth having us take a look.

5. Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)

Up to one in five Australian adults grind or clench their teeth, often without realising it. Most grinding happens during sleep, so you might wake up with a dull headache, jaw soreness, or generalised tooth pain. Over time, bruxism wears down tooth enamel, causes tooth sensitivity, and can even lead to cracked teeth.

Stress is a major trigger. So is an uneven bite or missing teeth that throw off your jaw alignment. Some people also grind their teeth as a side effect of certain medications.

A custom mouth guard worn at night protects your teeth from the forces of grinding or clenching. These guards cushion your teeth and reduce strain on your jaw. We take impressions of your teeth to create a guard that fits comfortably and actually stays in place while you sleep.

6. Dental Abscess or Infection

A dental abscess is a serious infection that forms at the tooth root or in the gum tissue. It's usually the result of untreated tooth decay or severe gum disease. The pain is typically intense and throbbing, and you might notice swelling in your face, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth.

This is one situation where you shouldn't wait. An abscess won't resolve on its own, and the infection can spread to other parts of your body. If you're experiencing severe, persistent pain with swelling, call us straight away on (08) 9382 8266. We offer same-day emergency appointments for urgent dental issues like this.

Treatment usually involves draining the abscess and addressing the underlying cause (through root canal therapy or extraction). Antibiotics may be used as an adjunct to root canal therapy.

7. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, and they don't always have enough room. When wisdom teeth become impacted (by leaning onto the adjacent teeth or the jawbone), they can cause significant pain, swelling, and pressure.

You might also notice difficulty opening your mouth fully, or tenderness and redness around the back of your gums. Sometimes impacted wisdom teeth partially break through, creating a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria, leading to infection.

Not all wisdom teeth need removal, but impacted ones that cause pain or dental issues usually do. We assess each situation with X-rays and discuss whether extraction makes sense for you.

8. Sinus Infection (Referred Pain)

Here's something that surprises people: sometimes tooth pain isn't actually coming from your teeth. The roots of your upper back teeth sit very close to your sinus cavities. When you have a sinus infection, the pressure and inflammation can create pain that feels exactly like a toothache. This is known as referred pain.

If your tooth pain appeared alongside a stuffy nose, facial pressure, or a recent cold, sinusitis might be the culprit. The pain often affects multiple upper teeth rather than just one, and it may get worse when you bend forward or lie down.

We can take diagnostic X-rays to determine whether your pain has a dental cause or if you have sinusitis. If it's sinus-related, treating the infection usually resolves the tooth pain as well.

9. Recent Dental Procedures

It's completely normal to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort after dental work. Fillings, crowns, or deep cleanings can leave teeth feeling a bit tender for a few days. This happens because we've been working near the tooth's nerves, and they need time to settle down.

The discomfort should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and should gradually improve. If pain persists beyond a week, gets worse, or becomes severe, give us a call. Sometimes an adjustment to a filling or crown is all that's needed to resolve the issue.

When Tooth Pain Becomes an Emergency

Most tooth pain warrants a dental appointment, but certain symptoms require urgent care:

• Severe, unrelenting pain that keeps you awake.

• Swelling in your face, jaw, or neck.

• Fever accompanying dental pain.

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing.

• Bleeding that won't stop.

If you're experiencing any of these red flags, don't wait for regular business hours. Contact us immediately for an emergency appointment.

How to Help Sore Teeth at Home (Temporarily)

While you're waiting for your dental appointment, there are some things you can do to lessen the pain temporarily.

Please note: These are short-term measures, not solutions. If your pain lasts more than 24 hours or worsens, book an appointment. Tooth problems rarely improve on their own.

• Over-the-counter pain relief: Ibuprofen or paracetamol can help manage discomfort (Speak to your pharmacist or doctor for advise). Follow the packet directions and never give aspirin to children under 16.

• Salt water rinse: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gently swish it around your mouth. This can reduce inflammation and temporarily ease pain.

• Cold compress: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to your cheek for 15-minute intervals. This helps with swelling and numbs the area slightly.

• Soft diet: Stick to foods that don't require much chewing. Avoid anything extremely hot, cold, or acidic until you've seen us.

• Desensitising toothpaste: If sensitivity is your main issue, switch to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth and use a soft-bristle toothbrush.

Why Regular Check-Ups Prevent Most Tooth Pain

Here's something worth knowing: only about 53% of Australians visit a dentist every 12 months. That means half the population is missing out on the single best way to prevent tooth pain and catch problems early.

During a routine dental check-up and clean, we examine your teeth for early signs of decay, check your gums for disease, and remove plaque buildup that your toothbrush misses. We can often spot and treat issues before they cause any discomfort at all.

For families, bringing everyone in together makes it easier to stay on top of oral health. Kids benefit from early cavity detection and preventive treatments like fluoride varnish. Adults can address small problems before they turn into painful (and expensive) emergencies.

How Cambridge City Dental Can Help Your Tooth Pain

We're located at 3/98 Cambridge Street in West Leederville, just minutes from Subiaco and Wembley. Whether you're dealing with sudden pain or ongoing sensitivity, our team focuses on finding the cause and providing effective, gentle treatment.

We offer:

• Same-day emergency appointments for severe pain or dental trauma.

• Comprehensive examinations with digital X-rays.

• Treatment options explained clearly, with transparent pricing discussed upfront.

• Flexible payment plans and HICAPS claiming for private health extras.

• A calm, modern environment designed with your comfort in mind.

• Specific care for children who are experiencing tooth pain.

If you're missing teeth and dealing with pain from the gaps or ill-fitting dentures, we also provide dental implants as a long-term solution that restores both function and comfort.

Book an appointment with one of our friendly dentists today!