Dental Pain
Many things can cause dental pain. A crack or cavity in a tooth can cause tooth pain. This is because the crack or cavity exposes the sensitive inner area of the tooth. An infection in the gum or the tooth's root can also cause pain and swelling. The pain is often made worse when you have hot or cold food or drink. It can also be worse when you bite on hard foods. Pain may spread from the tooth to your ear, or to the part of the jaw on the same side.
Other possible sources of tooth pain are:
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Broken tooth (tooth fracture).
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Damaged filling.
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Repeated movements, such as chewing, grinding, or clenching.
Home care
Follow these tips when caring for yourself at home:
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Don't have hot and cold foods and drinks. Your tooth may be sensitive to changes in temperature.
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Use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. Brush gently up and down instead of sideways. Brushing sideways can wear away root surfaces if they are exposed.
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If your tooth is chipped or cracked, see a dentist right away.
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Use a cold pack. Put a cold pack on your jaw over the sore area to help reduce swelling and pain.
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Ask your doctor about using over-the-counter medicine for pain, unless your doctor prescribed another medicine. If you have long-term (chronic) liver or kidney disease, talk with your doctor before using acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Also talk with your doctor if you’ve had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
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Be aware of the signs of infection. If you have signs of an infection, you will be given an antibiotic. Take it as directed and finish all the medicine, even if you feel better, to be sure the infection has cleared.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your dentist as advised. Your pain may go away with the treatment given today. But only a dentist can fully check and treat the cause of your pain. This will keep the pain from coming back.
Call 911
Call 911 if you have:
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Abnormal drowsiness or confusion.
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A headache or stiff neck.
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Weakness or fainting.
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Trouble swallowing or breathing.
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Vision problems.
When to get medical advice
Contact your doctor or get medical care right away if:
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Your face gets swollen or red.
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Pain gets worse or spreads to your neck.
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You have a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.
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Pus drains from the tooth.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed:
6/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.