Sudden Tooth Pain? Here’s What Might Be Causing It

Tooth pain can strike when you least expect it - biting into a sandwich, sipping a cold drink, or even in the middle of the night. If you've experienced sudden tooth pain, you know how uncomfortable and disruptive it can be. At Monread Dental, we understand how important it is to get to the root of the issue quickly. Here are some of the most common causes of sudden tooth pain and what you can do about them.

1. Tooth Decay

Cavities are one of the most frequent culprits behind sudden toothaches. As decay progresses, it can expose the sensitive inner layers of your tooth, causing sharp pain, especially when eating sweets or hot/cold foods.

What to do: Schedule a dental exam promptly. Early treatment, such as a filling, can stop the decay and relieve your pain.

2. Dental Abscess

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often resulting from untreated decay or trauma. This condition usually brings intense, throbbing pain, swelling, and sometimes even fever.

What to do: This is a dental emergency. Contact Monread Dental right away for assessment and treatment.

3. Cracked or Chipped Tooth

You might not even realise you’ve cracked a tooth until pain flares up - often while chewing or when the tooth is exposed to temperature changes.

What to do: Avoid chewing on the affected side and book an appointment as soon as possible. Depending on the crack, treatment may range from bonding to a crown or root canal.

4. Gum Recession

Receding gums expose the tooth roots, which aren’t protected by enamel. This exposure can make your teeth highly sensitive to temperature and pressure changes.

What to do: Good oral hygiene and desensitising toothpaste can help, but a dental visit is necessary to assess the extent and explore treatment options like deep cleaning or gum grafts.

5. Sinus Infection

Surprisingly, tooth pain - especially in the upper back teeth - can sometimes be caused by a sinus infection. This happens because the roots of those teeth are located near the sinuses.

What to do: If your tooth pain is accompanied by sinus pressure, congestion, or a cold, speak with your GP and mention the dental symptoms to your dentist too.

6. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Grinding your teeth, especially at night, can wear down enamel, irritate nerves, and cause sudden or ongoing pain. If you experience morning headaches, jaw pain or sensitivity, or your partner hears you grinding while you're asleep - these are typical symptoms of bruxism and should be reported to your dentist.

What to do: A custom nightguard from Monread Dental will protect your teeth and help relieve the discomfort.

Don’t Wait. Get Relief Today

Sudden tooth pain should never be ignored. Whether it’s a minor sensitivity or a sharp jolt of pain, it's your body's way of telling you something's not right.

Our job is to diagnose the issue and get you back to smiling, pain free.

Book an appointment today and let our experienced team take care of you.

📍 Located in Naas, Co. Kildare | 📞 045 898 546 | 🌐 Visit us at www.monreaddental.com