Toothache That Comes and Goes — What Does It Mean?
If you’ve ever experienced a toothache that comes and goes, you probably know how uncomfortable it can be. Sometimes, the pain seems to disappear as quickly as it arrives, leaving you unsure of whether to ignore it or seek treatment. While a toothache is often associated with cavities, there are several possible reasons why your tooth might hurt intermittently. Understanding what’s causing this pain and when to seek professional care is crucial for keeping your dental health in check.
At Downtown Dental, we see patients in Westfield, NJ, dealing with all kinds of toothaches. Whether the pain is a dull ache that fades in and out or sharp, sudden twinges, it’s important to recognize what’s going on inside your mouth. This article will explore the different causes of intermittent toothache and offer guidance on what you can do about it, including effective toothache remedies and when to visit a dentist.
What Exactly Happens When You Feel Tooth Pain?
A toothache is a discomfort or pain that occurs around or within the tooth, often indicating a problem with the tooth or surrounding tissues. Pain in the teeth can arise from several sources, and it’s a sign that something is wrong. The tooth consists of several layers, including the enamel (the outermost layer), dentin, and the pulp (which contains nerves and blood vessels).
When something damages these layers—whether it’s decay, an infection, trauma, or pressure—pain signals are sent to the brain through nerves in the tooth. The intensity and nature of the pain depend on the severity and location of the damage. For example, a cavity might cause a dull ache, while an infection could lead to sharp, intense pain.
Tooth pain is often linked to nerve irritation, and the kind of pain you feel can be a clue about the specific problem. Additionally, how long the pain lasts and whether it’s constant or intermittent can provide important insight into what’s going on.
How Tooth Pain Can Vary: Acute vs. Chronic
Tooth pain can vary significantly depending on the cause. It can be either acute or chronic, which are terms used to describe the duration and severity of the pain.
Acute tooth pain is sudden, sharp, and intense. It typically comes on quickly and can be triggered by certain actions, such as chewing, biting down, or consuming hot or cold food. Acute pain is usually a sign of a serious issue, such as an abscess, cracked tooth, or an advanced cavity, and often requires prompt treatment.
Chronic tooth pain, on the other hand, lingers over time. It might come and go but lasts for weeks or even months. This type of pain often suggests an ongoing problem, like gum disease, tooth sensitivity, or a tooth that is slowly decaying. Chronic pain tends to be less intense than acute pain but can still be bothersome and affect your daily activities.
Knowing the type of pain you're experiencing can help guide treatment decisions and when to see a dentist.
Why Does a Toothache Come and Go?
Intermittent Toothache: The Causes You Might Not Have Considered
Toothaches that come and go can be particularly puzzling. The pain might not be constant, but it’s still a sign that something’s wrong. Intermittent tooth pain can be caused by a number of conditions that don’t always result in constant discomfort.
Here are a few potential causes you might not have considered:
Tooth Sensitivity: If you have sensitive teeth, certain stimuli like eating hot or cold foods may trigger short, sharp bursts of pain. This pain can subside once the temperature sensation dissipates. Sensitivity can be caused by gum recession, worn enamel, or cracked teeth.
Cavities: As a cavity forms, it can cause intermittent pain when food or drink comes into contact with the decayed area. Early-stage cavities may only hurt occasionally, depending on what you eat, but they become more painful and constant over time if left untreated.
Sinus Pressure: Sinus infections or sinus pressure can mimic a toothache, especially in the upper teeth, which are close to the sinuses. When the sinus cavity becomes congested, the pressure can lead to intermittent pain that may feel like a toothache. This type of pain often comes and goes and may be accompanied by sinus symptoms like congestion and facial tenderness.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): If you grind your teeth, you may experience intermittent pain, especially in the morning. The grinding can cause strain on the teeth, jaw, and muscles, leading to discomfort that comes and goes. Over time, bruxism can cause more significant damage if not treated.
Understanding the underlying cause of your toothache is key to addressing it properly. If your pain comes and goes, it’s important to pay attention to any patterns or triggers.
Factors That Can Trigger a Toothache at Specific Times
Certain activities, foods, or situations can trigger tooth pain that comes and goes. The timing of your toothache might be closely related to external factors. For example:
Temperature Sensitivity: Eating or drinking hot or cold foods is a common trigger for tooth pain. If your tooth pain intensifies when you consume temperature extremes, it might be due to tooth sensitivity, cavities, or enamel wear.
Eating Sweet or Acidic Foods: Sugary and acidic foods can trigger a toothache if there’s decay present. Sugar can feed bacteria, which produce acids that break down enamel and irritate sensitive nerves in the tooth. If your pain flares up after consuming certain foods, this could be the culprit.
Pressure from Chewing: If the pain appears when you chew, it could indicate an issue with the tooth’s structure, like a cavity or crack. Pressure from chewing activates the nerve endings in the affected area, leading to temporary pain that goes away once you stop chewing.
Nighttime Grinding: Teeth grinding often happens during sleep, and this can cause intermittent tooth pain. If you wake up with sore teeth or jaws, it may be linked to bruxism, which causes teeth to rub together with excessive force.
Identifying these triggers can help you and your dentist understand the cause of the intermittent pain and guide you toward an appropriate treatment plan.
Common Causes of Toothache That Comes and Goes
A toothache that appears intermittently can be frustrating and confusing, especially if it doesn’t last long or seems to go away on its own. However, while the pain might be temporary, it’s often a sign of an underlying dental issue that needs attention. Understanding the common causes behind an intermittent toothache can help you identify when you need to seek treatment. Here are the most common explanations for tooth pain that comes and goes:
1. Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Tooth decay, or cavities, is the most common cause of tooth pain. Initially, cavities might not cause any noticeable pain. The enamel, the outer layer of your tooth, is tough, but when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and produce acids, it can weaken the enamel and create small holes in the tooth. Early stages of decay typically don’t hurt much, but as the cavity worsens and penetrates deeper into the tooth, pain can develop.
If you have a cavity, the pain may be intermittent. The discomfort could come and go depending on what you eat or drink. Sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks can trigger pain because they affect the nerves inside the tooth. For instance, consuming a hot beverage or biting into something sweet can stimulate the nerve endings in the affected tooth, causing pain. However, the pain may subside once the trigger is removed. This fluctuating pain is a classic sign that decay is affecting the deeper layers of your tooth.
Over time, if the cavity is left untreated, it can worsen and cause more consistent pain. To prevent this, it’s important to see a dentist who can fill the cavity before the decay reaches the pulp, which is where the nerves and blood vessels are located.
2. Gum Disease (Gingivitis or Periodontitis)
Gum disease is another common reason for intermittent tooth pain. Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which causes inflammation and redness in the gums. Gingivitis can be triggered by plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene, or even hormonal changes. At this stage, you might experience occasional discomfort or mild bleeding when brushing or flossing. While it can be easy to overlook, gingivitis is a warning sign that your gums need attention.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to pockets where bacteria can thrive. As the infection progresses, it may cause pain that comes and goes, particularly when you chew or touch the gums. Swollen or bleeding gums are common symptoms, and if the condition worsens, the pain can become constant.
Proper treatment, such as professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene, can reverse gingivitis. However, periodontitis may require more intensive treatments like scaling and root planing to clean beneath the gum line.
3. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective enamel on your teeth wears down, or when your gums recede, exposing the sensitive dentin beneath. This condition makes your teeth more responsive to temperature changes, acidic foods, or even brushing with a hard toothbrush.
The pain from tooth sensitivity is usually sharp and sudden but tends to go away quickly once the stimulus is removed. For example, you may feel a quick, shooting pain when drinking something cold or hot, but it fades once the food or drink is no longer in contact with the tooth. Over time, if the underlying cause of tooth sensitivity isn’t addressed, the pain may increase and become more frequent.
Sensitive teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, including enamel erosion, gum recession, cracked teeth, or even grinding your teeth. Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help alleviate some discomfort, but it’s still important to visit a dentist to determine the cause of the sensitivity and prevent it from worsening.
4. Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A cracked or fractured tooth can lead to pain that comes and goes, depending on the severity of the crack and the movement of the tooth. A small crack might cause intermittent pain that you may only notice when chewing or biting down on a specific side of your mouth. The pain can be sharp and fleeting, but as the crack worsens, it can lead to more consistent discomfort.
Cracks in teeth can occur for a variety of reasons, including trauma to the tooth, grinding your teeth (bruxism), or even chewing on hard foods. The crack may not be visible, so you might not realize it’s the source of your pain. However, over time, untreated cracks can lead to deeper issues like infections or tooth loss.
If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist can use X-rays and other diagnostic tools to assess the crack and provide appropriate treatment, which might include a crown or filling to protect the tooth.
5. Abscessed Tooth (Dental Infection)
An abscessed tooth is a serious dental condition caused by a bacterial infection at the root of the tooth. This infection can cause severe pain that comes and goes, but it may also include other symptoms like swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth. An abscess is often the result of untreated cavities, cracks, or trauma to the tooth that allow bacteria to enter the pulp.
The pain from an abscessed tooth is usually throbbing and can intensify with time. It may come and go, but it tends to worsen as the infection spreads. If the abscess is left untreated, the infection can lead to more serious complications, including the spread of the infection to other parts of the body.
If you think you may have an abscess, it’s critical to see a dentist right away. The infection can usually be treated with antibiotics and a root canal to remove the infected tissue. In some cases, the tooth may need to be extracted if it’s beyond repair.
6. Sinus Pressure and Tooth Pain
Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, can cause pain in the upper teeth, particularly those that are located close to the sinus cavities. When the sinuses become inflamed due to infection or allergies, they can put pressure on the roots of the upper teeth, causing discomfort. The pain may come and go, especially when you bend over, move your head, or experience temperature changes.
Sinus-related tooth pain often affects several teeth at once, and it can be mistaken for a toothache. It is typically dull and can feel like a deep, throbbing pain in the upper jaw. If sinus pressure is the cause of your toothache, the pain should improve once the sinus infection is treated. You can try over-the-counter decongestants or saline rinses, but it’s a good idea to visit a doctor if the symptoms persist.
7. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism, or the habit of grinding your teeth, can lead to intermittent tooth pain, particularly in the jaw and teeth. This condition often occurs at night during sleep, but it can also be triggered by stress or anxiety. Teeth grinding puts immense pressure on the teeth, which can lead to toothaches, worn-down enamel, and even cracks in the teeth.
The pain caused by bruxism is often intermittent and may worsen after periods of intense grinding. It can be sharp or dull, depending on the level of wear on your teeth. In addition to tooth pain, bruxism can lead to jaw soreness, headaches, and even ear pain.
If you suspect you have bruxism, it’s important to visit a dentist. They can examine your teeth for signs of grinding and provide solutions like mouthguards to protect your teeth and reduce the impact of grinding.
8. Teeth Alignment Issues
Misaligned teeth or bite problems can also lead to intermittent tooth pain. When your teeth don’t align properly, it can put excessive pressure on certain teeth, which can result in discomfort. This type of pain often comes and goes, depending on how your teeth are positioned during chewing or at rest. You might experience soreness or sensitivity in specific teeth that are being affected by the misalignment.
If you experience this type of pain, a dentist or orthodontist can evaluate your bite and recommend solutions such as braces, retainers, or other treatments to correct the alignment and alleviate the discomfort.
How to Identify the Type of Tooth Pain You Have
Sharp, Throbbing, or Dull? What Your Tooth Pain Means
The way your tooth pain feels can help you and your dentist figure out what’s causing it. Here’s what different types of pain might indicate:
Sharp Pain: This type of pain often comes on suddenly and feels intense. Sharp pain is typically associated with a cavity that has reached deeper layers of the tooth or a cracked tooth where the nerve is exposed. Sharp pain can also be a sign of a tooth infection, such as an abscess.
Throbbing Pain: A throbbing or pulsating pain may be an indication of an infection or inflammation in the tooth or gums. It could be a sign that bacteria have infected the tooth pulp (nerve), leading to an abscess or an advanced cavity. Throbbing pain often gets worse over time and is usually more intense at night.
Dull Ache: A dull, persistent ache is often associated with minor cavities, gum disease, or other slow-developing dental problems. It may not be as intense as sharp or throbbing pain but can be constant or come and go.
Understanding the type of pain you have can help your dentist determine the best course of action for treatment.
Differentiating Between Gum Pain and Tooth Pain
Sometimes it’s difficult to tell if your discomfort is coming from your gums or your teeth. Here’s how to differentiate between the two:
Tooth Pain: Tooth pain is typically sharp, localized, and often triggered by external factors like hot or cold food, biting, or pressure. If the pain is deep within your tooth or around the root, it’s likely coming from the tooth itself.
Gum Pain: Gum pain tends to feel more like soreness or tenderness. It’s often associated with inflammation or infection of the gums. If your gums are swollen, bleed when you brush or floss, or feel tender to the touch, the pain is likely coming from the gums rather than the tooth.
When to Seek Toothache Remedies: What Should You Do?
If your toothache comes and goes, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later. Ignoring the problem can lead to more severe issues down the road. Here are some steps you can take before seeing a dentist:
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: For mild tooth pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the discomfort temporarily. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions carefully to avoid any side effects.
Salt Water Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce swelling and kill bacteria in the affected area. This is a good temporary remedy, especially if the pain is associated with gum irritation.
Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the sore tooth can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation. A cold pack wrapped in a cloth can be applied for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Avoid Trigger Foods: If you notice that certain foods or drinks trigger your toothache, try to avoid them until you can see a dentist. Common triggers include sugary, hot, cold, or acidic foods.
When to Visit a Dentist
While these home remedies can help alleviate pain temporarily, it’s important to visit a dentist if your toothache persists. A dentist will be able to diagnose the exact cause of your tooth pain and provide the appropriate treatment. Here’s when to seek professional help:
Persistent pain: If the pain lasts for more than a day or two, it’s a good idea to see a dentist.
Severe pain: If the pain is intense and doesn’t subside, this could be a sign of a more serious issue, such as an abscess or tooth infection.
Swelling or fever: These symptoms, along with a toothache, may indicate an infection, which requires immediate attention.
Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth: This could be a sign of a more serious dental or jaw problem.
At Downtown Dental in Westfield, NJ, our team of experienced professionals is here to help you with all of your dental concerns, including toothaches that come and go. Whether you need a routine checkup or immediate care, we’ll work with you to find the best solution for your oral health.
FAQs
Why does my toothache come and go?
Intermittent tooth pain can be caused by various factors, such as cavities, gum disease, tooth sensitivity, or even sinus pressure. The pain may be triggered by certain foods, temperature changes, or chewing. A cavity, for example, may only hurt when exposed to hot, cold, or sweet foods, while gum disease could cause pain when brushing or flossing. If your toothache comes and goes, it’s important to pay attention to any patterns and consult a dentist for a proper diagnosis.
What can I do to relieve a toothache that comes and goes?
While a temporary toothache may subside on its own, there are several ways to manage the discomfort in the meantime. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate the pain. You can also rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce swelling and kill bacteria. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help numb the pain. However, it's important to visit a dentist to identify and treat the underlying cause of the toothache.
How do I know if my toothache is an emergency?
If your tooth pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, it could be a dental emergency. In these cases, you should see a dentist immediately. An abscessed tooth, infection, or trauma to the tooth may require urgent care. Delaying treatment for severe pain can result in complications, such as further infection or tooth loss.
Can tooth sensitivity cause a toothache that comes and goes?
Yes, tooth sensitivity can lead to intermittent tooth pain. If the enamel on your teeth has worn down or your gums have receded, the dentin (a more sensitive layer of the tooth) may be exposed, leading to discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods. Tooth sensitivity typically results in sharp, brief pain that comes and goes, but it can worsen over time if not addressed.
When should I see a dentist for a toothache that comes and goes?
If your toothache persists for more than a couple of days or if the pain worsens, you should schedule a dental appointment. Even if the pain is intermittent, it’s important to seek professional care to determine the cause and prevent the issue from worsening. A dentist will be able to assess the problem through an exam and diagnostic tests like X-rays and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
A toothache that comes and goes may seem less alarming than a constant, throbbing pain, but it’s still important to address the issue. From cavities and gum disease to cracks in your teeth and sinus pressure, there are several possible causes for this kind of pain. By understanding the meaning of your toothache and seeking appropriate toothache remedies, you can prevent the problem from worsening.
If you’re dealing with intermittent tooth pain in Westfield, NJ, Downtown Dental is here to provide you with the expert care you need. Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable – contact us today for an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier smile.
