What’s Causing Your Toothache? 7 Common Culprits Explained

Tooth pain can be persistent, random, sharp, dull, or throbbing—but it always demands attention. Whether it starts as a faint twinge while sipping tea or wakes you in the middle of the night, toothaches are a common issue we see daily at Colac Smiles.

So, what’s really behind your discomfort? Here’s a breakdown of the seven most frequent causes of toothaches, how to tell them apart, and what you can do about them.

1. Cavities (Tooth Decay)

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria produce acids that slowly eat away at the enamel and underlying dentine, eventually forming a hole in the tooth.

Signs to look out for:

• Sharp or sudden pain when eating something sweet

• Pain when biting or chewing

• Visible pits or dark spots on the tooth

Treatment options:

• Small fillings for early decay

• Fluoride treatment for very early-stage lesions

• Root canal therapy if the decay reaches the nerve

2. Pulp Inflammation (Pulpitis)

Deep decay or trauma can inflame the nerve (pulp) inside the tooth, causing lingering pain or sensitivity.

Typical symptoms:

• Pain that lingers after exposure to heat or cold

• Throbbing, poorly localised ache

• Discomfort that worsens at night

Management:

• If reversible, pulp capping or fillings

• If irreversible, root canal treatment is often needed

3. Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

Gum infections don’t just affect your gums—they can lead to tooth sensitivity and deep-seated discomfort around the roots.

What you might notice:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing

• Loose teeth or receding gums

• A dull ache in the jaw or gum line

Treatment includes:

• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)

• Ongoing maintenance therapy and improved oral hygiene

4. Dental Abscess (Tooth Infection)

An abscess forms when a bacterial infection reaches the root of the tooth or surrounding tissue, causing pus to accumulate.

Red flags:

• Constant, severe pain that doesn’t respond to painkillers

• Swelling in the face or jaw

• Fever or general unwellness

Urgent care required:

• Antibiotics (if systemic symptoms are present)

• Drainage of the abscess

• Root canal or extraction

5. Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Sometimes a tooth has a fracture so fine it’s nearly invisible—but it can still cause sharp, shooting pain.

Key signs:

• Pain when releasing pressure after biting

• Intermittent discomfort with no visible damage

• Sensitivity to hot or cold

Treatment options:

• Full coverage crown

• Root canal therapy if the crack affects the nerve

6. Enamel Erosion or Abrasion

Worn enamel leaves teeth vulnerable to temperature and pressure sensitivity. This is commonly caused by acidic diets, aggressive brushing, or reflux.

What to expect:

• Widespread sensitivity, especially with hot or cold foods

• Dull, persistent ache

• Visible notching or transparency on tooth edges

How to manage it:

• Desensitising toothpaste

• Topical fluoride or protective coatings

• Restorations for more severe wear

7. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge properly, they can become trapped under the gums, leading to pressure and pain.

Common symptoms:

• Ache at the back of the mouth

• Gum swelling or redness near the wisdom tooth

• Limited ability to open your mouth

Treatment usually involves:

• Pain relief and infection control

• Minor surgery to remove the tooth

Why Is Early Diagnosis So Important?

Delaying treatment for a toothache—even if the pain comes and goes—can lead to:

• Worsening infection

• Tooth loss

• The need for more complex (and costly) procedures

• Pain spreading to the jaw or ear

At Colac Smiles, we use digital X-rays, vitality testing, and magnification tools to identify the precise source of your discomfort and get you back to pain-free living.

Tooth Pain Triggers: What Makes It Worse?

Here’s how common pain patterns relate to underlying causes:

Why Over-the-Counter Painkillers Are Just a Temporary Fix?

Painkillers may reduce discomfort, but they don’t treat the source. If the underlying problem remains—whether it’s decay, infection, or inflammation—symptoms will likely return, often worse than before.

Ignoring symptoms increases the risk of:

• Spread of infection into jawbone

• Permanent nerve damage

• Emergency dental visits at inconvenient times (or while travelling)

Toothache Statistics in Australia

Australian dental surveys consistently show that:

• Nearly 1 in 2 adults experience untreated decay at some point

• Pulpitis and wisdom tooth issues are common reasons for emergency dental visits

• Periodontal disease is on the rise in adults over 30, especially in smokers

At Colac Smiles, we help patients across Elliminyt, Winchelsea, Cororooke and Birregurra access early care before minor issues turn into major ones.

How Colac Smiles Can Help?

We don’t just treat toothaches—we investigate their cause and stop them from coming back. Whether your pain is due to a cavity, abscess, cracked tooth, or impacted molar, our team provides:

• Gentle, targeted pain relief

• Conservative treatment whenever possible

• Education and prevention tailored to your risk profile

• Same-day emergency appointments where possible

If you're located in Apollo Bay, Beeac, Barongarook or Warrion, we’re just a short drive away for fast, trusted care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can a toothache go away on its own?
Not likely. While pain might lessen, the cause remains. Delaying treatment can allow damage or infection to spread.

Q2: How long should I wait before seeing a dentist?
Any pain lasting longer than 1–2 days, or accompanied by swelling, requires prompt dental attention.

Q3: Can I fly or travel with a toothache?
Flying can increase sinus pressure, worsening pain. If possible, see your dentist before travel.

Q4: Is root canal therapy painful?
Modern techniques make root canal therapy virtually pain-free. It’s a safe, effective way to save a tooth.

Q5: How can I tell if my wisdom tooth is impacted?
Jaw pain, gum swelling, or trouble opening your mouth are common signs. An X-ray can confirm it.

Q6: What can I do to avoid future toothaches?

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

• Floss regularly

• Limit sugary snacks and drinks

• Visit your dentist twice a year

Trusted Dental Care in Colac and Surrounding Areas

Tooth pain doesn’t need to interrupt your life. At Colac Smiles, we’re proud to serve communities from Elliminyt to Apollo Bay, offering calm, comprehensive care when you need it most.

Whether it’s a small filling, emergency root canal, or a wisdom tooth extraction—you’re in safe hands with our team.

Call today or book online to take the first step toward lasting relief.