Tooth Pain Guide

Symptom	Possible Problem	What To Do
Momentary sensitivity to hot or cold foods	If it lasts only moments, it generally does not signal a serious problem. The sensitivity may be caused by a loose filling or by minimal gum recession which exposes small areas of the root surface.	Try using toothpastes made for sensitive teeth. Brush up and down with a soft brush—brushing sideways wears away exposed root surfaces. If this is unsuccessful, see your general dentist.
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment	Dental work may inflame the pulp, or nerves inside the tooth, causing temporary sensitivity.	Wait four to six weeks. If the pain persists or worsens, see your general dentist.
Sharp pain when biting down on food	There are several possible causes of this type of pain; decay, a loose filling or a crack in the tooth. There may also be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth.	See a dentist for evaluation. If the problem is pulp damage, you may need to see an endodontist.
Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods	This probably means the pulp has been damaged by deep decay or physical trauma.	See your endodontist to save the tooth with root canal treatment.
Constant and or severe pain to pressure, swelling of gum and sensitivity to touch	A tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding gum and bone to become infected	See your endodontist for evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth. Take over-the-counter analgesics until you see the endodontist.
Dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw	The pain of a sinus headache is often felt in the face and teeth. Grinding of teeth (bruxism) can also cause this type of ache.	For sinus headaches, try over-the-counter analgesics or sinus medication. For bruxism, consult your dentist. If pain is severe and chronic, see your physician or endodontist.
Chronic pain in head, neck or ear	Sometimes pulp-damaged teeth cause pain in other parts of the head and neck. But other dental or medical problems may be responsible.	See your endodontist for evaluation. If the problem is not related to the tooth, your endodontist will refer you to an appropriate dental specialist or a physician.