A toothache is a common and often painful experience that can disrupt your daily life, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or focus on anything else. Whether it’s a dull, constant throb or a sharp, stabbing pain, tooth pain can range from mild to severe. But how long can a toothache last? The duration of a toothache depends on several factors, including the underlying cause, the severity of the problem, and how soon you seek dental treatment. This blog’ll discuss how long toothaches typically last, the common causes of tooth pain, and when you should see a dental professional for treatment.
Common Causes of Toothache
Before we discuss how long a toothache can last, it’s important to understand why tooth pain occurs. Toothaches can be caused by a number of issues affecting the tooth and surrounding structures, such as the gums or jaw.
1. Tooth Decay
One of the most common causes of tooth pain is tooth decay. When a cavity forms due to plaque and bacteria buildup, it can lead to a sensitive tooth or a more painful toothache. The pain often worsens when the decay reaches deeper layers of the tooth, such as the dental pulp, which contains sensitive nerves and blood vessels.
How long can it last? If left untreated, tooth decay can cause constant pain that may persist until dental treatment is performed, such as a dental filling or root canal therapy. The pain may start as intermittent but can become more frequent and severe as the cavity progresses.
2. Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is a bacterial infection at the tooth’s root, usually due to untreated tooth decay or a tooth fracture. This type of infection causes severe toothache, often accompanied by swelling, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth. The infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, leading to additional complications.
How long can it last? Without treatment, an abscessed tooth can cause constant, throbbing pain that may persist until the infection is addressed, typically requiring a root canal or tooth extraction.
3. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause discomfort in the gums that may feel like a toothache. This condition begins with gingivitis, which causes bleeding gums and irritation. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that affects the deeper structures around the teeth, including the jawbone.
How long can it last? Gum disease can cause persistent pain that worsens over time. The discomfort typically becomes more noticeable when eating or brushing. Treatment by a dental professional is necessary to manage gum disease and prevent it from worsening.
4. Wisdom Teeth
For many people, wisdom teeth can be a source of recurring tooth pain. These teeth often grow in at an angle, causing pressure on neighboring teeth, or they may become impacted, meaning they don’t fully emerge from the gums. This can result in sharp or throbbing pain.
How long can it last: Tooth pain from wisdom teeth may persist until the tooth erupts fully, gets infected, or is removed by a dentist. If left untreated, the pain may last until the tooth is properly managed.
5. Tooth Fracture or Broken Tooth
A cracked or broken tooth can cause sharp pain, especially when chewing or drinking hot or cold beverages. A broken tooth exposes the sensitive dental pulp or nerve endings, leading to significant discomfort.
How long can it last? If the fracture is severe and the tooth pulp is exposed, the pain can last until dental treatment is received. Depending on the severity, the tooth may require a root canal, dental crown, or tooth extraction.
6. Tooth Sensitivity
Some people experience tooth pain due to tooth sensitivity. This condition occurs when the tooth enamel wears down or gums recede, exposing the dentin layer underneath. Certain activities like eating cold foods, drinking hot beverages, or brushing your teeth can trigger pain.
How long it can last: Tooth sensitivity is usually intermittent and can last for a few minutes after consuming extreme temperatures or acidic foods. It can be managed with desensitizing toothpaste or a visit to a dental professional for protective treatment.
7. Sinus Infection
Sometimes, tooth pain can be referred pain caused by a sinus infection. The sinus cavities are located close to the upper teeth, and sinus infections or sinus pressure can cause pain in the upper teeth that feels like a toothache. This pain is often accompanied by nasal congestion, headache, and facial tenderness.
How long can it last? Tooth pain caused by sinus infection generally resolves once the sinus infection is treated with antibiotics or other treatments to relieve sinus pressure.
How Long Does a Toothache Last?
The duration of a toothache can vary depending on the cause, severity, and whether or not it is treated. Here’s a general breakdown:
1. Minor Toothaches
Minor toothaches caused by temporary gum irritation or tooth sensitivity may last a few hours or days. They usually subside on their own or with the use of pain relief methods like cold compresses, saltwater rinses, or over-the-counter pain medication.
How long can it last? Minor toothaches typically resolve within 1–3 days.
2. Moderate Toothaches
Moderate toothaches caused by tooth decay, lost fillings, or cracked teeth can last longer if not treated. Pain relief may temporarily ease the discomfort, but tooth pain will persist until a dental professional addresses the underlying issue.
How long it can last: Depending on the severity of the issue, these can last several days to weeks. The pain may worsen if left untreated, especially if the infection spreads or the decay deepens.
3. Severe Toothaches
Severe toothaches, particularly those caused by abscesses, tooth fractures, or deep tooth decay, can last much longer and even become a constant pain. The pain from an infected tooth may worsen at night, especially when lying down, as blood flow increases to the head. In this case, pain relief may only provide temporary respite, and it’s crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible to address the infection or other serious issue.
How long it can last: Severe tooth pain can last several days to weeks and even become chronic if not treated. Immediate dental treatment, such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction, may be necessary to resolve the issue.
When to See a Dentist
While many toothaches may improve with home remedies and over-the-counter pain relief, seeing and giving a visit to MyHM Dentist Kellyville clinic is essential if the pain persists or worsens. Here are signs that you should seek professional care:
- Pain lasts longer than a few days: If the tooth pain doesn’t subside after a few days or worsens, it could be a sign of an underlying problem that needs professional attention.
- Severe pain: If you’re experiencing sharp or throbbing pain that’s intolerable, seek dental care immediately.
- Swelling or pus: These are signs of an abscessed tooth or infection that requires urgent treatment.
- Pain when chewing: If the pain is aggravated by chewing or touching the affected tooth, it’s a sign that the tooth may be fractured or infected.
- Fever or ear pain: A fever or ear pain may accompany a tooth infection and require immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
A toothache can last a few hours to several weeks, depending on the underlying cause. Minor toothaches caused by tooth sensitivity or temporary gum irritation may subside within a few days, while more severe pain due to abscesses, tooth decay, or fractures may persist and worsen without treatment. Suppose you are experiencing a toothache lasting more than a few days or accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, fever, or pus. In that case, it’s important to seek the attention of a dental professional as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent further damage and ensure you receive the appropriate treatment to resolve the issue.
References
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/toothache-and-swelling
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache#:~:text=A%20toothache%20or%20tooth%20pain,a%20tooth%20is%20pulled%20out).
