Toothaches can be some of the most excruciating pains you may experience. A toothache can affect your ability to focus, eat, and go about your daily routine, from minor discomfort to severe, throbbing pain. So, how long does a toothache last, and when should you seek professional help? While it might seem like a simple question, the duration of tooth pain can vary widely depending on its cause. In this blog, we will explore the different factors that influence how long a toothache lasts, from tooth decay and gum disease to abscessed teeth and tooth fractures, as well as when you should see a Croydon dentist at Maroondah Dental Care clinic for dental treatment.
What Causes Tooth Pain?
Before understanding how long a toothache can last, exploring the various causes of tooth pain is essential. Whether it’s a minor or a persistent toothache, the underlying cause significantly determines how long the pain will last. Some common causes of toothache pain include:
1. Tooth Decay and Dental Cavities
Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons for tooth pain. When bacteria in your mouth break down food particles, they produce acids that gradually erode the enamel, leading to cavities. If left untreated, this can progress deeper into the tooth, exposing the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside) and causing sharp, throbbing pain.
2. Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease
Gum disease (gingivitis) or more advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis) can cause tooth pain due to the inflammation and infection of the gums. Swollen, bleeding gums can put pressure on the teeth, causing discomfort. If gum disease progresses, it may lead to tooth loss and other complications, and pain can become more persistent.
3. Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth occurs when a bacterial infection reaches the tooth’s root, often leading to a tooth infection in the tooth pulp. This infection can cause severe pain, swelling, and a bad taste in your mouth. Abscessed teeth usually require urgent dental treatment, such as a root canal or, in some cases, a tooth extraction.
4. Cracked or Broken Tooth
A broken or cracked tooth can cause sharp pain when chewing or biting down. Even a minor fracture can expose sensitive parts of the tooth, leading to pain that may worsen over time, especially if bacteria enter the crack and cause an infection.
5. Sensitive Teeth
Some people experience pain in their teeth due to sensitive teeth. This can be triggered by cold or hot foods, sugary substances, or even air exposure. The pain is typically temporary, and the discomfort may last for a few seconds or minutes, but it can be persistent if left untreated.
6. Sinus Infections
Sometimes, sinus infections or sinusitis can cause pain in the upper teeth, especially if the sinuses are inflamed. The pain from sinusitis may mimic a toothache, especially when pressure is applied to the affected teeth.
7. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
TMJ disorders, which affect the jaw joints, can lead to discomfort in the teeth due to tension in the jaw muscles. This type of tooth pain can also cause chewing sensitivity, jaw pain, and headaches, making the pain feel like a toothache.
How Long Does a Toothache Last?

The duration of a toothache depends on the cause and severity of the underlying issue. While some minor toothaches might go away after a day or two with the right care, others can last much longer and require professional dental care.
1. Minor Toothaches
Minor toothaches caused by issues like temporary irritation, poor tear quality, or mild sensitivity to temperature may last from a few hours to a couple of days. In many cases, practicing good oral hygiene, using lubricating eye drops, and avoiding triggers like sugary foods or extreme temperatures can help alleviate the discomfort.
Temporary relief can be achieved with an ice pack, cold compress, or oral medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. However, if the toothache pain persists for more than a couple of days, it’s essential to consult with a dentist to rule out more serious issues.
2. Persistent Toothaches
A persistent toothache that lasts for weeks could be a sign of an underlying dental problem, such as tooth decay, an abscessed tooth, or a cracked tooth. Dental decay or periodontal disease can lead to chronic pain if left untreated, and the discomfort may gradually worsen over time. In cases of a root canal infection, the pain may last for weeks until the infection is addressed with root canal therapy.
If the pain is persistent and you experience other symptoms like swollen gums, excessive bleeding, or fever, it’s important to seek immediate dental care. The painful teeth may require more advanced treatment, such as a root canal or tooth extraction.
3. Severe Toothaches
If the tooth pain is severe and persistent, it could indicate a serious infection in the tooth pulp or tooth roots, such as an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth typically causes throbbing pain that worsens when pressure is applied. The pain may last several days, and it can spread to other parts of the face or jaw over time.
Severe toothaches require immediate dental treatment to prevent the infection from spreading and causing more damage. Treatment options may include root canal therapy, antibiotics, or tooth extraction, depending on the infection’s severity and the tooth’s condition.
4. Tooth Pain from a Sinus Infection
A sinus infection can cause pain in the upper teeth, often mimicking the sensation of a toothache. The pain is usually temporary and goes away once the sinus infection is treated with medication or decongestants. If the sinus pain is related to a dental problem, such as an infected tooth root, the tooth may need to be treated by a dentist.
When to See a Dentist for a Toothache
While many minor toothaches resolve on their own, persistent or severe toothaches should never be ignored. Tooth pain can indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as tooth decay, an abscessed tooth, or gum disease. Ignoring tooth pain for too long can lead to more severe complications, including the risk of tooth loss and infections spreading to other parts of the body.
You should see a dentist if:
- The tooth pain persists for over a few days or worsens.
- You experience a severe toothache that interferes with daily activities.
- You notice swollen gums, a bad taste, fever, and pain.
- There is pain when you blink, a sign of an eye or sinus infection that could be connected to your tooth pain.
- Your toothache symptoms include sharp pain when chewing or biting.
A dental exam can help determine the cause of the toothache and offer appropriate dental treatment, such as a root canal, dental fillings, or other procedures to address the underlying issue.
Treating and Managing Toothache Pain
Treatment for tooth pain depends on the cause and severity of the toothache. Sometimes, temporary relief may be achieved using over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, or saltwater rinses. However, these remedies only offer short-term solutions. It is important to address the underlying cause of the toothache for long-term relief.
1. Home Remedies for Toothache Pain

If you’re dealing with a minor toothache, a few home remedies can offer temporary relief while you await your dental appointment. These include:
- Saltwater rinse: Warm salt water can help reduce swelling and disinfect the affected area.
- Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected area can reduce swelling and pain.
- Clove oil: Clove oil contains eugenol, which has natural anesthetic properties that may help numb the pain temporarily.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage tooth pain.
2. Dental Treatments for Toothache
To address the underlying cause of tooth pain, a dentist may recommend:
- Dental fillings are used to treat tooth decay.
- Root canal therapy is for abscessed teeth or infected tooth pulp.
- Tooth extraction is necessary for severely damaged or infected teeth that cannot be saved.
- Periodontal treatments for gum disease and gingivitis.
Conclusion
A toothache can vary in intensity and duration, depending on its underlying cause. While minor toothaches may resolve with temporary relief, persistent or severe toothaches should not be ignored. Suppose the pain lasts over a few days or you experience other symptoms like swelling, fever, or pain when blinking. In that case, seeing a dentist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate dental treatment is essential.
Good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and timely treatment of dental problems can help prevent tooth pain and ensure your oral health remains in top condition. Remember, taking care of your teeth today will help you enjoy a pain-free smile for years to come.
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).