Possible causes
Common possible causes.
Tooth decay or a deep cavity
Inflammation or infection inside a tooth
A cracked, broken or heavily worn tooth
Gum or periodontal problems
An impacted or erupting tooth
Dental injury or trauma
Warning signs
Signs worth paying attention to.
Pain that is severe, persistent or keeps returning
Swelling around the gum, jaw or face
Pain when biting or chewing
Sensitivity that lingers after hot or cold stimuli
Fever or feeling systemically unwell with dental swelling
When to seek care
When to see a dentist.
Arrange a dental assessment if pain is persistent, worsening or interfering with sleep or eating.
Seek prompt care when pain is accompanied by swelling, fever, trauma or difficulty opening the mouth.
Urgent medical attention
Breathing difficulty, swallowing difficulty, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, or other signs of a medical emergency require urgent medical attention.
Why assessment matters
Similar symptoms can have different causes.
The most appropriate next step depends on the cause of the symptom, your oral health and what is found during assessment.
The information on this page can help you understand the concern, but it should not be used to choose treatment without professional assessment.
Explore further
Related dental treatments
These links are provided for further reading. A related treatment is not necessarily suitable for every person experiencing this symptom.
Patient education