A toothache is one of those experiences that can completely derail your day. Whether it is a dull, persistent ache or a sharp, stabbing pain that takes your breath away, tooth pain demands attention. At American Dental Group in West Covina, we see patients every week who have been suffering with tooth pain, often waiting longer than they should because they hoped it would go away on its own.
The truth is, a toothache is your body's warning signal that something is wrong. Understanding what causes tooth pain, what you can do for temporary relief at home, and when you need to see a dentist can help you make informed decisions about your oral health and potentially save your tooth.
Common Causes of Toothaches
Tooth pain can stem from many different sources, and identifying the cause is the first step toward effective treatment. Here are the most common reasons people experience toothaches:
Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Dental cavities are the leading cause of toothaches worldwide. When bacteria in your mouth produce acids that erode tooth enamel, they create holes that gradually deepen. In the early stages, you might not feel anything at all. But once decay reaches the softer dentin layer beneath the enamel, or worse, the inner pulp where nerves and blood vessels live, pain begins. This pain often starts as sensitivity to sweets or temperature changes and progresses to constant, throbbing discomfort.
Dental Abscess
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. It can form at the tip of the tooth root (periapical abscess) or in the gums alongside the tooth (periodontal abscess). Abscesses cause severe, persistent, throbbing pain that may radiate to your jawbone, neck, or ear. You might also notice swelling in your face, sensitivity to pressure, fever, or a foul taste from draining pus. A dental abscess is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment from an emergency dentist.
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A crack in your tooth may be invisible to the naked eye but can cause significant pain. Cracked tooth syndrome often produces sharp pain when biting or chewing, especially when releasing the bite. The pain may come and go, making it frustrating to pinpoint. Cracks can result from grinding your teeth, chewing hard foods, trauma, or large fillings that weaken the tooth structure over time.
Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can cause aching pain in your teeth and gums. As gum disease progresses, the gums pull away from teeth, creating pockets that harbor bacteria. This can lead to bone loss and loose teeth. You might experience pain when chewing, sensitivity, bleeding gums, and persistent bad breath. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible, but periodontitis requires professional treatment.
Tooth Sensitivity
If your teeth hurt when exposed to hot coffee, cold ice cream, or even cold air, you may have tooth sensitivity. This occurs when the protective enamel wears down or gums recede, exposing the underlying dentin and its microscopic tubules that lead to the nerve. Causes include aggressive brushing, acidic foods and drinks, teeth grinding, and gum recession.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Many people grind or clench their teeth during sleep without realizing it. This constant pressure can cause tooth pain, jaw soreness, headaches, and even cracked teeth over time. Stress, sleep disorders, and misaligned teeth can all contribute to bruxism.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth that do not have room to emerge properly can become impacted, causing pain in the back of your mouth that may radiate to your jaw and ear. Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to infection, damage to neighboring teeth, and cysts.
Damaged Fillings or Dental Work
Old fillings can crack, break, or fall out, exposing sensitive tooth structure. Crowns can become loose or develop decay underneath. When dental restorations fail, the underlying tooth becomes vulnerable to temperature, pressure, and bacteria.
Signs Your Toothache Needs Immediate Attention
Contact our emergency dentist right away if you experience: severe pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medication, swelling in your face or gums, fever or chills, difficulty swallowing or breathing, pain when opening your mouth, or a foul-tasting discharge. These symptoms may indicate a serious infection.
Home Remedies for Temporary Toothache Relief
While home remedies cannot fix the underlying cause of your toothache, they can provide temporary relief while you wait for your dental appointment. Here are safe, effective methods to manage tooth pain at home:
Salt Water Rinse
Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and gently swish for 30 seconds before spitting. Salt water acts as a natural disinfectant, helps reduce inflammation, and can loosen food particles stuck between teeth. This simple remedy has been used for centuries and remains one of the most effective first-line treatments for mouth pain.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is particularly effective for dental pain because it reduces both pain and inflammation. Follow the package directions and do not exceed the recommended dose. If you cannot take ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an alternative, though it does not address inflammation. Never place aspirin directly on your gums or tooth, as this can burn the tissue.
Cold Compress
Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time. Cold constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and numbing the area. This is especially helpful if your toothache involves swelling.
Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antibacterial compound. Dab a small amount onto a cotton ball and apply it gently to the affected area. You may feel a tingling or warming sensation followed by numbness. Clove oil can be found in most pharmacies and health food stores.
Elevation
When lying down, keep your head elevated with extra pillows. This reduces blood flow to your head and can decrease throbbing pain, especially at night when toothaches often feel worse.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, swish gently for 30 seconds, and spit out completely. Do not swallow. This can help reduce bacteria and provide temporary relief, particularly if there is an infection present. Use this remedy sparingly—no more than once or twice while waiting for professional care.
Peppermint Tea Bags
A cooled peppermint tea bag applied to the affected area can provide soothing relief. Peppermint has mild numbing properties and a pleasant taste. You can also refrigerate the tea bag for added cooling effect.
What to Avoid
While managing your toothache at home, avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks, sugary or acidic foods, chewing on the affected side, and smoking. These can all aggravate your pain and potentially worsen the underlying condition.
When to See a Dentist for a Toothache
Home remedies are temporary measures—they do not treat the cause of your toothache. You should schedule a dental appointment if:
- Your toothache lasts more than one to two days
- The pain is severe enough to interfere with sleep, eating, or daily activities
- You have a fever along with tooth pain
- You notice swelling in your face, jaw, or gums
- You have pain when biting or chewing
- Your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding
- You have a persistent bad taste in your mouth
- You recently had dental work done on the affected tooth
At American Dental Group, we reserve time each day for patients experiencing dental emergencies. If you are in pain, do not wait—call us at (626) 337-7271 and we will get you in as soon as possible.
How We Diagnose and Treat Toothaches
When you visit our West Covina office with a toothache, Dr. Homan Hanasab and our team will conduct a thorough examination to identify the source of your pain. This typically includes:
- Visual examination – Looking for visible decay, cracks, swelling, or gum problems
- X-rays – Revealing decay between teeth, infections at the root tip, bone loss, and other hidden issues
- Percussion testing – Gently tapping on teeth to identify which one is causing pain
- Bite testing – Having you bite on a special instrument to check for cracks
- Temperature testing – Applying cold or heat to assess nerve health
Once we identify the cause, treatment options may include:
- Dental filling – For cavities that have not reached the pulp
- Root canal therapy – For infected or inflamed pulp
- Tooth extraction – When a tooth cannot be saved
- Dental crown – For cracked teeth or teeth weakened by large fillings
- Gum disease treatment – Scaling and root planing for periodontal issues
- Antibiotics – For bacterial infections
- Night guard – For teeth grinding
Preventing Toothaches
The best way to deal with a toothache is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are proven strategies to keep your teeth healthy and pain-free:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and examinations—most problems are easier and less expensive to treat when caught early
- Limit sugary and acidic foods that feed cavity-causing bacteria
- Wear a mouthguard during sports and if you grind your teeth at night
- Do not use your teeth as tools to open packages or bite hard objects
- Stay hydrated to maintain healthy saliva production
- Do not ignore early warning signs like sensitivity or minor discomfort
Toothache Treatment in West Covina and Surrounding Areas
If you are experiencing a toothache in West Covina, Covina, Baldwin Park, El Monte, Rowland Heights, La Puente, Hacienda Heights, or anywhere in the San Gabriel Valley, American Dental Group is here to help. Dr. Homan Hanasab, the official LA Clippers Team Dentist, brings the same level of care he provides to professional athletes to every patient who walks through our doors.
We understand that tooth pain does not wait for convenient office hours. That is why we offer same-day emergency appointments for patients in pain. Do not suffer through another sleepless night—call (626) 337-7271 or request an appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toothaches
What is the fastest way to stop a toothache at home?
For fast temporary relief, rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, and apply a cold compress to your cheek. Clove oil applied to the affected area can also provide numbing relief. However, these are temporary measures—you should see a dentist to address the underlying cause.
Why does my toothache get worse at night?
Toothaches often feel worse at night because lying down increases blood flow to your head, which puts more pressure on the sensitive areas of your tooth. Additionally, there are fewer distractions at night, making you more aware of the pain. Try sleeping with your head elevated on extra pillows to reduce pressure.
When should I go to the emergency room for a toothache?
Go to the emergency room if your toothache is accompanied by fever over 101°F, facial swelling that spreads to your eye or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if you cannot control the pain. These symptoms may indicate a serious infection requiring immediate medical attention. For most other dental emergencies, call our office first—we can provide more targeted care than an ER.
Can a toothache go away on its own?
While toothache pain may temporarily subside, this does not mean the problem has resolved. In fact, if a severely painful tooth suddenly stops hurting, it may indicate the nerve has died—which is actually a serious condition requiring treatment. Always see a dentist to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
What does it mean if my tooth hurts when I bite down?
Pain when biting down often indicates a cracked tooth, a damaged filling, tooth decay that has reached the inner layers of the tooth, or an abscess forming at the root. It can also be caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). A dental examination with X-rays can identify the exact cause.
How much does it cost to treat a toothache in West Covina?
Treatment costs vary depending on the cause. A simple filling may cost $150-$300, while a root canal ranges from $700-$1,500. At American Dental Group in West Covina, we accept most insurance plans and offer financing options. We always provide a full cost estimate before beginning treatment.
Is a throbbing toothache a sign of infection?
A persistent throbbing toothache, especially one accompanied by swelling, sensitivity to hot temperatures, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, often indicates an infection or abscess. Dental infections require professional treatment with antibiotics and procedures to remove the infection source. Do not delay seeking care.