Dentists call pain that starts in a tooth odontogenic. Pain that is felt in the teeth but starts somewhere else is non-odontogenic. Dr. Warren teaches dental students at the University of Utah how to tell them apart.
When the pain is coming from a tooth
Pain from the pulp
Sensitivity to cold or heat that lingers after the cause is gone, or throbbing pain that starts on its own and may wake you at night. Often caused by deep decay, a crack or an old injury.
Pain around the root
Pain when you bite or tap on one tooth, which you can usually point to. Gum swelling or a pimple near the tooth can mean infection at the root tip.
Pain that feels like a toothache but isn’t
Jaw muscles
Tired, tight chewing muscles from clenching or grinding can cause a dull, aching pain in several teeth, often worse in the morning or with stress, and sore to press on the jaw or temple.
Jaw joint (TMJ)
Pain in front of the ear that spreads to the teeth, often with clicking, popping or trouble opening wide. Learn about TMD
Sinuses
A sinus infection or congestion can make several upper back teeth ache at once. The pain is often worse when you bend over and comes with stuffiness or pressure under the eyes.
Nerves
Brief, electric-shock pain set off by light touch, talking or a breeze, or constant burning pain that continues after a tooth was treated or removed, can come from a nerve rather than a tooth.
Headaches
Migraine and cluster headaches can be felt in the upper teeth and jaw, sometimes with tearing, a runny nose or sensitivity to light.
The heart
Angina or a heart attack can cause pain in the lower jaw or teeth, often on the left, especially with exertion. This needs emergency care.
Clues the pain may not be a tooth
- Several teeth hurt, or the pain moves around
- The teeth test normal and nothing shows on x-rays or 3D images
- Dental treatment did not help, or pain continued after a tooth was treated or removed
- Numbing the tooth does not stop the pain
- The pain is burning, electric or triggered by touching the face
How we find the source
- Your storyWhen the pain started, what it feels like, what makes it better or worse, and your medical history.
- Careful testingCold, biting and tapping tests compare suspect teeth with healthy ones. We also check the jaw muscles and joints.
- 3D imagingA low-dose cone beam scan shows problems regular x-rays can miss, like hidden canals, cracks or sinus changes.
- Diagnostic anesthesia when neededNumbing one area at a time helps show where the pain really comes from.
- The right next stepIf a tooth is the cause, we treat it. If not, we explain what we found and refer you to the right physician or specialist, rather than treat a tooth that isn’t the problem.
Have pain that no one has been able to explain? Call 801-278-3636 to schedule an evaluation.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Please see a dentist or physician about your symptoms.