COMMON CONCERNS
Toothache Canning Vale
Tooth pain rarely settles on its own. Learn the common causes, what to do while you wait, and when a toothache is urgent.
What a Toothache Is Telling You
A toothache is a signal that something needs attention. It may be mild and intermittent or severe and constant, but tooth pain rarely resolves on its own because the underlying causes, such as decay or infection, do not heal without treatment. Identifying the cause early usually means simpler and less costly treatment.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain
- Tooth decay that has reached the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, often needing a filling
- Infection or abscess at the root of the tooth, which may need root canal treatment
- A cracked or broken tooth, where pain often appears when biting
- Gum disease or a gum abscess, causing localised soreness and swelling
- An erupting or impacted wisdom tooth, common in the late teens and twenties
- Grinding and clenching, which can cause aching teeth and jaw muscles, discussed on our teeth grinding page
- Sinus pressure, which can mimic toothache in the upper back teeth
What to Do While You Wait for Your Appointment
Rinse with warm salt water, use over the counter pain relief as directed on the packet, and avoid very hot, cold or sweet food and drink on that side. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum, as this can burn the tissue. If a tooth is sensitive to pressure, avoid chewing on it. These steps manage symptoms only; they do not treat the cause.
When It Is Urgent
Book promptly if pain lasts more than a day or two, wakes you at night, or is accompanied by swelling. Seek urgent care through our emergency dentistry service if you have facial swelling, fever, or a bad taste suggesting an abscess. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, or spreads towards the eye, treat it as a medical emergency and call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.
How We Diagnose and Treat Toothache
We examine the tooth, test how it responds, and use digital imaging to see what is happening beneath the surface. Treatment depends entirely on the cause and may range from a simple filling to root canal treatment or, where a tooth cannot be saved, extraction with replacement options discussed. We explain the findings and options before any treatment begins, and individual outcomes vary depending on the condition of the tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a toothache go away by itself?
Pain sometimes settles temporarily, especially if the nerve inside the tooth dies, but the underlying problem remains and usually returns as a more serious infection. A tooth that stopped hurting on its own still needs an assessment.
Why does my toothache get worse at night?
Lying down increases blood pressure in the head, which can intensify pressure inside an inflamed tooth. Night pain often indicates the nerve is involved and the tooth should be assessed promptly.
Can I just take painkillers until it settles?
Pain relief is appropriate for short term comfort, but it does not treat decay or infection. Delaying treatment usually allows the problem to progress, which can turn a filling into a root canal or an extraction.
How quickly can I be seen for a toothache?
We keep appointments available for urgent problems and aim to see toothache patients as soon as possible, often the same day. Call 08 9256 2588 and our team will triage your situation.
Important Information
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment suitability, results and costs vary between patients.
A consultation with one of our dentists is required to assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you. Book a consultation or call 08 9256 2588.
References & Further Reading
This page is based on current clinical literature and guidelines from recognised Australian and international dental and health authorities.
- Australian Dental Association. ada.org.au
- Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). dentalboard.gov.au
- Australian Society of Endodontology. ase.org.au
- Australian Periodontology - ADA Oral Health Topics. ada.org.au/Dental-Professionals/Publications/Oral-Health-Topics
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. anzaoms.org
Content reviewed by Dr Desmond Ng, BDSc (Hons) University of Queensland | Principal Dentist, Dentists at Canning Vale. Last reviewed July 2026.