Dental pain is pain felt in the mouth area (e.g., teeth, gums, jaw). It usually indicates an oral health problem (e.g., tooth decay, gum disease, TMJ disorder), although the pain can sometimes be the result of a condition elsewhere in the body, such as heart problems or sinus or ear infections. Dental pain is an indication of a problem, and patients who experience pain should contact their dentist.

In a healthy mouth, the teeth, gums and jaw work together to chew food and break it down enough that it can be swallowed. Regular brushing and cleanings can keep the teeth and mouth clean and its parts functioning adequately. Dental pain can result from several processes that affect different parts of the teeth and jaw.

Most dental pain occurs due to tooth decay, which usually affects an individual tooth. It begins when bacteria normally present in the mouth break down food particles into acids. These acids can damage enamel and dentin, the two outer layers of a tooth, and cause cavities.

When a cavity gets larger, it is more likely to irritate the pulp, the center of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. The pulp may also be irritated when the tooth is touched or contacts food or beverages that are cold, hot or sweet. In advanced cases of tooth decay, destruction of the enamel and dentin can allow bacteria to invade the pulp, which can become infected (tooth abscess). Whenever the pulp is irritated, its nerves send messages to the brain, causing pain.

Tooth decay does not heal without treatment (e.g., filling, crown, root canal). The pain may dissipate, especially if the pulp’s nerves are damaged, but the decay remains and will continue to worsen without treatment. Pain may return if the tissue and bone surrounding the tooth becomes infected.

Gingivitis or gum disease may also contribute to dental pain. The soft tissue of the gums may become inflamed due to the build-up of plaque along the gum line. Gums loosen and detach from the teeth, creating deep pockets of space between the gums and teeth. Bacteria in these pockets can cause swelling, bleeding and pain. Tooth and bone loss can occur in severe cases, when bacteria dissolve the bone surrounding tooth roots. 

Tooth sensitivity can occur when the lower portion of teeth become exposed, due to bone loss or receding gums. Nerve endings contained in the lower parts of the tooth react to exposure to certain stimuli, causing dental pain.