The “On and Off” Toothache, and why it happens
Tooth pain that comes and goes might seem like a minor annoyance, but it's often your body's way of telling you something's not quite right. That sudden jolt when you sip something cold, the dull ache that vanishes before you can act, they’re not just quirks. They’re signs.
If you're in Manchester and dealing with tooth pain that keeps coming and going, know that you're not alone. And more importantly, that you can get it sorted quickly — even at night, with a 24 hour walk in emergency dentist, ready when you need it.
Common Causes of Intermittent Tooth Pain
Intermittent tooth pain doesn’t come out of nowhere — it usually has a trigger. Even if it feels random, chances are your mouth is responding to subtle changes in pressure, temperature, or nerve sensitivity. Let’s look at the most common culprits behind this stop-and-start discomfort.
Tooth Sensitivity:
This is one of the most frequent causes of toothache that comes and goes. If you notice a sharp jolt when eating ice cream or sipping hot tea, and then the pain fades — it could be sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity typically stems from:
- Worn down tooth enamel
- Gum recession
- Harsh whitening products
- Brushing too hard with a s stiff-bristle brush
When the protective layer of enamel wears down, it exposes the dentin underneath, making your teeth more reactive to stimuli. While not always an emergency, untreated sensitivity can worsen and lead to other issues. If you're in Manchester and notice cold sensitivity getting worse, it’s worth letting a dentist take a look.
Tooth Nerve Inflammation:
Sometimes, pain isn’t about what’s on the outside of the tooth, but what’s happening inside. The pulp, the inner nerve tissue, can become inflamed, often from a deep cavity or trauma.
At first, the pain might come and go, especially when chewing or drinking something hot. But if the nerve becomes infected, it can lead to more persistent pain or even an abscess.
This is when that "random tooth pain" becomes something urgent. Left untreated, it could require root canal treatment. Don’t wait for the pain to become constant, early treatment is always better.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism):
Many people grind their teeth at night without knowing it — until their jaw aches in the morning or a random molar starts throbbing. The pressure from grinding (or clenching) wears down enamel and strains the nerves inside the teeth.
You might notice:
- Pain that comes and goes, especially in the morning
- Tension headaches
- Pain in multiple teeth at once
In some cases, bruxism can even crack a tooth, leading to sensitivity or infection. If you suspect you’re grinding, a dentist can recommend a custom nightguard to protect your teeth.
Sinus Pressure:
Not all toothaches start in the mouth. Sometimes, upper tooth pain that comes and goes is linked to your sinuses. When you’re congested or have a sinus infection, the pressure can press down on your upper molars, mimicking dental pain.
This type of discomfort tends to be dull and achy, affects several upper teeth at once, and feels worse when bending forward.
It usually goes away once the sinus issue clears up. But if you’re unsure whether it’s a sinus problem or a tooth infection, it’s always smart to get checked — especially if pain worsens or is accompanied by swelling.
Cracks or Small Cavities:
Tiny cracks or early-stage cavities can create sharp, shooting pain that appears and disappears quickly. You might feel it only when biting down in a certain way or when eating sweets.
Unlike a deep cavity that hurts all the time, a hairline crack or small decay may:
- Only hurt occasionally
- Trigger pain when biting down in a certain way or when chewing in general
- Become more frequent over time
These are easy to ignore until they turn into something bigger — like a fractured tooth or full-blown infection. An emergency dentist can spot and treat these issues before they escalate.
When You Should Worry About Intermittent Tooth Pain
Not every tooth twinge is an emergency. But certain symptoms suggest that what seems like “random pain” might be the beginning of something more serious. Think of them as red flags your body waves before things get worse.
You should contact a dentist right away if:
- The pain is getting more frequent or intense
- You feel swelling in your gums, cheek, or jaw
- The pain wakes you up at night
- There’s a bad taste in your mouth (which could signal infection)
- You have pain after eating hot foods that lingers
These could all be signs of infection, nerve damage, or a deeper cavity. If you’re in Manchester and need urgent dental care, our 24/7 emergency dental team is here day and night — including weekends and bank holidays. Call us now on 07427722427 to book a same day appointment.
How to Relieve Tooth Pain at Home (Safely)
If you’re unable to get to a dentist straight away, here are a few safe ways to ease the pain temporarily. These won’t fix the root cause, but they can help make things bearable until you’re seen.
Start with a warm saltwater rinse: it helps clean the area and reduce inflammation. You can also apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek (not directly on the tooth) to numb the area.
Avoid: extremely hot or cold foods, and stick to soft meals if chewing triggers the pain. Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help too, but be cautious with numbing gels or home remedies like clove oil, they can sometimes do more harm than good if misused.
Remember: if pain keeps returning, it’s a sign something needs attention. Don’t keep managing symptoms when the solution is just one visit away.
What to Expect at an Emergency Dentist Appointment
We get it — going to the dentist can be stressful, especially when you’re in pain. That’s why our approach is simple, fast, and focused on getting you out of discomfort as quickly as possible.
During your emergency appointment in Manchester, we’ll:
- 1. Talk through your symptoms and examine the area
- 2. Take an X-ray if needed to get a clear picture
- 3. Identify the cause of the pain
- 4. Begin treatment immediately, no waiting around
Depending on the issue, treatment might include a filling, a temporary or permanent crown, antibiotics for infection, or even a root canal if the nerve is affected.
The goal? Get you out of pain that day, and give you a plan moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a tooth hurt randomly and still be serious?
A: Yes. Even pain that fades quickly can signal a bigger problem underneath. It's better to catch it early.
Q: Will intermittent pain go away on its own?
A: Maybe for a while, but usually it returns worse. Most dental problems don’t fix themselves.
Q: How do I know if it’s a sinus issue or a tooth problem?
A: Sinus pressure tends to affect multiple upper teeth and gets worse when you bend over. A dental exam can confirm the cause.
Q: Can I go to A&E for tooth pain?
A: Only in extreme cases like facial swelling or difficulty breathing. For most issues, an emergency dentist is the right place and is always faster.
Final Thoughts: Don't Ignore ANY type of Tooth Pain
When pain comes and goes, it’s easy to dismiss it. But your teeth don’t just ache for no reason. That twinge, that throb, that sudden zing? They’re all clues.
The good news: intermittent pain often means you’ve caught the problem early. And that means faster, easier, and less expensive treatment.
If you're in Manchester and experiencing any of the symptoms we've talked about, don’t wait for the pain to come back stronger. Our 24 hour emergency dental team is here to help.
- same day treatment
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays
- no registration required
Get Seen Same Day
Call now or walk in to recieve same day treatment and get you out of pain.