Should I see a dentist if my tooth only hurts occasionally?

Yes. Even occasional discomfort needs professional evaluation. Intermittent tooth pain often indicates an early-stage problem like decay or a crack that will worsen without treatment.

Can tooth pain that comes and goes go away on its own?

You might feel relief temporarily, but recurring tooth pain does not usually go away without professional treatment. The underlying cause (whether decay, a crack, gum disease, or another condition) continues to progress silently even when you're not experiencing discomfort.

What's the difference between tooth pain and referred pain from other sources?

Tooth pain comes directly from your tooth or surrounding structures, while referred pain comes from somewhere else but is felt in your tooth area. Sinus infections, for example, can cause pain that feels like it's coming from your upper back teeth.

How quickly should I see a dentist if my tooth pain that comes and goes is getting worse?

Schedule an appointment within the next two to three days rather than waiting for your next routine checkup. If you develop additional symptoms like swelling, fever, or difficulty eating, seek emergency dental care immediately rather than waiting for a standard appointment.

Tooth Pain That Comes and Goes? Here’s When to See a Dentist

Experiencing tooth pain that comes and goes can signal an underlying dental issue. Timely dental care helps prevent serious problems and provides relief from intermittent discomfort.

You might be frustrated or confused when there is tooth pain that comes and goes. Many people dismiss intermittent tooth pain as minor. However, even occasional discomfort is your body’s warning signal that something may be wrong beneath the surface, and you might need an emergency dentist. In this guide, we will talk about intermittent tooth pain and help you make informed decisions about seeking dental care.

Common Causes of Intermittent Tooth Pain

Tooth pain that comes and goes typically signals an underlying dental condition that requires professional evaluation. If you understand what might be causing your discomfort, you can determine the urgency of your situation and whether home remedies are appropriate.

Early-Stage Tooth Decay and Cavities

When bacteria feed on sugars and starches in your mouth, they produce acids that attack your tooth enamel and gradually create a cavity. At this stage, the decay has not yet reached the inner pulp, so the pain may be sporadic and triggered by specific stimuli. You might only notice discomfort when consuming extremely cold ice cream or biting into hard candies.

Is your dear child experiencing tooth pain? Visit Children’s Tooth Pain Remedies to explore the causes and how you can alleviate their pain.

Fractured or Cracked Teeth

cracked tooth — Concept of microfractures on the dental surface. Slight superficial dentin crack. Damage to the tooth due to incorrect chewing, very hard food, or bruxism.

Unlike a cavity that develops gradually, a crack can happen suddenly from biting down on something hard, experiencing trauma to your face, or from stress caused by teeth grinding. When food particles get trapped in the crack or you apply pressure on that tooth, pain signals fire through the affected nerve.

Concerned About Intermittent Tooth Pain?

At My Dentist Langley, we provide expert evaluation and treatment for tooth pain that comes and goes, ensuring early detection of cavities, cracks, and other dental issues.

Damaged or Loose Fillings and Crowns

Over time, dental fillings can wear down or develop small gaps where bacteria can enter, which then leads to secondary decay. A loose dental crown can shift slightly when you chew, putting pressure on the underlying tooth and triggering sharp pain. This pain is often inconsistent because the discomfort occurs mainly when you apply pressure to that specific tooth.

Symptoms Beyond Pain: Red Flags to Watch

While tooth pain that comes and goes is concerning, other symptoms indicate that your situation requires more urgent dental attention. These are some of the red flags to watch:

Symptom	What It Might Indicate	Urgency Level
Numbness or weakness in the face	Possible abscess or serious infection	Seek care immediately
Fever accompanying tooth pain	Systemic infection spreading	Emergency care needed
Difficulty swallowing or breathing	Severe infection affecting airways	Go to ER immediately
Numbness or weakness in face	Nerve involvement or serious infection	Emergency care needed
Bleeding that won’t stop	Possible trauma or severe gum disease	Seek urgent care
Visible pus or discharge	Dental abscess confirmed	Emergency appointment required
See a dentist within 24-48 hours	Possible nerve involvement	See dentist within 24-48 hours
Sensitivity lasting over 30 seconds after stimuli removed	Potential nerve damage	Schedule an appointment soon

Visit What Cavity Looks Like to learn more about the different stages of cavities and how to spot them.

When to Schedule a Regular Dental Appointment

You don’t always need emergency dental care for tooth pain that comes and goes, but you should schedule a regular appointment as soon as possible if you experience certain situations.

Let’s explore some of them:

If your discomfort is mild to moderate and not interfering with eating or sleep, contact your dentist’s office and explain your symptoms when scheduling.

If you notice intermittent tooth pain accompanied by sensitivity to temperature that doesn’t go away immediately after the stimulus is removed

If you’ve been experiencing intermittent discomfort for more than a week, contact your dentist right away rather than waiting.

Are you curious to know what an emergency dentist can do for tooth pain? Take a look at Emergency Dentist Toothache to find out how they relieve pain.

Home Remedies and Temporary Relief Strategies

Home remedies cannot cure the underlying cause of tooth pain that comes and goes, but they can provide temporary relief while you wait for your dental appointment. Here are some natural and over-the-counter solutions:

Saltwater rinses remain one of the most effective and accessible remedies for tooth pain that comes and goes.
Clove oil has been used for centuries to alleviate toothaches because it contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic.
Peppermint tea bags offer cooling and numbing properties that soothe discomfort.
Avoid hot or cold foods and beverages if your pain is triggered by temperature until you see your dentist.
Consume soft foods that don’t require heavy chewing on the affected side of your mouth.
Reduce or eliminate sticky foods like caramel or gum that might trap bacteria.
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth at night to reduce stress on your teeth.
Practice gentle brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Avoid aggressive flossing around the affected tooth.
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of room-temperature water, which helps flush the bacteria.
Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Protect Your Teeth from Intermittent Pain

If you prevent tooth pain that comes and goes from happening, it can save you a lot of money and stress. Don’t forget to maintain oral hygiene and schedule dental checkups every six months. Has the decay or cavity reached deeper layers of your tooth, requiring a root canal? At My Dentist Langley, we offer comprehensive root canal treatments to save your teeth. Book an appointment at Root Canal Langley.

FAQ

Should I see a dentist if my tooth only hurts occasionally?

Yes. Even occasional discomfort needs professional evaluation. Intermittent tooth pain often indicates an early-stage problem like decay or a crack that will worsen without treatment.
Can tooth pain that comes and goes go away on its own?

You might feel relief temporarily, but recurring tooth pain does not usually go away without professional treatment. The underlying cause (whether decay, a crack, gum disease, or another condition) continues to progress silently even when you’re not experiencing discomfort.
What’s the difference between tooth pain and referred pain from other sources?

Tooth pain comes directly from your tooth or surrounding structures, while referred pain comes from somewhere else but is felt in your tooth area. Sinus infections, for example, can cause pain that feels like it’s coming from your upper back teeth.
How quickly should I see a dentist if my tooth pain that comes and goes is getting worse?

Schedule an appointment within the next two to three days rather than waiting for your next routine checkup. If you develop additional symptoms like swelling, fever, or difficulty eating, seek emergency dental care immediately rather than waiting for a standard appointment.

Have you experienced tooth pain that comes and goes? Share your story or tips in the comments below and join the conversation about protecting your dental health!