How can I relieve tooth nerve pain?

Tooth pain got you down? Whether it’s that sharp jolt when you sip your coffee or a constant, dull pain, a tooth ache can derail your day—and even your ability to eat. If it feels like nerve pain in your tooth, you’re not alone. It’s a common (and annoying) dental issue.

Don’t stress—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to spot the signs of tooth nerve pain, what might be causing it and the ways you can find relief both at home and at the dentist’s office.

If you’re feeling tooth nerve pain, don’t just tough it out. Schedule an appointment with Aspen Dental today, and we’ll help you figure out what’s going on and how to fix it. 

What is tooth nerve pain?

Tooth nerve pain is exactly what it sounds like—a sharp, intense pain coming from the nerves located in the innermost part of your tooth, called the dental pulp. The pulp is home to your tooth’s blood vessels and nerves, so when it’s irritated or exposed, you’ll feel it.
 
Unlike general tooth sensitivity, nerve pain often feels severe, like an electric shock or stabbing pain. Hot or cold temperatures can trigger it, certain foods or even mild pressure on the tooth. 

Causes of tooth nerve pain 

Tooth nerve pain can happen for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes it happens suddenly, like when you crack or chip a tooth or even break one. But other times, it creeps up on you over time. Look out for sensitivity to hot, cold and sweets. Here are a few common causes:

• Enamel damage over time: Your enamel is like your teeth’s armor, but it can wear down. Sugary or acidic foods and drinks, heavy alcohol use or even dry mouth can chip away at it. Keeping an eye on these habits can help keep that enamel strong. 

• Receding gums or gum disease: Your gums do a lot more than you think—they protect your teeth from damage and sensitivity. If they start to recede or get damaged, it can expose the roots of your teeth, leading to sensitivity or nerve pain. 

• Untreated cavities: Cavities can get deep enough to expose your nerves, causing serious pain. Getting a filling can stop the decay and cover up those nerves before things get worse. What may seem like something small, could be large under the surface. By the time you feel pain or notice a hole, chances are it may already be too late. 

• Teeth clenching or grinding: Do you clench or grind your teeth, maybe without even realizing it? This is called bruxism, and it can wear down your enamel and put extra stress on your teeth, which might lead to nerve pain over time. Repeated stress and pressure can prime the nerves to feel pain to something that should not hurt. 

Common symptoms of tooth nerve pain

Wondering if what you’re feeling is tooth nerve pain? Here are some tell-tale signs:

Extreme sensitivity to temperature

Cold ice cream or hot coffee might send shock waves through your tooth.

Sensitivity to sweets

If you start feeling sensitive to sweet treats, especially chocolate, there is a good chance something is developing. 

Sharp, radiating pain

This pain may feel strong and come in waves, sometimes spreading to your face or ears.

Bleeding gums

If receding gums are the cause, you may notice bleeding along the gum line. 

Spontaneous pain

If you have pain without a stimulus or have pain that wakes you from sleeping, it is time to see your dentist or endodontist.  

Food and drinks to avoid when experiencing tooth nerve pain

• Hot or cold foods: Think ice cream, iced drinks, hot soups and steaming teas—they can all aggravate nerves. 

• Sugary foods: Candy, chocolate and baked goods can worsen tooth issues, especially if cavities are involved. 

• Acidic foods and drinks: Citrus fruits, sodas and even certain juices can weaken enamel and expose the more permeable dentin layer below. 

• Sticky foods: Dried fruits and hard candies can stick to teeth and cause discomfort. 

• Sticky starches: Foods like chips and crackers can for a thick paste like adhesion to your teeth providing a long lasting food source for oral bacteria. 

If your nerves are already on edge, sticking to lukewarm and easy-to-chew foods can provide some relief.

Quick tips for tooth nerve pain relief

Need temporary relief? Here are ways to ease the pain at home, but remember—you’ll still need a long-term fix from your dentist:

Saltwater rinse

Mix 8 ounces of warm water with ½ teaspoon of salt, then swish it gently in your mouth for 30 seconds. This can help reduce inflammation and clean the area.

Cold compress

If there’s swelling, a cold compress can reduce both swelling and pain. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time. Call your dentist and get an appointment immediately with noticeable swelling. 

Over-the-counter pain relief

Medications like Tylenol or Ibuprofen can provide temporary relief, but don’t rely on them as a permanent solution—your dentist needs to address the root cause. 

Desensitizing toothpaste

Switch to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to help block some of the pain signals heading to your brain. Avoid whitening toothpastes at this time. 

Before trying any home remedies, double-check with your dentist to ensure it’s safe for your specific situation.

Tooth nerve pain treatment (long-term)

Relieving tooth nerve pain permanently requires treating the underlying cause. At Aspen Dental, we offer tailored solutions to fix the problem for good:

Fillings

If a cavity is causing the pain, we’ll clean out the decay and seal your tooth with a filling. If the decay is too extensive, other treatments like a root canal might be necessary. If the decay is close to the nerve and impacts your nerve, do not worry, this happens a lot. Your Aspen Dental care team will help you determine whether you need a filling or a root canal. 

Tooth extractions (if necessary)

If the damage is too severe to fix, we might recommend removing the tooth. Don’t worry—we can help you explore replacement options like dental implants to restore both your functionality and smile. 

Root canals

If the nerve is infected, a root canal removes the damaged pulp, cleans the root canals and seals the tooth. It’s an effective solution to stop the pain, remove bacteria and save your tooth. The procedure is a safe, effective and proven method to remove bacteria while keeping your natural teeth. Root canal treatment today is much different from what you have heard in the past. 

Tooth nerve pain FAQs

How long does tooth nerve pain last?

It depends on the cause. Pain from an untreated cavity will linger until it’s addressed, whereas irritation from gum issues may improve after a professional cleaning. Sensitivity after a restoration like a crown or filling may mean you need your restoration adjusted. Give it some time to get better but be aware if things get worse. Lingering, sharp and spontaneous pain means more work may be needed.

Is tooth nerve pain an emergency?

Potentially. If the pain is intense and accompanied by fever, swelling or difficulty breathing, seek emergency dental care immediately. 

Does tooth nerve pain go away on its own?

Since the pain originates deep in your tooth, nerves don’t usually heal without intervention. Delaying treatment could worsen the problem. If your sharp, lingering and spontaneous pain goes away completely and feels better, it may mean the nerve is not alive anymore and still needs a root canal and time is even more important at this point. The longer you wait, the worse an infection may get. Do not wait for pain or symptoms to return. 

What can I do if tooth nerve pain becomes unbearable?

See your dentist immediately. Severe pain might indicate a serious issue that needs urgent attention.

Get treated for your tooth nerve pain

Tooth nerve pain can be really uncomfortable and, if ignored, might lead to bigger oral health issues down the lane. Time is not on your side, but the dentists and specialists at Aspen are.

Don’t wait—reach out to Aspen Dental today to find out what’s causing the pain and get started on the right treatment plan for you.