Common Dental Symptoms & What They Mean

Tooth pain, sensitivity, and gum problems are your body's way of signaling that something needs attention. Our symptom checker evaluates your specific symptoms, severity, duration, and triggers to suggest the most likely cause and recommended treatment.

Symptoms We Help Diagnose

• Toothache or throbbing pain — may indicate a cavity, abscess, or cracked tooth
• Sensitivity to hot and cold — often caused by worn enamel or receding gums
• Bleeding or swollen gums — early sign of gum disease
• Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth — requires prompt repair to prevent infection
• Jaw pain, clicking, or clenching — symptoms of TMJ disorder or bruxism
• Loose or shifting teeth — may indicate advanced periodontal disease or bone loss
• Persistent bad breath — could signal an infection or gum disease

When to See a Dentist

If pain persists more than 1–2 days, wakes you up at night, or is accompanied by swelling or fever, you should seek care promptly. Innova Smiles offers same-day emergency appointments for urgent dental problems.

Need relief now? Book a same-day appointment or call us at (508) 481-0110.

Tooth Pain & Dental Symptom FAQ

Why does my tooth hurt when I bite down?

Tooth pain when biting down is commonly caused by a cracked tooth, a large cavity reaching the nerve, a failing filling, or an abscess. If the pain is sharp and localized, it often indicates a crack or fracture. Dull, throbbing pain may suggest infection. Our symptom checker helps narrow down the likely cause so you can seek the right treatment quickly.

What causes tooth sensitivity to hot and cold?

Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by exposed dentin — the layer beneath your enamel. Common causes include receding gums, worn enamel, cavities, cracked teeth, or recent dental work. If sensitivity lasts more than a few seconds after the stimulus is removed, it may indicate nerve involvement requiring treatment like a root canal.

Why are my gums bleeding when I brush?

Bleeding gums are the most common sign of gingivitis (early gum disease), caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Other causes include brushing too hard, hormonal changes, blood-thinning medications, or vitamin deficiencies. If your gums bleed regularly, you should schedule a dental exam — untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis and tooth loss.

When is a toothache a dental emergency?

Seek same-day emergency care if you experience severe, unrelenting pain that disrupts sleep, facial swelling, a knocked-out or broken tooth, bleeding that won't stop, or a fever accompanying tooth pain. These symptoms may indicate an abscess or infection requiring immediate treatment. At Innova Smiles, we offer same-day emergency appointments.

What causes jaw pain and clicking?

Jaw pain, clicking, and difficulty opening your mouth are hallmark symptoms of TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint dysfunction). Common triggers include teeth grinding (bruxism), stress-related clenching, misaligned bite, or arthritis. Treatment options include custom night guards, Botox for jaw tension, and bite adjustment therapy.

Can a toothache go away on its own?

While mild sensitivity may resolve on its own, a true toothache rarely goes away without treatment. A cavity will continue to grow, an infection will worsen, and a cracked tooth can fracture further. If pain stops suddenly after being severe, the nerve may have died — which actually requires urgent care to prevent a spreading abscess.