When a toothache comes and goes, it can be confusing. One moment, there is pain, and the next it seems to settle. Some people ignore it, hoping it will pass. Others worry because the pain keeps returning. Intermittent tooth pain is common and can have several causes, ranging from mild irritation to more serious dental problems.
This article explains why toothache pain may come and go, what symptoms to watch for, and when it is important to see a dentist
What Does It Mean When Tooth Pain Comes and Goes?
A toothache that is not constant often points to an underlying issue that has not fully progressed. Tooth pain that comes and fades may be triggered by pressure, temperature changes, or inflammation that settles temporarily.
While the pain may feel mild at first, it does not always mean the problem is minor. Repeated episodes of dental discomfort are often a sign that something needs attention.
Common Causes of a Toothache That Comes and Goes
Several dental and non-dental factors can cause pain to appear intermittently.
Tooth Decay in Early Stages
Tooth Decay in Early StagesEarly tooth decay can cause a dull ache or short bursts of pain, especially when eating hot and cold foods. At this stage, the decay has not yet reached the dental pulp, where the tooth’s nerve sits.
Without dental treatment, decay can worsen and lead to severe pain or infection.
Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth often cause sharp pain or a throbbing sensation when exposed to cold air, drinks, or sweet foods. This pain usually fades once the trigger is removed.
Sensitivity may be linked to enamel wear, gum recession near the gum line, or early dental problems.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked tooth, broken tooth, or chipped tooth can cause pain that appears only when biting or chewing. The crack may be too small to see, but it can still irritate the tooth’s nerve.
Pain from a cracked tooth often comes and goes, depending on pressure and temperature.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, especially at night, places stress on multiple teeth and the jaw. This can lead to a dull ache, sharp pain, or throbbing toothache that eases during the day and returns later.
Grinding may also contribute to jaw discomfort related to the temporomandibular joint.
Gum Disease and Periodontal Issues
Early gum disease or periodontal disease can cause tenderness, bleeding, and pain that flares up and settles. Inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues may also contribute to bone loss if left untreated.
Swollen or tender gums around one or more teeth may indicate developing dental issues.
Wisdom Teeth
Erupting or partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause pain that comes and goes. Pressure, swelling, or trapped bacteria around the tooth can lead to irritation.
Pain may increase when chewing or during periods of inflammation, then ease again.
Sinus Infections
Sometimes, tooth pain is not caused by the teeth themselves. Sinus infections can create pressure that feels like dental pain, often affecting multiple teeth in the upper jaw.
This type of pain may come and go with changes in sinus congestion.
Throbbing Tooth Pain: A Warning Sign
Throbbing tooth pain or a strong throbbing sensation is often linked to inflammation or infection. People experiencing throbbing tooth pain may notice it worsening at night or when lying down.
This type of dental pain may indicate:
- An infected tooth
- An abscessed tooth
- An infected pulp
- A developing dental abscess
If the pain becomes constant or severe, it should not be ignored.
Signs of Infection to Watch For
A tooth infection may start with pain that comes and goes, then become more intense. Warning signs include:
- Facial swelling
- Swollen gums
- Persistent throbbing pain
- Sensitivity that does not settle
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Fever
An infection caused by bacteria in the tooth or nearby tissues can spread if left untreated.
Why Pain Sometimes Settles Then Returns
Inflammation around the tooth’s nerve or soft tissues may temporarily reduce, leading to mild discomfort rather than constant pain. However, the underlying dental problem often remains.
This is why a toothache that comes and goes should be assessed, even if the pain seems manageable.
When Root Canal Treatment May Be Needed
If decay or infection reaches the dental pulp, root canal treatment or root canal therapy may be required. This treatment removes infected tissue and helps save the tooth.
Common signs that may indicate the need for a root canal include:
- Ongoing or worsening pain
- Pain that wakes you at night
- Sensitivity that lingers
- An abscessed tooth
Root canal therapy is a commonly used dental procedure that treats tooth infection and helps ease discomfort.
Other Dental Treatments That May Help
Depending on the cause, treatment options may include:
- Dental fillings for decay
- Dental crowns for weakened teeth
- Gum treatment for periodontal disease
- Management of grinding with protective appliances
A dentist will recommend appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and examination.
Home Care for Temporary Pain Relief
While waiting to see a dentist, some steps may help ease discomfort:
- Use a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the outside of the face to reduce swelling.
- Rinse gently with a saltwater rinse to soothe the gums.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side.
- Avoid very hot or cold foods.
These measures can reduce inflammation, but they do not treat the cause.
Why Home Remedies Are Not a Long-Term Solution
Although some home remedies may ease discomfort, they cannot fix underlying dental problems. Pain that returns is often a sign that professional care is needed.
Delaying treatment can allow dental issues to worsen and lead to severe pain or complications.
The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups help identify problems early, before they cause ongoing pain. Routine visits allow dental clinics to monitor oral health, spot decay, and address gum issues promptly.
Preventive care supports long-term comfort and reduces the risk of dental emergencies.
What to Expect at a Dental Appointment
During a visit, the dentist will:
- Review your medical history.
- Examine the teeth and gums.
- Identify the source of dental pain.
- Discuss treatment options clearly.
This helps ensure the most suitable dental treatment is provided.
Why Ignoring Intermittent Tooth Pain Can Make Treatment More Complex
When tooth pain is not constant, it is easy to delay care, especially if symptoms settle on their own. However, a toothache that comes and goes can quietly progress beneath the surface. While inflammation or irritation may ease temporarily, the underlying cause often continues to develop.
Over time, untreated dental problems can become more complex. What may have started as mild irritation can advance to deeper tooth involvement, affecting the nerve, surrounding bone, or nearby teeth. As conditions progress, treatment may become more involved, take longer, or require multiple steps rather than a simple repair.
Intermittent pain can also mask the early stages of infection. Without assessment, infection may spread beyond the tooth, increasing the risk of swelling, ongoing discomfort, or complications that affect overall oral health.
Early dental review allows problems to be identified when they are easier to manage. Even if pain has settled, an examination can help confirm whether the tooth is stable or if treatment is needed to prevent further damage.
Addressing dental pain early supports better outcomes and helps reduce the likelihood of more extensive treatment later on.
When to See a Dentist Urgently
You should see a dentist promptly if you experience:
- Severe pain that does not settle
- Facial swelling or fever
- Signs of infection
- Pain affecting daily activities
Early care can prevent complications and protect oral health.
Bringing It All Together
When a toothache comes and goes, it is often a sign of an underlying dental problem that needs attention. Whether caused by decay, infection, gum disease, or grinding, intermittent pain should not be ignored.
By maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular check-ups, and seeking advice from a dentist when pain appears, you can protect your teeth and reduce the risk of more serious dental issues in the future.
If a toothache that comes and goes is causing concern or affecting your daily comfort, you can book a consultation or call (08) 7078 8263.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Resources
Cleveland Clinic Editorial Team (2023). ‘Cavities’. Cleveland Clinic, 27 March 2023. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10946-cavities
Watson, S. (2024). ‘Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)’. WebMD, 09 February 2024. New York, NY: WebMD LLC.
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/gingivitis-periodontal-disease
Stephanie Watson (2025). ‘Dental Crown Procedure’. Healthdirect, February 2025. Canberra, ACT: Australian Government – Healthdirect Australia.
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-crown-procedure