A sharp twinge when you bite down, a dull throb that lingers after eating, or a tender ache concentrated between two teeth. Pain in between teeth is one of those symptoms that are easy to dismiss but rarely goes away on its own. The discomfort can be mild one day and significant the next, and it is not always easy to tell what is behind it.
What makes this type of pain worth taking seriously is that the spaces between teeth are where some of the most common dental problems quietly develop. Decay between teeth often goes undetected without X-rays. Gum disease typically begins along the gumline and between teeth before spreading further. Food trapped in those spaces can escalate from a temporary irritant to an infection over time. Understanding what these symptoms can indicate is the first step toward addressing them before they worsen.
Quick Overview
- Pain in between teeth is discomfort felt in the spaces between teeth or the gum tissue surrounding them, rather than within a single tooth
- It may affect anyone, but is often linked to gum disease, tooth decay, food impaction, cracked teeth, or emerging wisdom teeth
- The underlying cause influences how the pain presents and how urgently it needs attention, from mild gum irritation to a developing abscess
- How quickly symptoms progress varies widely between individuals and depends on factors including oral hygiene, dental history, and the specific cause
- A dental examination, including X-rays, is usually needed to identify what is driving the pain and determine the appropriate next step
Below, we explain the most common causes of pain in between teeth, what the warning signs mean, and what to do at home while waiting for a dental appointment.
What Causes Pain in Between Teeth?
Pain in between teeth can stem from a range of dental conditions. Some are minor and resolve with good hygiene. Others require prompt dental treatment. The most common causes are outlined below.
Gum disease: Gum disease is one of the most frequent causes of pain and discomfort in the spaces between teeth. It begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline and between teeth. In its early stage, gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. When gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress to periodontitis, in which the gum seal around the tooth is damaged, and pockets form between the gum and the tooth root. Bacteria accumulate in these pockets, causing further damage to the supporting bone and tissue. Plaque between teeth and gum inflammation is the starting point for most cases of gum disease, and early treatment significantly improves the outlook.
Tooth decay between teeth: Cavities do not only form on the biting surfaces of teeth. Decay can develop on the sides of teeth where they make contact with each other, and these interproximal cavities are among the most difficult to detect without X-rays. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from food and produce acids that wear through tooth enamel over time. In the early stages, interproximal decay may cause no symptoms at all. As it progresses deeper into the tooth, sensitivity and pain between the affected teeth become more noticeable, particularly when eating hot, cold, or sugary foods. Tooth decay is the most common chronic dental disease in Australia, and it is almost entirely preventable with regular cleaning and dental check-ups.
Food stuck between teeth: Food trapped between teeth is a common and often temporary source of discomfort. Fibrous foods, popcorn, and meat are the most frequent culprits. In most cases, gentle flossing removes the food and the pain settles quickly. If food becomes regularly trapped in the same spot, or if discomfort persists after removing it, this may indicate an underlying structural issue such as a gap that has developed due to gum recession, a worn contact point between teeth, or a cracked tooth. Food left lodged below the gumline can lead to localised infection if not cleared promptly.
A cracked tooth: A cracked tooth can produce sharp, intermittent pain that is difficult to locate precisely. The pain often occurs when biting down and then releases as pressure is removed. Cracks can extend between teeth and into the surrounding gum, making the pain feel interproximal rather than confined to a single tooth. Small cracks are not always visible to the naked eye and may require examination under magnification and specific bite tests to identify.
A dental abscess: A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that produces a pocket of pus either at the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. Abscesses cause throbbing, persistent pain that can be severe and may radiate to the jaw, ear, and neck. Swollen gums, a bad taste in the mouth, facial swelling, and fever can accompany an abscessed tooth. An untreated abscess will not resolve without dental treatment and can spread beyond the tooth and jaw if left unaddressed.
Impacted wisdom teeth: Emerging or impacted wisdom teeth are a common source of pain toward the back of the mouth, in the spaces between the wisdom tooth and the tooth in front. When a wisdom tooth cannot fully break through the gum, the surrounding tissue can become inflamed and painful, and bacteria can accumulate in the partially erupted space. This pain often comes and goes and may worsen when chewing or opening the mouth wide.
What Are the Warning Signs That Need Prompt Attention?
Not all pain in between teeth requires the same level of urgency. Some symptoms are more pressing than others.
Seek dental attention within a few days if you are experiencing:
- Pain that persists for more than two days or does not ease with over-the-counter pain relief
- Gums that bleed consistently when brushing or eating, rather than occasionally
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods that lingers after the stimulus is removed
- Food that becomes trapped repeatedly in the same location
Seek care as soon as possible if you notice:
- Throbbing pain that is getting worse rather than staying the same
- Visible swelling in the gum, jaw, or face
- A bad taste or smell in the mouth that does not clear with brushing
- Fever alongside dental pain
- Difficulty opening the mouth, chewing, or swallowing
Untreated dental pain can also affect your general health, with poor oral health linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
What Can You Do at Home While You Wait?
Home care does not treat the underlying cause of pain between teeth, but it can help manage discomfort until you can see a dentist.
Gently floss the affected area to clear any trapped food and reduce bacterial activity. Rinsing with warm salt water, half a teaspoon dissolved in a cup of warm water, can ease mild gum irritation. A cold compress held against the cheek may help reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can manage acute discomfort; follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
These measures provide temporary relief only and should not replace a dental assessment.
A Considered Approach to Dental Pain
Pain in between teeth is not something to push through indefinitely. Whether it is a sign of early gum disease, a developing cavity, or something more acute, getting a clear picture of what is happening allows the right response to be put in place. The longer dental problems go unaddressed, the more involved the treatment typically becomes.
If you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or sensitivity in or around your teeth and gums, we are available to help. We are open seven days a week, from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Call us on (08) 7078 8263 or book an appointment online at any time.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get pain in between my teeth when I bite down?
Pain when biting that is concentrated between two teeth may be caused by a cracked tooth, decay on the side of a tooth, or food that has become lodged in the contact point. If the pain occurs consistently in the same spot when chewing, a dentist can examine the area, including with X-rays, to identify the cause. Intermittent sharp pain that releases when you stop biting is a common sign of a cracked tooth.
Can gum disease cause pain between teeth?
Yes. In the early stage, gingivitis causes tenderness, swelling, and bleeding around the gumline, including between teeth. As gum disease progresses to periodontitis, pockets form between the gum and the tooth root, which can cause more significant pain, a bad taste in the mouth, and eventually tooth looseness. Early gum disease is reversible with proper cleaning and a dental review.
References
Better Health Channel. (2025). ‘Gum Disease’. Department of Health, State Government of Victoria. Melbourne, VIC: Victorian Government. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/gum-disease
Australian Dental Association. (n.d.). ‘Tooth Decay’. Teeth.org.au. Sydney, NSW: Australian Dental Association. https://teeth.org.au/tooth-decay
Healthdirect Australia. (2026). ‘Toothache and Gum Swelling’. Healthdirect Australia. Canberra, ACT: Australian Government. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/toothache-and-gum-swelling