Tooth Pain: Common Causes and When to See a Dentist

Tooth pain can disrupt your day, affect your sleep, and make even simple activities like eating or speaking uncomfortable. But what exactly causes toothaches, and when should you visit your dentist for help? If you’re dealing with persistent or sudden tooth pain, you may need professional care from a trusted Wetherill Park dentist. At Dr Raymond Platon and Associates, we help patients across Wetherill Park, Smithfield, Bossley Park, Prairiewood, and Greenfield Park find fast, long-term relief from dental discomfort.

What Causes Tooth Pain?

Tooth pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. There are many reasons why a tooth might hurt, including:

  • Tooth Decay: Cavities form when plaque erodes the enamel and reaches the sensitive dentin layer.
  • Gum Disease: Inflammation from gingivitis or periodontitis can cause tenderness and tooth sensitivity.
  • Dental Abscess: A bacterial infection can lead to pus buildup and severe, throbbing pain.
  • Cracked or Broken Teeth: Chips and fractures expose nerves, triggering pain.
  • Tooth Grinding (Bruxism): Constant clenching wears down enamel and can lead to pain and sensitivity.
  • Erupting Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow, they push against other teeth, causing pain.

Because symptoms often overlap, it’s essential to seek a dental diagnosis. In some cases, what seems like a minor irritation may turn out to be an infection that requires immediate treatment.

When Is Tooth Pain a Sign You Should See a Dentist?

Some toothaches go away on their own, especially if they’re due to mild gum irritation. However, certain signs mean it’s time to book an appointment right away:

  • Persistent, throbbing toothache
  • Sharp pain when biting or chewing
  • Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
  • Swelling around the tooth or jaw
  • Foul taste or odour in the mouth
  • Fever or swollen lymph nodes

Early diagnosis can prevent a small issue from becoming a dental emergency.

What Happens at Your Appointment?

When you visit our dental clinic in Wetherill Park, we start by asking detailed questions about your pain. We’ll then perform a thorough oral exam and may take X-rays to identify the root cause.

Dental X-ray to diagnose tooth pain at Wetherill Park dental clinic

Depending on what we find, we may recommend:

  • Fillings to restore decayed teeth
  • Root canal therapy if infection has reached the pulp
  • Crowns or bridges for structural damage
  • Wisdom tooth extraction for impacted teeth
  • Gum treatment to reduce inflammation and support healing

Because each case is unique, we customise treatment to your specific needs.

Benefits of Prompt Treatment at Dr Raymond Platon and Associates

Choosing our clinic means choosing experienced, gentle care with lasting results. Patients benefit from:

  • Fast pain relief using the latest techniques
  • Advanced diagnostics and on-site imaging
  • Wide range of treatment options, from simple fillings to surgical extractions
  • Experienced team trusted by the Wetherill Park community for over 30 years
  • Supportive care in a calm, welcoming environment

In addition, we take the time to explain your options and help you feel confident about your treatment plan.

Who Should See a Dentist for Tooth Pain?

If your discomfort lasts more than a day or interferes with eating, sleeping, or speaking, it’s time to see a professional.

Woman with toothache at dental clinic in Wetherill Park

You should also visit the dentist if:

  • Pain returns frequently, even if mild
  • Over-the-counter pain relief isn’t working
  • You notice visible damage to a tooth
  • Your gums bleed or feel swollen

We welcome patients from all surrounding suburbs, including Wakeley, Fairfield Heights, Pemulwuy, and Canley Heights.

How to Prevent Toothaches in the Future

Good oral care can reduce your risk of developing tooth pain. To protect your smile:

  • Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
  • Avoid sugary snacks and acidic drinks
  • Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night
  • Visit us for routine check-ups and dental cleans

In fact, most issues like decay or gum disease are highly preventable with regular dental visits. Learn more about our preventative dentistry services to stay ahead of problems before they start.

If your toothache has left your teeth stained or damaged, you may also benefit from our dental veneers in Wetherill Park to restore your confidence and smile aesthetics.

For trustworthy information on toothache symptoms, visit Teeth.org.au’s page.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is a toothache always a sign of a cavity?
Not necessarily. Toothaches can result from gum issues, cracked teeth, or even sinus infections. That’s why a dental exam is important.

Can a toothache go away without treatment?
In some cases, yes. However, if the pain persists or returns, it could indicate a serious problem that requires professional care.

What helps a toothache at night?
You can try rinsing with warm salt water, applying a cold compress, or taking over-the-counter pain relief. But these are temporary solutions—see a dentist soon.

How do I know if I need a root canal?
Symptoms like lingering pain, swelling, or darkening of the tooth may signal infection. We can confirm with X-rays and clinical testing.

Is emergency dental care available?
Yes. If your pain is severe, call us at 9609 2935 for urgent assistance.


Book a Toothache Consultation Today

Tooth pain shouldn’t be ignored. Whether it’s a dull ache or sharp, persistent discomfort, our team at Dr Raymond Platon and Associates is here to help. As a trusted dentist in Wetherill Park, we’ll identify the cause and provide prompt, gentle treatment to get you smiling again.

📞 Call us today on 9609 2935 to schedule your visit.

We proudly care for patients from Wetherill Park and nearby suburbs including Smithfield, Bossley Park, Fairfield Heights, and Wakeley.


By Dr Raymond Platon and Associates – Trusted Wetherill Park Dentist
Published on: July 17, 2025