Theres hardly anything as distracting and uncomfortable as a toothache. Whether it comes on suddenly or builds up slowly, tooth pain can interfere with eating, sleeping, and even thinking clearly. Understanding why your teeth hurt and what you can do about it is the first step toward reliefand possibly avoiding a trip to the dentist in the middle of the night.

Tooth pain can be caused by a number of factors, but tooth decay remains the most common reason. When bacteria in your mouth produce acid that erodes the enamel, cavities form. As they deepen, they can reach the inner pulp of the tooth, where nerves and blood vessels live. This results in sharp, throbbing pain that can be hard to ignore.

Another frequent culprit is gum disease, which can lead to inflamed, receding gums and exposed tooth roots. This exposure can cause sensitivity to hot, cold, or even sweet foods. Cracked or broken teeth, often from trauma or biting something hard, may also expose nerves and result in discomfort.