Why do teeth hurt?
Tooth pain signals that something is wrong. Understanding the cause helps you decide how urgently to seek care.
Tooth decay (cavity)
Decay is the most common cause of toothache. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugar into acid, which erodes tooth enamel over time. Early decay causes no pain — but once it reaches the inner layer (dentine), you will feel sensitivity to sweet foods, hot, and cold. When decay reaches the pulp (the nerve centre of the tooth), the pain becomes constant and can be severe. Treatment at the decay stage: a filling. Treatment once the pulp is involved: root canal treatment or extraction.
Dental abscess
An abscess is a bacterial infection that forms a pocket of pus inside or around the tooth root. It causes a throbbing, often severe, pain, and may be accompanied by swelling of the jaw or face, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. This is a dental emergency — an abscess will not resolve without treatment and can spread to other tissues.
Cracked tooth
A cracked tooth causes pain when biting or chewing, and often sharp sensitivity to temperature. A crack can be difficult to see on an X-ray and requires a dentist's examination. Cracked teeth caught early can often be saved with a crown. Left untreated, the crack can extend into the root, requiring extraction.
Gum disease
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) causes pain, bleeding, recession of the gums, and loosening of teeth. The pain is typically dull and diffuse rather than focused on a single tooth. Treatment involves a deep clean (scaling and root planing), and sometimes surgery.
Wisdom tooth eruption or impaction
Wisdom teeth — the last molars to emerge — often cause pain when they push through the gum (pericoronitis) or cannot fully erupt because of insufficient space (impaction). The pain is at the back of the mouth and may radiate to the jaw or ear. Impacted wisdom teeth usually need to be removed.
Sensitivity (without decay)
Some patients have naturally sensitive teeth due to thin enamel or exposed dentine. Sensitivity to cold air, cold drinks, or sweet foods is the typical presentation. Sensitivity toothpaste and fluoride treatments can help. However, new sensitivity — particularly if it is getting worse — should be assessed to rule out decay or cracking.
Home remedies for toothache — what actually works
Over-the-counter pain relief
Ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory) or paracetamol at the recommended dose is the most effective short-term measure. If you can take both safely, they can be alternated. Follow the dosing instructions on the packaging. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Clove oil (eugenol)
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball and hold it gently against the painful tooth and surrounding gum — not directly on the gum tissue for prolonged periods. It provides temporary numbing but does not treat the cause.
Cold compress
A cold pack wrapped in a cloth, applied to the outside of the cheek for 15–20 minutes, reduces swelling and provides pain relief. Do not apply ice or cold directly to the tooth.
Salt water rinse
Rinsing with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) helps clean the area, reduce bacteria, and soothe inflamed gum tissue. It is particularly useful if there is gum swelling around the tooth.
What does NOT work — and what to avoid
- Placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — this causes a chemical burn to soft tissue
- Using alcohol (whiskey, etc.) directly in the mouth — minimal numbing, high irritation risk
- Ignoring the pain and hoping it will resolve — most dental problems worsen without treatment
When you need a dentist the same day
Some situations require immediate dental attention — not just a home remedy and an appointment next week:
- Swelling in the jaw or face — this indicates a spreading infection that can become life-threatening
- Fever combined with toothache — a sign of systemic infection from dental source
- Pain you cannot control with painkillers — uncontrolled pain usually means the nerve is involved
- Pain after a recent extraction — could be dry socket (alveolar osteitis), which needs treatment
- Knocked-out or displaced tooth — time-sensitive: get to a dentist within 30–60 minutes
Getting seen in Peshawar
DentalTouch is on Nasir Bagh Road, next to DHA Peshawar and Askari. The clinic accepts emergency dental patients and can usually see urgent cases the same day. WhatsApp the clinic to confirm availability and get directions — this is the fastest way to secure an emergency slot without turning up and waiting.
For patients in University Town, University Road, DHA, or Askari, DentalTouch is the closest option in the corridor.
Treatment costs for toothache in Peshawar
- Examination and X-ray: PKR 500–2,000
- Composite filling: PKR 2,000–8,000
- Root canal treatment (per tooth): PKR 8,000–25,000
- Simple tooth extraction: PKR 2,000–8,000
- Teeth cleaning / scale and polish: PKR 3,000–8,000
Treating a cavity now is significantly less expensive than root canal treatment later — and root canal treatment is far less expensive than extraction and replacement. Early action saves money and saves teeth.