Tooth Pain & Symptoms
Tooth and mouth symptoms can have many causes, and they're hard to tell apart on your own. These guides explain what different kinds of pain, sensitivity, and other symptoms can mean — and when to see a dentist.
Cold sensitivity weeks after a filling
Some sensitivity to cold after a filling can linger for weeks, but worsening or spontaneous pain deserves a call to your dentist. Learn when it's normal and when to seek care.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideWhat causes a persistent bad taste after tooth extraction?
A bad taste after extraction can be normal healing debris, but it may also signal a complication. Learn what's typical, when to contact your dentist, and how to manage it.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideA new night guard is making my jaw sorer
New night guards often cause temporary soreness as your jaw adjusts, but persistent pain isn't normal. An adjustment visit can usually fix the fit and bite alignment quickly.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS Urgent guideAn adult tooth suddenly feels loose
A tooth that suddenly becomes loose in an adult is a sign to seek urgent dental care. Learn what might cause sudden tooth looseness and when to get help immediately.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS Urgent guideA swollen lump under the jaw with tooth pain: when to seek urgent care
A swollen lump under your jaw paired with tooth pain can signal a dental infection or a medical condition requiring prompt evaluation. See a dentist or doctor right away to rule out serious causes.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideA new gap appeared between my adult front teeth
Adult teeth can shift and create gaps for several reasons — from gum health to bite changes. A dental exam is the first step to understand what's happening and explore options.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideA soft growth between two teeth
A soft lump or bump between your teeth needs professional evaluation—it may be a gum cyst, tissue overgrowth, or infection. Schedule a dental visit to get it checked and learn your options.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideWhy does food keep trapping between my two back teeth?
Food trapping between molars usually signals a gap, filling edge, or gum issue. A dental exam can identify the cause and restore normal function.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideBlack hairy tongue: what to ask a dentist
Black hairy tongue is a harmless oral condition where papillae on your tongue become elongated and darkened. It's usually reversible with better oral hygiene and addressing underlying causes like dry mouth or antibiotic use.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideWhy is my jaw sore every morning?
Morning jaw soreness can stem from several causes, including nighttime clenching, grinding, or jaw-joint issues. A dentist can help identify the source and discuss options with you.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideTooth pain after a flight in or out of Phoenix
Airplane pressure changes can trigger pain in teeth with existing problems. Learn why this happens and when to see a dentist.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuidePain or a bad taste under a dental bridge
Pain, bad taste, or odor under your bridge may signal a cleaning issue, decay, or gum problems underneath. A dental exam can identify what's happening and restore comfort.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideWhy does my tooth hurt only when I lie down?
Tooth pain that occurs when lying down can have several causes, from sinus pressure to pulp inflammation. Learn what might be happening and when to see a dentist.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideWhy does my tooth hurt when I eat sweets?
Tooth pain triggered by sweets can signal several conditions—from decay to sensitivity. Learn what might be causing it and why a dental exam is essential.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideOne tooth feels taller than the others
A tooth that feels higher than neighboring ones often needs a bite adjustment or dental exam. Learn what causes this sensation and when to call your dentist.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideCan't open wide after wisdom teeth removal
Limited mouth opening after wisdom tooth extraction is common and usually improves over time. Learn what's normal, when to contact your dentist, and how to support healing.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideWhat to do when a wisdom tooth flap traps food and causes pain
A partially erupted wisdom tooth can develop a flap of gum tissue that traps food and debris, causing discomfort. Learn what you can do at home and when to see a dentist.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideMy bite feels high after a new crown
A high bite after a crown placement is common and fixable. Contact your dentist for a quick adjustment rather than waiting—prolonged clenching can cause discomfort and damage.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideFood keeps packing under my new crown—what should I do?
If food regularly gets trapped under your new crown, it may indicate an open margin or poor fit. Learn when to contact your dentist and how to protect your tooth in the meantime.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideTucson dust, sinuses, and tooth-like pain
Tucson's dry climate and dust storms can trigger sinus pressure that mimics tooth pain. Learn how to tell the difference and when to see a dentist or doctor.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS Urgent guideSwelling after dental work: how much is normal?
Mild-to-moderate swelling after dental procedures is common, but you should know what patterns suggest healing and when to contact your dentist. Learn what to expect and when to seek urgent care.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideBlood blister in your mouth: should you worry?
Blood blisters in your mouth are usually caused by minor injury and often heal on their own. Learn what causes them, when to see a dentist, and how to care for your mouth while it heals.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideJaw clicking or popping when you chew: what it means
Jaw clicking or popping without pain is often not urgent, but certain changes warrant a dental visit. Learn when to get it checked and what your dentist will look for.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideMetallic taste in your mouth: what causes it?
A metallic taste often comes from dental work like fillings or crowns reacting with saliva, or from broader health factors. Learn what might be behind it and when to see your dentist.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideWisdom teeth recovery: what to eat and what to avoid
After wisdom teeth removal, eating the right foods supports healing and prevents complications. Learn which soft foods are safe early on, when to progress to normal eating, and what to avoid to protect your extraction sites.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS Urgent guideA pimple on your gum? Why a 'gum boil' needs a dentist
A pimple-like bump on your gum is often a fistula—a drainage point for a tooth infection. Even if it doesn't hurt or comes and goes, it signals a problem that requires a dental exam and imaging.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideWhy are my teeth shifting? (Even if you had braces)
Teeth naturally drift throughout life due to mesial drift, retainer wear, grinding, and gum changes. Sudden shifting or loosening needs a dentist's evaluation to identify the cause and plan next steps.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideRoot canal: what actually happens, step by step
A root canal removes infected or damaged tissue inside your tooth. Learn what to expect during the procedure, from numbing through sealing and aftercare.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideWhite spots on teeth: what causes them?
White spots on tooth enamel can signal early tooth decay, fluorosis from childhood, or residue from braces. Learn what your dentist will look for and what options exist.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideA burning feeling in your mouth: what can cause it?
Burning mouth sensations can stem from dry mouth, oral conditions, nutritional factors, or underlying health issues. A dental exam helps identify the cause so you can find relief.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideWhite patches in your mouth: when to get them checked
White patches inside your mouth can have several causes, from irritation to fungal infections to more serious conditions. Learn what might cause them and why a dental exam is important.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideA persistent bad taste in your mouth: causes
A lingering bad or metallic taste can come from dental issues like gum disease or dry mouth, or from non-dental causes like sinus problems or reflux. See a dentist if the taste is accompanied by pain or swelling.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideCracked tooth syndrome: pain with no visible crack
A hairline crack too small to see can cause sharp pain when biting or sensitivity to temperature. Learn why cracked tooth syndrome is hard to diagnose and why prompt dental care matters.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideTooth extraction vs. root canal: how to decide
Learn when dentists recommend extracting a tooth versus saving it with a root canal, what each involves, and questions to ask to make an informed choice.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideIs it sinus pressure or a tooth problem?
Sinus congestion and tooth pain can feel similar because your upper teeth and sinuses are located close together. Learn the key differences to help you figure out whether you need a dentist, doctor, or both.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideSigns your wisdom teeth are coming in
Wisdom teeth typically emerge in late teens or early twenties. Learn what symptoms to expect, when partial eruption or impaction may cause problems, and why a dental evaluation matters.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideWhy are my gums receding?
Gum recession happens when gum tissue pulls back from tooth roots, often due to brushing habits, gum disease, grinding, genetics, or tobacco use. Early evaluation by a dentist helps prevent sensitivity and decay.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideTooth extraction aftercare: what to do (and avoid)
After a tooth extraction, protecting the blood clot and following your dentist's care plan are essential to healing properly. Learn what to do in the first 24 hours and beyond, and when to call for prompt care.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideRoot canal myths vs facts: what you really need to know
Root canals are routine dental procedures that relieve pain, not cause it. We bust the most common myths about pain, cost, and necessity — so you can decide from facts, not fear.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose , DDS GuideBad breath (halitosis)
Persistent bad breath can be embarrassing. Learn common causes and how to address them, from simple fixes to when to see a dentist.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose GuideCanker sores vs cold sores
Canker sores and cold sores look similar but are different. Learn the differences and how to treat them.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose GuideDry mouth: causes, risks, relief
Dry mouth is more than uncomfortable—it increases cavity and bad breath risk. Learn causes and how to manage it, especially in Arizona's climate.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose GuideGum pain & swelling
Swollen or painful gums can signal gingivitis, infection, or impacted teeth. Learn common causes and when to seek care.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose GuideJaw pain & TMJ basics
Jaw pain and clicking can signal TMD (temporomandibular disorder). Learn triggers and self-care strategies.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose Urgent guideLoose adult tooth
A loose permanent tooth is a sign of trauma or gum disease. Prompt care can sometimes save it.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose GuideThrobbing tooth pain
Throbbing tooth pain often signals decay, infection, or a cracked tooth. Learn what causes it and when to seek urgent care.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose GuideWhy teeth discolor
Tooth discoloration can be external staining or internal damage. Learn causes and treatment options.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose GuideTooth sensitivity to hot & cold
Sharp pain when your teeth touch hot, cold, or sweet things? Learn what causes tooth sensitivity and how to manage it.
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