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A survey by the American Family Physician revealed that 22 percent of adults have experienced pain in their teeth, gums, or jaw within the last six months. Two of the most likely explanations are that you’ve developed tooth sensitivity or that one of your teeth is cracked or infected. The good news is most causes of sudden tooth discomfort are easily treatable by your dentist. Here are 10 possible reasons why your teeth might be giving you pain, and when to see a doctor. 1. Exposure to extreme heat or cold Tooth sensitivity is caused by worn tooth enamel or exposed nerves in your teeth. When you eat or drink something with an extremely low or high temperature, you may feel a sudden, sharp flash of pain. 2. Gum recession Gums are the layer of pink tissue that cover bone and surround the root of the tooth to help protect the nerve endings of your teeth. As you age, gum tissue often begins to wear , causing gum recession. This recession leaves the roots of your teeth exposed, as well as leaving you more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth infections. If your teeth are suddenly more sensitive than they used to be, gum recession could be the culprit. 3. Enamel (dentin) erosion It’s estimated that at least 12 percent of people have some form of “dentin hypersensitivity” that causes them discomfort when they eat. This kind of sensitivity can be caused by eating a highly acidic diet, brushing your teeth too hard, and other factors. As a result, the enamel that coats and protects your teeth begins to wear away and is not replaced. This can lead to sharp, stabbing pain that sends shivers up your spine when you bite into certain foods. 4. Tooth decay (cavity) Tooth decay, also referred to as a cavity, might be the reason why your teeth have suddenly started bothering you. Tooth decay can linger on the sides or tops of your tooth enamel without being noticed for some time. Once the decay begins to progress toward an infection, you may startexperiencing pain in your tooth. 5. Gum infection Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, affects more than 47 percent of adults over the age of 30. Gum disease is called gingivitis in its early stages, and some people don’t even know that they have it. Sensitive teeth and gums can be a sign of escalating gum disease. 6. Cracked tooth or crown You may not be surprised to learn that a cracked tooth or crown can cause tooth pain and sensitivity. But there are cases when you may have a tooth cracked ever so slightly, so that it causes pain but is nearly impossible to see. 7. Sinus infection One symptom of a sinus infection is pain in your teeth and in your jaw. As your sinuses become inflamed and filled with pressure from the infection, they can compress the nerve endings of your teeth. 8. Grinding or clenching jaws Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaws can lead to chronic tooth sensitivity, as you wear away at the enamel on your teeth. While many people clench or grind their teeth from time to time, high-stress circumstances or poor sleep can lead to you increasing this habit without you realizing it, resulting in tooth pain that seems mysterious. 9. Dental procedures Recent fillings or tooth work involving drilling can temporarily make the nerve endings of your teeth more sensitive. Sensitivity from a tooth filling procedure may last up to two weeks. 10. Teeth bleaching products Using whitening strips, bleaching gels, or having an in-office teeth-whitening procedure can put you at a higher risk of tooth sensitivity. Pain in your teeth that’s caused by teeth bleaching is often temporary and will usually subside if you stop using whitening products. When to see a doctor If your teeth have become sensitive when they never were before, make an appointment with your dentist. They may be able to recommend a simple treatment, such as a sensitivity-reducing toothpaste. Your dentist will also be able to tell if you need a corrective procedure, such as a filling or a tooth extraction, to relieve your pain. Some symptoms should never be ignored. See your dentist right away, or contact another health professional, if you experience the following: toothache that lasts for more than 48 hours throbbing or sharp, aching pain that doesn’t subside migraine or thunderclap headache that extends to your teeth fever that seems to coincide with your toothache The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you need help finding a dentist. Takeaway There are myriad reasons why you might feel a sudden pain in your teeth. Most of them are connected to the natural erosion of your gums or tooth enamel. If you’ve developed hypersensitive teeth seemingly overnight, you should speak with your dentist. While it’s not usually considered a dental emergency, teeth that are causing you pain should be examined by a dentist to rule out some of the more serious causes. Last medically reviewed on May 23, 2019 5 sourcescollapsed Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Cunha Cruz, J, et al. (2013). The prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity in general dental practices in the northwest United States.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23449905Douglass A, et al. (2003). Common dental emergencies.aafp.org/afp/2003/0201/p511.htmlPeriodontal disease. (2013).cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.htmlTooth decay. (2019).nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-infoWhat causes sensitive teeth, and how can I treat them? (2018).mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sensitive-teeth/faq-20057854 FEEDBACK: Christine Frank, DDS — By Kathryn Watson on May 23, 2019 Read this next Why Do My Gums Hurt? Christine Frank, DDS If you’re experiencing gum pain, you may be asking yourself why your gums hurt. Painful gums are a common problem caused by a variety of conditions…READ MORE Teeth Pain: Common Causes and Ways to Address Them Christine Frank, DDS Teeth hurt for a lot of reasons. Here we discuss 12 of the most common, from straightforward cavities to tooth pain that’s a symptom of another health…READ MORE Why Are My Teeth So Sensitive? Christine Frank, DDS While pain caused by hot or cold foods could be a sign of a cavity, it’s also common in people who have sensitive teeth. Here’s what you need to know.READ MORE Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat Sweets? 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