Key Takeaway
- Intermittent tooth pain often signals underlying problems like decay, cracked teeth, gum disease or transient nerve irritation.
- Pain that comes and goes might seem harmless — but it usually means damage is progressing beneath the surface.
- Early diagnosis and treatment prevent serious complications such as infection, abscesses or tooth loss
- Effective treatment depends on the root cause — from simple fillings to root canals, crowns, or gum therapy
- If you experience recurring toothache, see a dentist promptly, because even short-lived symptoms can point to serious damage.
Why Tooth Pain Often Fluctuates
Tooth pain rarely stays constant. Instead, it often flares up intermittently, then fades — only to return later. Several reasons explain this pattern:
- Pressure on a damaged area (e.g., biting, grinding, clenching) may irritate nerves temporarily.
- Temperature changes — hot drinks, cold air, or ice — can trigger sensitivity if enamel is weakened
- Infections or inflammation can vary with pressure changes inside the tooth or surrounding gums.
- Bacteria may intermittently irritate nerve tissue before a full-blown infection takes hold.
💡 Intermittent pain might lull you into a false sense of security — but that doesn’t mean the problem has healed. Treat a tooth pain right away – visit Whites Dental in Waterloo & Marble Arch for treatment.
Most Common Causes Of Tooth Pain That Comes And Goes
Dental Decay (Cavities)
One of the leading causes of intermittent tooth pain is untreated decay. As cavities penetrate enamel and dentine, they can expose sensitive inner layers. At early stages, pain may only appear with sweets or hot/cold — but once the pulp is involved, pain episodes may become unpredictable.
Typical indicators of decay-related intermittent pain:
- Sharp jolts when eating sweet or cold foods
- Occasional dull ache at night
- Visible discoloration, pits, or cracks on the tooth surface
Left untreated, decay can progress to nerve involvement, requiring root canal treatment or even extraction.
Cracked Or Fractured Teeth
Cracks — even very fine ones — can cause intermittent pain because parts of the tooth shift slightly under pressure. You might feel pain when biting, then nothing when chewing on the other side.
Common causes of cracked teeth include:
- Biting hard foods such as nuts, ice, hard candies
- Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism) at night
- Trauma from slips or impact
Because cracks can widen over time, the pain may worsen or become more frequent. Early dental assessment is key to prevent further damage or infection.
Tooth Sensitivity From Worn Enamel Or Dentine Exposure
If enamel is thin or worn down — due to acid erosion, aggressive brushing, or age — you may experience sudden sensitivity rather than full-blown toothache. Such sensitivity often comes and goes depending on triggers, like cold drinks or sweets.
Though less severe initially, sensitivity like this may escalate into serious pain if the dentine or pulp becomes chronically irritated.
Receding Gums Or Gum Disease (Periodontal Issues)
Gum disease can gradually expose the root surfaces of teeth, making them more vulnerable. As gums recede, the tooth root — unprotected by enamel — becomes exposed, which can lead to sharp or throbbing intermittent pain, especially when eating or brushing.
Periodontal disease may also cause pockets of infection around the root, which can flare up and subside — resulting in on-and-off pain or discomfort.
Infected Or Inflamed Dental Pulp / Abscess Forming
Sometimes, bacterial invasion reaches the tooth’s pulp or the surrounding bone, causing inflammation or abscesses. In early stages, the pain may come and go as pressure fluctuates. Over time, episodes tend to become more consistent and severe.
Symptoms often include:
- Dull ache turning into sharp pain during flare-ups
- Sensitivity to temperature or pressure
- Occasional bad taste or bad breath
- Swelling in gums or near the affected tooth
💡 If ignored, abscesses may lead to serious complications — including bone damage or systemic infection. Immediate dental treatment becomes critical in such cases.
Bruxism And Bite Problems
Grinding or clenching the teeth, often at night, places excessive stress on teeth. This can cause micro-fractures, enamel wear, or nerve irritation — leading to intermittent tooth pain or sensitivity.
Patients may be unaware of the cause if pain only arises in the morning or after certain chewing activities. Without protection (e.g., a night guard), the damage accumulates over time, often quietly until a crack or decay develops.
Old Or Damaged Fillings, Crowns Or Restorations
Dental restorations that have worn down, cracked, or separated from the tooth structure can create tiny gaps. These gaps allow bacteria to enter and irritate the underlying tooth — causing recurring pain episodes.
This type of periodic pain often affects one tooth and may worsen after biting or chewing sticky foods. Diagnosing and correcting malfunctioning restorations is vital to prevent further decay or infection.
Why Intermittent Tooth Pain Should Never Be Ignored
It’s common for people to dismiss aches that “go away on their own,” but doing so can lead to serious consequences:
- Small problems like decay or cracks can worsen dramatically over time.
- Infections can spread to bone or adjacent teeth, increasing complexity and cost of treatment.
- Nerve involvement may lead to pulp death, making root canal or extraction necessary.
- Chronic dental issues may contribute to abscess formation or systemic health complications
💡 Addressing tooth pain early dramatically increases the chance of saving the natural tooth with a simpler, less invasive treatment.
How Dentists Diagnose The Cause Of On-And-Off Tooth Pain
When you visit a dentist for tooth pain relief, they will perform several assessments to identify the underlying cause:
- Clinical examination (visual inspection, bite test, probing gums).
- Dental X-rays to reveal decay, cracks or bone changes
- Pulp vitality tests to assess nerve health.
- Bite and percussion tests to detect cracks or fractures.
- Periodontal assessment to identify gum disease or root exposure.
💡 Combining these diagnostics helps the dentist form an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.
Common Treatments Based On Cause
For Decay Or Cavities
- Remove decay and place a filling
- If decay reaches deep layers: root canal + crown
For Cracked Teeth
- Minor cracks: composite bonding or protective restoration
- Significant cracks: root canal + crown or other protective restoration
For Sensitivity From Enamel Wear
- Apply desensitising treatments or varnishes.
- Bond uncovered dentine or use protective restorations.
- Use softer brushing techniques and remineralizing toothpaste
For Gum Disease Related Pain
- Professional cleaning and gum therapy.
- Root planing and improved oral hygiene.
- Follow-up care to prevent recurrence.
For Bruxism or Bite Issues
- Custom night guard protection.
- Adjust bite if necessary
- Lifestyle modification (stress reduction, avoiding hard foods)
For Failed Restorations
- Replace or repair fillings, crowns or inlays.
- Ensure proper seal and structural integrity
When On-and-Off Pain Becomes A Dental Emergency
Certain symptoms always warrant urgent care — even if the pain is intermittent:
- Severe sharp pain when biting or releasing pressure
- Swelling of gums, face, or jaw
- Fever or general signs of infection
- Persistent throbbing that disrupts sleep
- Bad taste or drainage from the gum
💡 Delaying care in these situations increases risk of abscesses, further infection or tooth loss.
How To Manage Intermittent Tooth Pain Before You See A Dentist
While waiting for a dental appointment, you can reduce discomfort by:
- Rinsing with warm saltwater to reduce inflammation.
- Applying cold compresses to relieve swelling.
- Avoiding hard, sticky, or very hot/cold foods.
- Using gentle toothpaste and soft toothbrush
- Taking over-the-counter pain relief (following instructions carefully)
💡 These are temporary measures only — you still need a professional diagnosis and treatment.
Preventing Tooth Pain From Returning
Prevention is always better than cure. Key practices:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
- Use a night guard if you grind teeth.
- Try to not chew hard things – e.g. ice or using your teeth as a tool – to open bottle caps etc.
- Attend regular dental check-ups every six months
- Maintain a diet low in sugary, acidic foods
💡 Proactive habits greatly reduce risk of decay, cracks, and gum disease.
When Intermittent Pain Is Not From A Tooth
Occasionally, pain that feels like a toothache may come from other sources:
- Sinus infections causing referred pain in upper teeth
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Ear problems or nerve pain.
💡 During diagnosis, a dentist may rule out dental causes and refer you appropriately if needed.
Whichever Cause, Prompt Dental Attention Is Crucial
Ignoring intermittent tooth pain is risky. Without treatment, underlying issues often worsen until pain becomes constant, more severe, or leads to complications. Professional dental care protects both your teeth and overall health.
Tooth Pain Treatment And Relief At Whites Dental, London
If you’re experiencing on-and-off tooth pain and you’re in London, the team at Whites Dental can help. Our two central London clinics provide toothache relief – comprehensive diagnosis and treatment — from simple fillings to root canal therapy, gum care, restorations and emergency care.
Whites Dental Waterloo
172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER
📞 020 8616 0590
Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)
52B Kendal St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BP
📞 020 3576 2325
Our services include:
- Full dental examinations and diagnostics
- White fillings, inlays/onlays, crowns.
- Root canal treatments.
- Gum disease and periodontal therapy.
- Night guards and bite adjustments.
- Emergency appointments and pain relief
💡 Whether your tooth pain is mild or severe — periodic or constant — early assessment and dental treatment greatly increase the chances of preserving your natural tooth and avoiding complications.
Final Thoughts
Tooth pain that comes and goes often feels manageable — but it usually signals a deeper problem. Temporary relief does not equal healing, and many common causes, like decay, cracks, or gum disease, worsen over time. If you’re experiencing intermittent tooth pain, seek professional assessment as soon as possible. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most issues can be resolved effectively, protecting both your oral health and overall wellbeing.
💡 At the first sign of recurring pain, don’t wait — book an appointment at Whites Dental Waterloo or Marble Arch to get to the root of the problem.