Tooth pain can be an unsettling experience, especially when it strikes on just one side of your mouth—whether it’s on the left or the right. The discomfort can challenge daily tasks like eating, talking, or even concentrating. Not to mention the emotional toll that persistent pain can have on your well-being.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely experiencing tooth pain that’s localized to one side and are seeking answers. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of tooth pain and discuss treatment options.
Symptoms of Tooth Pain on One Side
Tooth pain, no matter where it originates, is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. The key to getting the right treatment is recognizing the specific symptoms and linking them to their causes.
Here’s a rundown of common symptoms associated with tooth pain on one side of your mouth:
- Sharp, Stabbing Pain: This kind of pain can be associated with a cracked tooth, cavity, or abscess. The pain often comes and goes, and it might intensify when you eat or drink something cold or sweet.
- Throbbing or Pulsating Pain: Throbbing pain is often a sign of infection, such as a dental abscess or gum disease. This pain might worsen when you lie down or put pressure on the affected area.
- Swollen Gums: If one side of your gums is swollen, red, or tender, it could point to gum disease, an abscess, or an erupting wisdom tooth.
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: If one side of your mouth is particularly sensitive to temperature changes, it’s likely related to a cavity, cracked tooth, or exposed dentin (the layer underneath your enamel).
- Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: A foul smell or taste could be a sign of a dental abscess or infection. This happens when bacteria accumulate and cause pus to form, which can lead to a sour taste or bad breath.
- Difficulty Chewing: Pain when biting down is often associated with a cracked tooth, cavity, or a loose filling. If chewing becomes painful on one side, it’s a signal to visit the dentist.
Why Does Tooth Pain Happen on One Side?
Tooth pain localized on either the left or right side of the mouth can arise from several potential issues. Whether the discomfort is sharp, throbbing, or mild but persistent, understanding the underlying cause is key to finding the right treatment.
Below are some common reasons for tooth pain on one side of your mouth:
1. Cavities or Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most frequent causes of localized tooth pain. When plaque, which is full of bacteria, builds up on your teeth, it can produce acids that erode the enamel. Over time, this can lead to cavities. Cavities might start small, but they can deepen and expose sensitive parts of the tooth, leading to pain.
If you notice that pain worsens when eating sweets or consuming something cold or hot, a cavity could be the culprit. Typically, this type of pain is confined to the affected tooth, making one side of the mouth more sensitive than the other.
2. Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums, but can advance to periodontitis if left untreated. This condition not only affects the gums but also the bone supporting the teeth, leading to pain, bleeding, and sometimes loose teeth. In more severe cases, gum disease may only impact one side of the mouth more noticeably.
If your gums are swollen, tender, or receding around one area of your mouth, you could be dealing with gum disease, which requires treatment to prevent it from worsening.
3. Impacted or Erupting Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth often cause problems because they don’t always have enough space to emerge properly. If a wisdom tooth is trapped beneath the gum or growing at an angle, this can cause pain on one side of your mouth. Impacted wisdom teeth often lead to swelling, jaw stiffness, and pain that radiates from the back of the mouth toward the front.
4. Sinus Infection
Believe it or not, tooth pain on one side of your mouth can sometimes be linked to a sinus infection, especially if it’s affecting the upper teeth. The roots of your upper molars are located close to your sinuses, so if your sinuses become inflamed due to an infection, this can put pressure on the teeth, causing discomfort.
A good way to tell if this is the case is if your tooth pain coincides with cold or allergy symptoms like a runny nose or facial pressure.
Read: 10 Simple Tips to Get Rid of a Sinus Infection Naturally
5. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a condition that can cause uneven wear and tear on your teeth. Many people grind their teeth in their sleep without realizing it.
This can lead to pain concentrated on one side of the mouth, depending on where the pressure is most severe. Over time, grinding can wear down the enamel and even crack teeth, which exacerbates pain.
A telltale sign of bruxism is waking up with jaw pain, soreness in the face, or headaches. If this sounds familiar, it’s worth discussing with your dentist to prevent further damage.
6. Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a severe infection that can develop at the root of a tooth or in the gums. Abscesses are often caused by untreated cavities, gum disease, or trauma to the tooth.
The pain from an abscess is usually sharp, throbbing, and persistent, and it’s typically isolated to one side of the mouth. In some cases, you may also experience swelling, fever, and a bad taste in your mouth as pus forms in the infected area.
7. Cracked or Broken Teeth
Whether it’s from chewing something hard or an accidental injury, a cracked or broken tooth can cause significant pain on one side of your mouth. Cracks can be difficult to detect with the naked eye, but if you notice pain when biting down, especially on hard foods, this could be a sign that your tooth is cracked or damaged.
8. Referred Pain from Other Areas
Sometimes tooth pain isn’t directly related to the teeth or gums at all. Pain from the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) or muscles surrounding the jaw can be called your teeth.
TMJ disorders, in particular, can cause pain that feels like it’s coming from the teeth but is actually rooted in joint dysfunction.
Treatment Options for Tooth Pain on the Left or Right Side
Treating tooth pain requires understanding the underlying cause, and the good news is that modern dentistry offers a range of treatments to address a variety of issues. Here’s a look at some common treatments based on the source of your pain:
1. Cavity Filling
If your tooth pain is due to a cavity, your dentist will likely remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with a durable material like composite resin or amalgam. This restores the tooth’s structure and function, relieving pain.
For larger cavities, your dentist might recommend a crown, which covers the entire tooth to protect it from further damage.
2. Root Canal Therapy
For infections within the tooth’s pulp—often caused by deep cavities or trauma—root canal therapy is a common treatment. During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected tissue, disinfects the area, and seals the tooth. This procedure can save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted and typically provides long-term pain relief.
3. Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
If gum disease is causing your pain, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. This involves cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar that have accumulated, as well as smoothing the roots of the teeth to help the gums heal and reattach properly.
4. Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If an impacted or partially erupted wisdom tooth is to blame for your pain, your dentist might recommend removing the tooth. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure, and it’s often necessary when these third molars cause crowding, infection, or discomfort.
Read: Wisdom Teeth Pain Relief -15 Best Home Remedies
5. Night Guard for Teeth Grinding
If bruxism is causing tooth pain, a custom night guard can help. A night guard is a dental device worn while sleeping that cushions your teeth and reduces the pressure from grinding or clenching, preventing further damage and alleviating pain.
6. Treatment for Sinus Infections
If your tooth pain is linked to a sinus infection, treating the infection can help resolve the discomfort. Over-the-counter decongestants, nasal sprays, or antibiotics (in the case of bacterial infections) can reduce sinus pressure and relieve tooth pain.
7. Dental Abscess Treatment
If you have a dental abscess, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. In more severe cases, the abscess may need to be drained, and a root canal or tooth extraction may be necessary to fully resolve the issue.
8. Dental Bonding or Crowns for Cracked Teeth
For cracked or broken teeth, your dentist may use bonding materials to seal the crack and prevent it from worsening. In more severe cases, a crown might be necessary to protect the tooth from further damage and restore its functionality.
Preventing Tooth Pain: Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums
Prevention is always the best cure, especially when it comes
to dental health. By practicing good oral hygiene and adopting healthy habits, you can reduce the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other issues that lead to tooth pain.
Here’s how to keep your teeth and gums in top shape:
- Brush Twice Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to clean your teeth twice a day, ideally after meals. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel, protecting your teeth from decay.
- Floss Daily: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, which brushing alone can’t reach. Make it a daily habit to keep your gums healthy and prevent cavities.
- Use Antibacterial Mouthwash: A mouthwash that targets bacteria can help reduce plaque and prevent gum disease. Opt for a fluoride rinse to strengthen enamel and provide additional cavity protection.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Routine dental checkups and cleanings can help catch potential problems early, such as cavities or gum disease, before they lead to pain. Aim for a dental visit every six months.
- Reduce Sugar Intake: Sugary foods and drinks fuel bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to decay. Limiting sugary treats, especially between meals, can protect your teeth from cavities.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your mouth hydrated and washes away food particles and bacteria. Saliva production, boosted by staying hydrated, is essential for protecting your teeth from decay.
- Wear a Mouthguard for Sports: If you play contact sports, a mouthguard is essential for protecting your teeth from trauma that could lead to cracking or breaking.
- Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Using your teeth to open packages or bottles may seem convenient, but it can lead to chips and cracks. Always use the appropriate tool and save your teeth for chewing food!
When to See a Dentist?
If you’re experiencing tooth pain that persists or worsens, don’t wait to seek professional help. Left untreated, tooth pain can lead to more serious complications and require more invasive treatments. You should see a dentist if you experience:
- Severe, persistent pain that doesn’t go away
- Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw
- Fever along with tooth pain
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Persistent bad taste or foul odor in your mouth
Conclusion
Experiencing tooth pain on one side of your mouth can be concerning, but there are effective solutions available. By identifying the cause of your discomfort and seeking timely treatment, you can find relief and restore your oral health. Remember, good dental hygiene and regular dental visits are your best defenses against future pain.
