That persistent throbbing tooth pain with no visible cavity can be both confusing and alarming. At our Cardiff dental practice, we frequently see patients with mysterious toothaches caused by hidden issues. If you’re experiencing unexplained tooth pain, this guide explains the 7 most likely causes and when to seek emergency care.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt If There’s No Cavity? 7 Hidden Causes
1. Sinus Pressure Mimicking Tooth Pain
Your upper back teeth share nerve pathways with your sinuses. When sinuses become inflamed (from colds, allergies or sinus infections), you may feel:
- Dull throbbing in multiple upper teeth
- Pain that worsens when bending over
- Tenderness when tapping teeth
Solution: Try saline nasal rinses and antihistamines. If pain persists beyond 3 days, see a dentist to rule out dental causes.
2. Bruxism (Nighttime Teeth Grinding)
Chronic grinding can cause:
- Morning jaw pain radiating to teeth
- Worn tooth surfaces
- Micro-fractures in enamel
Many patients don’t realize they grind until a dentist notices the signs.
Solution: Custom night guards protect teeth and relieve pressure.
3. Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Nearly invisible hairline fractures can cause:
- Sharp pain when biting
- Pain that comes and goes
- Temperature sensitivity
These often require dental crowns to prevent worsening.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
See a Cardiff emergency dentist immediately if you experience:
- Pain so severe it wakes you at night
- Swelling in gums or face
- A tooth that feels “taller” than others
- Pus or bad taste near the painful tooth
These could indicate a dental abscess needing urgent treatment.
4. Gum Recession Exposing Roots
As gums recede, sensitive root surfaces become exposed:
- Sharp pain with cold air/liquids
- Visible “longer-looking” teeth
- Discomfort when brushing
Solution: Gum treatments or sensitive tooth toothpaste can help.
5. TMJ Disorder Referred Pain
Temporomandibular joint issues often manifest as:
- Dull ache in lower back teeth
- Clicking/popping jaw sounds
- Headaches with tooth pain
Solution: Jaw exercises and bite adjustment may be needed.
6. Dental Work That’s Failing
Old fillings or crowns can cause:
- Intermittent throbbing under restorations
- Pain when biting on specific teeth
- New sensitivity years after treatment
Solution: Have your dentist check for loose fillings or crowns.
7. Nerve Irritation Without Infection
The tooth’s pulp can become inflamed due to:
- Previous trauma to the tooth
- Deep fillings close to the nerve
- Excessive bite pressure over time
Solution: May require root canal treatment to remove irritated tissue.
Still Have Unexplained Tooth Pain?
Our Cardiff dentists use advanced diagnostics to identify hidden causes of toothaches. Don’t suffer needlessly – we offer same-day emergency appointments.
Book Your Emergency EvaluationFAQs About Throbbing Tooth Pain Without Cavities
Sinus tooth pain typically:
- Affects multiple upper teeth simultaneously
- Worsens when bending forward
- Occurs with other sinus symptoms (congestion, pressure)
Try taking an antihistamine – if pain improves, it’s likely sinus-related. If unsure, our sinus tooth pain guide explains more.
Nighttime toothache intensification occurs because:
- Blood flow to the head increases when lying down
- There are fewer daytime distractions
- Bruxism often worsens during sleep
See our sleeping with tooth pain guide for relief tips.
Absolutely. Stress contributes to:
- Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
- TMJ disorder flare-ups
- Increased inflammation throughout the body
We discuss the stress-toothache connection in detail here.
While temporary, these may provide relief:
- Cold compress (20 minutes on/20 minutes off)
- Clove oil applied with a cotton swab
- Saltwater rinses (1 tsp salt in warm water)
- Avoiding foods that aggravate tooth pain
Important: These don’t replace professional evaluation.
Seek prompt dental care if:
- Pain lasts more than 48 hours
- Over-the-counter painkillers don’t help
- You develop swelling or fever
Delaying can allow problems to worsen. Read why ignoring dental pain is risky.
