Pulsing Teeth: What Is This Throbbing Pain?

Common Causes (and Solutions) for a Throbbing Tooth

The throbbing sensation you get from pulsing teeth feels like your heart is beating in your gums. It results from pressure buildup in the inflamed pulp. Increased blood flow to the area causes throbbing, which can be anywhere from annoying to a complete disruption of your day. 

This pressure buildup can have several causes. Let’s look at the various reasons for throbbing tooth pain so you can find the most effective treatment, fast.

Cavities and Decay

A cavity is more than a hole in your tooth. It’s the result of bacteria and acids that have slowly dissolved the enamel and dentin (the second layer of your tooth), letting microorganisms and irritants get to the nerve-rich pulp. This tooth decay continues to worsen, leading to inflammation that presses on the nerves and blood vessels. 

This is likely the case if you lie down or eat hot, cold, or sweet foods, and the throbbing increases. 

Solutions

Cavities must always be treated by a dentist — the sooner, the better, before they go deeper into the layers of the tooth and hit the pulp. Decay doesn’t go away on its own, and the more you use your teeth, the more the bacteria flourish. 

At its earliest stages, dentists can remove the decay and cover the hole with fillings, inlays, or onlays. For more severe decay, they may need to perform a root canal to remove the pulp and save the tooth, then cover it with a crown.

Pus Buildup

One stage of tooth inflammation is decay, which is painful and annoying. But if it progresses to abscesses and pulpitis, it can become dangerous.

When pus builds up in and around the pulp, the immune system might jump in and create a “wall” around the infection called a dental abscess. This is supposed to stop the microorganisms from spreading further, but if it isn’t treated, the bacterial infection can enter the bloodstream and, in serious cases, lead to sepsis, a life-threatening whole-body response to infection.

Tooth abscesses and irreversible pulpitis show up as a throbbing sensation in the gums. As with the cavity issue, tooth infections that cause pus buildup should be treated promptly by a specialist.

Solutions 

Caught early, getting rid of the infection can be as simple as having your dentist drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics. Removing the decay calms the inflammation that causes pain with reversible pulpitis, but irreversible pulpitis typically requires a root canal or, in severe cases, a tooth extraction to remove the infection and prevent it from spreading.

Cracked or Damaged Teeth

Does one of your teeth have a crack in it? Even if it seems tiny and innocent, it shouldn’t be ignored. 

When teeth have a crack (fracture), bacteria have an easy entryway. A buildup of these microorganisms leads to infection and pressure, often noticed as pain when biting.

Solutions

Small cracks are easily fixed with treatments such as bonding or filling, which work like cement to seal the opening and keep the tooth stable. Deeper fractures may need a crown to cover the tooth and prevent further damage. In some cases, the cracked tooth may be too extensive to save and may need to be extracted.

Gum Disease

At its earliest stages, gum disease shows up as puffy, red gums and light bleeding. This stage, gingivitis, is reversible with extra brushing, flossing, and oral health TLC, but if it progresses to the next stage of periodontitis, the resulting swollen gums and infection lead to throbbing.

Periodontal disease is what happens when bacteria get under the gumline. Deep pockets form where infection thrives, pushing on the bone and surrounding tissues, and pain and tenderness appear. 

Solutions

When you have periodontitis, root planing and scaling procedures are necessary to remove the plaque and tartar below the gums. Your dentist may suggest using an antibacterial rinse. 

This stage is progressive, although with regular care, you may be able to delay tooth and gum deterioration. However, ongoing checkups and x-rays with a periodontist are vital to control infection and prevent jawbone and tooth loss if the gum disease continues to spread.

Bruxism and TMJ Disorders

Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders both place strain on the jaw joints and chewing muscles. This extra pressure leads to microscopic trauma, muscle fatigue, and inflammation. Referred pain in the teeth, temple, and ears from chronic clenching causes headaches, stiffness, and, left untreated, pulsing teeth.

Solutions

If you think your throbbing might stem from bruxing or TMJ problems, a custom night guard, like those we offer at JS Dental Lab, is the first step. Night guards prevent the lower and upper arches of your teeth from touching, giving your jaw muscles the much-needed chance to rest, redistributing force evenly, and cushioning your bite.

For more serious TMJ pain, ongoing care with a TMJ specialist is necessary. This treatment may include physical therapy, medication, and bite adjustments. Since bruxism and TMJ disorders are often made worse with anxiety, stress management is another common treatment.

Sinus Infections

Did you know that your sinus cavity and oral structures are closely connected? This is particularly true when you’re dealing with pain in your molars, which is why it’s hard to tell if molar pain is due to an oral health issue or a sinus infection.

When the maxillary sinuses (behind your cheeks and just above your upper molars) are infected, it can put pressure on the nearby roots. This connection turns into a dull ache that causes you to think there’s a problem with your teeth when you actually have a sinus infection.

Solutions

Instead of a dental treatment, some antibiotics and home remedies may be all you need. Treating a sinus infection often includes taking prescription medication and over-the-counter decongestants. Nasal saline rinses, also available OTC, can help reduce congestion and inflammation, helping you breathe better and relieving the discomfort.

Symptoms to Watch For With Throbbing Tooth Pain

When you have a dull pulsing discomfort, you’re probably tempted to ignore the problem and hope it goes away.

Sometimes, like in the case of a sinus infection, this happens. But in other situations, especially abscesses, early treatment of a throbbing toothache is essential. The general rule of thumb for tooth pain is that it’s signaling you there’s a problem that will only worsen over time. Catching it in its early stages is the best way to minimize the extent (and expense) of repairs.

How do you know when to seek immediate attention? Err on the side of caution and head to the doctor if you think something is “off,” especially if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Pain that gets worse when you lie down
• Temperature-sensitive pain
• Swelling
• Fever
• Sharp pains instead of throbbing
• Signs of pus
• Radiating pain
• A bad taste in your mouth (which could be a sign of infection)

Always seek dental care if the pain lasts more than two days, or if you have any swelling or fever. 

Home Relief Tips

Throbbing tooth pain can derail your day, but some home care can help keep the pain manageable while you’re waiting for your dental appointment. Temporary relief around the house can be found using these simple tips:

• Apply a cold compress to the affected cheek for 10-20 minutes at a time. Be sure to keep a cloth between skin and ice to prevent burning. (Note: Never use heat therapy if there’s inflammation and swelling, as the warmth increases inflammation and blood flow and can make the problem worse.)
• Take OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Check with your doctor if you have any medical conditions to see which medication is best for you.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and gargle after eating. This small step removes food debris and soothes inflammation.
• Vanilla extract or diluted clove oil, applied topically with a clean finger or cotton ball, contains numbing ingredients that temporarily reduce pain.

Remember, although these home remedies can help relieve pain, they won’t fix the problem. Contact your dentist for an appointment as soon as you can. Waiting too long can lead to systemic infection or turn a problem that could have been easily fixed into something complicated. In severe cases, you could lose your tooth.

Preventing Pulsing Teeth in the Future

You’ve dealt with pulsing teeth, and you know it’s not something you want in your life again. So, once it’s fixed, how do you prevent this problem in the future?

The key is to focus on small, daily habits. Make sure your oral hygiene routine is consistent: brush for about two minutes, allow additional time for flossing, and finish with a mouthwash rinse, in line with recommendations from the American Dental Association.

Keep regular checkups with your dentist as recommended (typically twice a year). This gives the professionals a chance to monitor your oral health and watch for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other issues that could lead to pulsing teeth.

If you’re a bruxer, be sure to wear a custom-made night guard regularly. Boil-and-bite or one-size-fits-all night guards can help with short-term grinding, but for long-term comfort and maximum effectiveness, you need a high-quality, professional-grade night guard (see our options at JS Dental Lab). 

Stick with positive dental habits: Avoid hard, sticky, and sugary foods, don’t chew on things that aren’t supposed to be in your mouth (read: fingernails, pen caps, toothpicks, etc.). Consider quitting other unhealthy habits that harm your teeth and gums, like using nicotine or illicit drugs and drinking too many dark beverages like coffee, tea, and soda. 

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but your teeth aren't guaranteed to last a lifetime if you don't take care of them!

Conclusion

Visiting the dentist isn’t just for procedures like wisdom tooth removal or routine cleanings. Dental checkups should be on your calendar at least twice a year to help prevent problems that can lead to pulsing tooth pain and enamel damage.

Between those visits, let the professionals at JS Dental Lab guide you as you look for affordable teeth whitening kits, custom-made night guards, and other dentistry solutions. Our high-quality products are made in the USA and sourced from the top materials available. Talk to one of our helpful team members and get your oral health routine on track today!