Pain in Your Mouth: What It Means and When to See a Dentist
If you’re experiencing pain in your mouth, don’t ignore it. Even mild oral discomfort can be a sign of something more serious. At Metropolitan Smile Design in Tamarac, we help patients across Broward County quickly identify and treat the root cause of mouth pain—so you can feel better fast and avoid long-term damage.
In this post, we’ll cover the most common causes of mouth pain, when it becomes a dental emergency, and how we can help.
What Does Pain in the Mouth Usually Mean?
Pain in the mouth can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain. It may come from the teeth, gums, jaw, tongue, or the soft tissues inside your cheeks. Common symptoms that go with it include:
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Swelling
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Bleeding gums
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Difficulty chewing or swallowing
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Sensitivity to hot or cold
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Bad taste or odor in the mouth
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Headaches or jaw tension
If any of these are happening to you, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment today or call us at (954) 322-3865.
7 Common Causes of Pain in Your Mouth
1. Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Cavities can cause sensitivity and sharp pain, especially when eating or drinking. Left untreated, they can reach the tooth’s nerve.
2. Gum Disease
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums are a major sign. Gum infections often cause pain that spreads throughout the mouth.
3. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When a wisdom tooth can’t fully emerge, it pushes on nearby teeth and tissue, causing intense pain and swelling.
4. Tooth Abscess or Infection
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by infection. It’s one of the most painful conditions and requires urgent care.
5. Oral Sores or Ulcers
Canker sores, cold sores, and tissue irritation can make even basic functions like talking or eating uncomfortable.
6. TMJ Disorder (Jaw Pain)
Pain in the jaw that spreads to your ear, head, or neck may be due to temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
7. Cracked or Broken Tooth
Even a hairline fracture can expose sensitive inner tissue, causing pain when you bite down.
6 Quick Facts About Mouth Pain
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Tooth pain is often a warning sign of infection
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Minor gum irritation can become a serious periodontal issue
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Mouth pain may affect your sleep and nutrition
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Over-the-counter pain relief is temporary—get a proper diagnosis
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Cracked teeth don’t always show on X-rays but still hurt
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Same-day treatment can often save the tooth and stop pain
When Is Mouth Pain a Dental Emergency?
Call us immediately if:
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You have severe pain that doesn’t go away
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Swelling in the face or jaw
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Trouble opening your mouth or swallowing
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Bleeding that won’t stop
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A loose or knocked-out tooth
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Signs of infection like fever, pus, or a bad taste in your mouth
We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies in Broward County. Request yours now →
Why Choose Metropolitan Smile Design?
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Emergency dental care available in Tamarac & Broward County
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Fast diagnosis and pain relief
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Bilingual team (English & Spanish)
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Comprehensive dental services in one place
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Gentle care for seniors, adults, and families
📍 Address: 6510 N University Dr, Tamarac, FL
📞 Phone: (954) 322-3865
✉️ Email: info@metropolitanmedicalcenters.com
Dont Hesitate To Contact Us
Have questions or need to schedule an appointment? Don’t hesitate to contact us at Metropolitan Smile Design in Tamarac, FL. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to assist you with all your dental care needs. Whether it’s preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, or any other dental service, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for our patients. Reach out today and take the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile!