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What can pain tell us — and what can it not?

Toothache is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Possible causes include decay, inflammation, a crack or exposed dentine. Pain intensity or a photograph alone cannot reliably identify the cause.

For dental trainees & teams

01 / 03

Observations help

When did it begin? Is it spontaneous, triggered by biting, or brought on by cold? Such details support the examination but cannot replace it.

02 / 03

Assess the cause

Teeth, gums and further findings are assessed as needed. Pain relief may bridge the wait, but does not remove an underlying problem requiring treatment.

03 / 03

Take warning signs seriously

Severe pain, fever or increasing swelling needs prompt dental help. Breathing difficulty or swelling with swallowing problems requires 112 in Germany, not waiting for online booking.

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At a glance

What about severe symptoms?

Arrange dental help by phone promptly, especially with swelling or fever.

What should I note for the call?

Onset, triggers, swelling, fever and medicines already taken.

When should I call 112 in Germany?

For breathing difficulty or swelling that markedly impairs swallowing or speaking.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.

Short film (German): What can pain tell us — and what can it not?

Open the short film directly: Landscape film (MP4, German) · Portrait film (MP4, German)

Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above

Often confused

Pain intensity or damage?

Severe pain does not establish a particular diagnosis; conversely, disease may initially cause little pain.

Quick answers

Can I always identify the tooth myself?

No. Pain can spread; examination and appropriate tests help locate the cause.

Does less pain always mean recovery?

No. Improvement does not prove that the cause has gone. Have recurring or previously severe symptoms assessed.

What can I do until my appointment?

Avoid irritating foods and keep the area gently clean. Ask a pharmacist or clinician about suitable pain relief; do not place tablets on the tooth or gums.

At the practice

For your consultation

A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:

What cause do the findings suggest, and what is needed now?

Acute symptoms require prompt assessment; subsequent discussion depends on the findings.

Acute pain deserves direct telephone assessment of urgency.

Meet Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour

Learning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge

Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.

Symptom: A noticeable sign of possible disease.
Differential diagnosis: Distinguishing between possible causes.
Biting pain: Pain when loading or biting on a tooth.

Know the difference

A description of symptoms guides an examination but is not itself a diagnosis.

Knowledge questionWhich statement is correct?

This question supports learning. It does not assess personal symptoms.

Every toothache means decay.
Triggers and timing help, but the cause needs assessment.
Every painless tooth is healthy.

Show answer and explanation

Triggers and timing help, but the cause needs assessment.

Different causes may produce similar symptoms.

Sources for further learning

Sources and context

Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.