A cavity or a crack can cause sharp pain along with sensitivity when you bite down.
If it's deep enough, a cavity or crack can let bacteria into the inner layer, called pulp, of your tooth. The pulp can become infected, and that can lead to a buildup of pus called an abscess. The infection can spread to tissue and bone, too. An abscess causes severe, throbbing pain that doesn't stop.
Other symptoms include:
- Swelling in your gums or face
- Bad breath
- Fever
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Swollen glands