Toothache Symptoms

Toothache symptoms are generally painful and unpleasant. Tooth pain tends to radiate out and cause secondary pain that masks itself as other problems, such as earaches and headaches. If you're uncertain whether the pain is genuinely tooth pain and not a headache or earache, pay attention to how long the pain remains after the stimulus is removed. If the pain lasts longer than 15 to 20 seconds after the stimulus is gone, then the person suffering the pain should seek a dental appointment.

Painful Chewing

• Chewing food with a toothache can be painful. It's not unusual for a person to chew on the opposite side of the mouth from the tooth pain.

Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

• Toothaches, particularly those related to a cavity, can cause severe sensitivity to hot or cold. Drinking, eating or even whistling air across the affected tooth can be extremely painful.

Bleeding Gums

• Bleeding gums are associated with toothaches and other dental problems. Brushing teeth around infected gums can cause bleeding and increase the sensation of the toothache.

Painful Swelling

• Swelling of the gum or jaw near the affected tooth is another symptom of a toothache. Infected teeth or abscessed gums can swell visibly.

Sensitivity to Tapping

• Tapping or striking the affected area (even a casual brush with metal tine of a fork) can be extremely painful. Persistent toothache symptoms should be evaluated by a dentist.