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Toothache Causes & Symptoms

The term "toothache" usually refers to pain in or around a person's teeth or jawbone area. The pain can range in severity and can be aggravated by factors such as temperature or chewing. Often the pain originates from a problem with the tooth itself, but sometimes a toothache can be an indication of a problem elsewhere in the body. Treatment depends on the cause and symptoms of the toothache.

  1. Cavities

    • Cavities are the No. 1 cause of toothaches. They occur when bacteria in the mouth convert sugars from food into acid, which then dissolves the outer layers of the tooth and creates a hole. Cold or hot temperatures and food can trigger a sharp pain in a cavity. The toothache gets progressively worse as the hole grows, and a constant throbbing pain develops as a result. A dentist visit is required to prevent further decay and infection.

    Gum Disease

    • Gum disease is the second most-common cause of toothaches, and refers to the inflammation of the gums and bones that surround the teeth. A buildup of plaque, which is a sticky combination of bacteria, food and saliva, is often the main factor leading to gum disease. Symptoms in addition to tooth pain include bleeding gums, increased spacing between teeth, loose teeth, bad breath and discolored gums. Dentists may recommend antibiotics or surgery in extreme cases.

    Temporo-mandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)

    • The temporo-mandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the skull, and inflammation of this joint can trigger pain from the ear down along to the jawbone and teeth. Arthritis, jaw injuries and tooth grinding can cause TMJ. Headaches, difficulty moving the jaw, popping sounds in the jaw and pain are all common symptoms of this syndrome. Jaw exercises and pain medication are usually the best treatments.

    Sinusitis

    • Sinuses are hollow cavities near the nasal area that can become inflamed due to allergies, infections or nasal problems. One of these hollow areas is found near the upper teeth, and a sinus infection in this area can put pressure on the roots of the upper teeth, causing toothaches. Many patients undergo extensive antibiotic treatment, and in chronic cases, dentists may choose to perform a root canal.

    Impacted tooth

    • An impacted tooth creates a toothache by pressing against another tooth. This condition is commonly found with molar teeth in the back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth, which are the molars that develop later in life, often become impacted due to the limited amount of room in the back of the mouth. Pain medication or removal of the tooth are usually the best treatments.

    Cracked Tooth

    • Biting on hard objects or food can result in cracked teeth. The fractures in crack teeth aren't always visible but result in sharp pain when chewing. A dentist may place a crown on the tooth to prevent pressure on the crack, but if the pain persists, a root canal may be necessary.

    Heart Problems

    • Heart problems are a rarer cause of toothaches. Some people may not experience the typical chest pains and instead feel pain in the jaw and teeth area only. This type of tooth pain may come and go suddenly or become worse with exercise. A dentist may refer you to a cardiologist with these symptoms if no other cause for the toothache is determined.

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