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Effects of a Toothache

Toothaches refer to pain in or around a tooth or teeth. Most instances of toothaches are caused by dental problems like cavities, cracking or exposed tooth root. Sometimes toothaches can also be attributed to gum disease and problems with the mandibular joint. Toothaches can range from mild to severe on the pain scale. Depending on the cause, they may also lead to other problems. Seeking a dentist's assistance can prevent further problems from developing as a result of the toothache.

  1. Sensitivity to Cold and Heat

    • Certain types of toothaches may make an individual much more sensitive to cold and hot foods and drinks, notes the Consumer Guide to Dentistry on its website. Often, this happens when a person has a gum recession, enamel loss or cavity that leaves tooth nerves exposed.

    Swelling

    • A toothache caused by an infection or abscess may result in swelling of the face if left untreated. The swelling is often accompanied by a pain of the throbbing variety. Both the swelling and pain may expand from a localized area up the jaws. The facial pain occurs because the face and teeth share the same supply of nerves, notes the Simply Teeth website.

    Severe Pain

    • A toothache due to cavity or infection that starts out pretty mild or is intermittent can very quickly progress into severe, constant pain. Intermittent pain from stimuli such as eating hot or cold foods or from brushing indicates that the tooth's integrity may be saved, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. However, if action is not taken to save the tooth, an abscess may occur.

    Impending Emergency

    • Sometimes toothaches are caused by existing problems that have gone undetected and slowly progressed, notes a MedicineNet article. For instance, pain around the teeth and jaws may indicate worsening heart disease, and ear and sinus infections. The toothache may also be a symptom of advancing gum disease. In these cases, the tooth pain is a signal to act quickly before the medical condition becomes a medical emergency.

      Sinusitis can result from an untreated dental infection, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. However, this is rare. Another rare but possible complication is cavernous sinus thrombosis or Ludwig's angina, which are life-threatening conditions.

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