Toothache: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Dentist.

A toothache is pain or discomfort in or around a tooth, often indicating an underlying dental issue such as decay, infection, or trauma.

Common causes of toothache include dental cavities, pulpitis (nerve inflammation), dental abscess (pus-filled infection), cracked or fractured teeth, gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis, impacted wisdom teeth, teeth grinding (bruxism), and sinus infections that affect upper back teeth.

Types of pain vary—sharp, shooting pain typically signals nerve involvement; dull, throbbing pain suggests an abscess or deep infection; sensitivity to hot or cold indicates enamel wear or early pulpitis; pain on biting may point to a cracked tooth or high filling; and pain that radiates to the jaw or ear often comes from advanced infections.

Associated symptoms may include facial or gum swelling, fever, bad breath or foul taste due to pus, bleeding gums, and difficulty chewing or opening the mouth.

Diagnosis involves a clinical examination, X-rays (IOPA or OPG) to check for infection or bone loss, pulp vitality tests to determine nerve health, and CBCT 3D scans in complex cases for detailed imaging.

Treatment options depend on the cause and may include dental fillings for cavities, root canal treatment (RCT) for infected pulp, drainage and antibiotics for abscesses, tooth extraction in non-restorable cases, gum treatments like scaling or flap surgery, crowns for cracked teeth, night guards for bruxism, and surgical extraction for impacted teeth.

Immediate dental attention is necessary if pain lasts more than 2 days, there is swelling of the face or jaw, fever accompanies the pain, or there is difficulty in swallowing, breathing, or opening the mouth.

Prevention tips include brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, avoiding excessive sugary foods and drinks, wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth, and visiting your dentist every six months for routine checkups.

Toothache should never be ignored. It’s a sign that something is wrong beneath the surface. Early diagnosis and treatment not only relieve pain but also prevent bigger complications. Book your dental consultation today and take charge of your oral health.