Patient education: Toothache (The Basics)

What is a toothache? — A toothache is pain in or around a tooth. It can also be called "dental pain." It happens when the nerve in a tooth or the gum around a tooth is irritated.

A toothache might feel like intense, sharp pain, or a mild, dull ache. The pain might be constant, or come and go. It might also be worse when you chew, or make it hard to eat or sleep normally.

Sometimes, it is hard to tell which tooth is causing the pain, or the pain might be coming from more than 1 tooth. Tooth problems can also cause ear or jaw pain, or pain in other areas of the head and neck. Sometimes, pain from a sinus infection can also feel like a toothache.

What might cause a toothache? — The most common causes of a toothache are tooth decay (cavities), gum disease, or a crack in a tooth.

Examples of other things that can cause tooth pain include (figure 1):

●Problems like a loose filling, an impacted tooth, or an exposed root or nerve

●Food trapped under the gums or between the teeth

●Infection in a tooth or in the gums

●An impacted tooth

●Dental procedures like a pulled tooth or gum surgery

●Injury to the mouth, face, neck, head, or back

●Clenching or grinding the teeth

●Problems with the jaw joint

Depending on what is causing your toothache, you might have other symptoms, too. These might include:

●Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold

●Bleeding, red, or swollen gums

●Swelling of any area of the head and neck

●Trouble opening your mouth all of the way

●Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

Will I need tests? — Most problems with the teeth are treated by a dentist. The dentist will check your teeth, gums, and mouth. They gently touch and tap on the teeth to check them. The dentist might ask about problems with heat or cold, or if the pain has kept you from sleeping.

Sometimes, the dentist might do other tests, like an X-ray, to check your teeth.

How is a toothache treated? — Treatment is based on what is causing the problem. Possible treatments include:

●Rinsing a sore area with warm water to loosen any trapped food pieces

●Putting a coating of fluoride on the tooth to treat early tooth decay

●Removing decay, and placing a filling

●Doing a root canal if the nerve of the tooth is infected or inflamed

●Pulling a tooth if it cannot be fixed

●Adjusting the bite of the teeth so they don't touch the opposing teeth too hard

●Having you wear a night guard to protect your teeth

Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? — Ask the dentist what you should do after your appointment. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

The dentist might ask you to:

●Take medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

●Avoid very cold or very hot food or drinks if they bother your tooth.

●Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with pain for a few days.

Can I do anything to prevent a toothache?

●Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day. Use toothpaste with fluoride.

●Use dental floss to clean between your teeth every day.

●See your dentist for regular cleaning and checkups. The dentist might put fluoride or a sealant on your teeth. Even if the pain goes away, it is important to go to the dentist for a checkup.

●Eat a healthy diet. Try to avoid or limit foods and drinks that are high in acid, sugar, and starch. These include things like chocolate, sweets, cakes, and fizzy or sugary drinks.

●To help prevent tooth injury, wear a mouth guard or headgear when playing sports.

●If you smoke, try to stop. Your doctor, nurse, or dentist can help you. Smoking can make some dental problems worse.

When should I call the doctor or dentist? — Call for advice if:

●You have signs of infection, such as:

•A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

•Swelling of the gums, neck, or face

•Discharge or pus around a tooth

●Your toothache doesn't go away in a few days, or the pain is getting worse or keeps you from sleeping.

●You have trouble swallowing, breathing, chewing, or opening your mouth all of the way.

●You have jaw pain along with ear, chest, shoulder, or arm pain.

●You have a lot of bleeding from the gums.

More on this topic

Patient education: Dental abscess (The Basics)
Patient education: Fluoride (The Basics)