Toothache: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is a toothache?

A toothache is referred to as pain around our teeth or jaw. It is primarily caused by several tooth problems such as dental cavities, cracked or exposed tooth roots, or in some cases, gum disease. Some jaw joint disorders also cause pain which is also referred to as a toothache. Toothache severity ranges from chronic and mild to sharp and excruciating. Furthermore, the pain can be more aggravated by heat, cold, or chewing.

What Causes a Toothache?

For most children and adults, tooth decay is the primary cause of toothaches. There are numerous bacteria living in our mouths that are thriving on the starches and the sugars we eat. These bacteria will eventually create or form sticky plaques that will cling to the tooth’s surface.
The sticky plaque produces acids that eat through the hard white coating of the tooth known as enamel. Eventually, a tooth cavity is formed. Tooth decay can either show as a brown or white spot on the tooth.

What are the other causes of toothache?

• Infection or inflammation of tooth root
• Tooth injury or trauma
• Grinding of the teeth
• Tooth fracture
• Split in the tooth which occurs over time
• Teething
• Impacted wisdom tooth
• Sinus infection

What are the Symptoms of a Toothache?

The very first sign of tooth decay is a pain sensation whenever we eat something very cold, very hot, or sweet. Aside from this, other symptoms include the following:

• Dull ache in the tooth
• Throbbing or burning sensation
• Sharp pain
• Sensitivity to heat, pressure, sweets, or cold
• Swelling of the face and neck

How to treat a toothache?

1. Wash your tongue out.