toothaches

Toothache is pain in or around a tooth. Common causes include dental caries (cavities), gum disease, a cracked or fractured tooth, exposed dentin, tooth eruption in children, and dental trauma. Infections such as an abscess can cause persistent, throbbing pain and swelling. Some cases imitate toothache because of sinus infection, earache, or jaw disorders.

Symptoms vary and may include sensitivity to hot or cold, pain on chewing, or a dull or sharp ache that lasts hours to days. Seek dental care promptly if pain is severe, if swelling or fever develops, if you cannot swallow or breathe easily, or if there is a head or face injury. For immediate relief, over‑the‑counter analgesics may be used as directed; avoid placing aspirin on the tooth or gums.

Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and X-rays. Treatments depend on the cause and may include fillings, root canal therapy, crown placement, tooth extraction, or drainage and antibiotics for an abscess. Antibiotics are not a substitute for dental treatment and should be prescribed only when infection is present or spreading.

Home care and prevention include saltwater rinses, gentle brushing and flossing, avoiding extreme temperatures and very sweet foods, and sticking to a soft diet during symptoms. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, limiting sugar, fluoride exposure, and routine dental visits reduce the risk of toothache.