A toothache is a common dental problem that causes pain in or around your tooth. It can affect your ability to eat, speak, and sleep. A toothache can have different causes and symptoms, depending on the source of the pain. It is important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible to prevent further complications and relieve your discomfort.
Some of the symptoms of a toothache are:
- A dull or throbbing pain that does not go away
- A sharp or stabbing pain when you touch your tooth or bite down
- A sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- A swelling or redness in your gums or cheek
- A fever or headache
- A bad taste or smell in your mouth
Some of the causes of a toothache are:
- Tooth decay: Tooth decay is the destruction of the hard outer layer of your tooth (enamel) by bacteria and acids. It can cause cavities or holes in your teeth, which can expose the nerve endings inside your tooth (pulp). This can result in inflammation and infection, which can cause severe pain.
- Abscessed tooth: An abscessed tooth is a serious infection that occurs when bacteria enter the pulp of your tooth through a crack or cavity. The infection can spread to the root of your tooth and the surrounding bone and tissue. This can cause intense pain, swelling, pus, and fever.
- Cracked or broken tooth: A cracked or broken tooth can occur due to trauma, injury, biting on hard objects, or grinding your teeth. A crack or fracture can expose the pulp of your tooth and make it more sensitive to temperature, pressure, and bacteria. This can cause pain and increase the risk of infection.
- Impacted tooth: An impacted tooth is a tooth that fails to erupt fully from the gums. This usually happens with wisdom teeth, which are the last molars to grow in. An impacted tooth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and damage to the adjacent teeth and gums.