What is a toothache?

Answer 1

A toothache is pain perceived by the nerves in the living teeth. This can manifest as sensitivity (to air, heat, or cold), as a dull pain in the jaw or facial muscles, or as a severe or throbbing pain in a tooth or teeth.

The major causes of a toothache are:

• Decay that has reached the living part of the tooth, just under the enamel
• Abscess or infection in the gums, tooth root, or bone
• Pressure from misaligned teeth or bite (related pains affect the TMJ or temporomandibular joints of the jaw)
• An exposed nerve in the enamel

Treatments for decay usually include fillings and crowns (which replace enamel). Abscess and infection can be treated with antibiotics, but may require drainage or other dental surgery. Infection in the tooth root is treated by removal of the dentin and part of the root (root canal). Pressure pain can be reduced by braces, bite alignment, crowns, or bridges. The milder pains which accompany an exposed nerve usually respond to topical medication and toothpastes that reduce overall sensitivity.