Considerations

A toothache is generally the result of dental cavities (tooth decay) or sometimes an infection. Tooth decay is often caused by poor dental hygiene, although the tendency to get tooth decay is partly inherited.

Sometimes, pain that's felt in the tooth is actually due to pain in other parts of the body. This is called referred pain or radiating pain. For example, an earache may sometimes cause tooth pain.

Causes

• Abscessed tooth
• Earache
• Injury to the jaw or mouth
• Heart attack (can include jaw pain, neck pain, or toothache)
• Sinusitis
• Tooth decay

Home Care

Over-the-counter pain medications may be used while waiting to see the dentist or primary health care provider.

For toothaches caused by a tooth abscess, the dentist may recommend antibiotic therapy and other treatments, like root canal.

To prevent tooth decay, use good oral hygiene. A low sugar diet is recommended along with regular flossing, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and regular professional cleaning. Sealants and fluoride applications by the dentist are important for preventing tooth decay.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Seek medical care if:

• You have a severe toothache
• You have a toothache that lasts longer than a day or two
• You have fever, earache, or pain upon opening the mouth wide

Note: The dentist is an appropriate person to see for most causes of toothaches. However, if the problem is referred pain from another location, you may need to see your primary health care provider.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The dentist will examine you. The physical examination may include an examination of the mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, throat, ears, nose, and neck. You may need dental x-rays. The dentist may recommend other tests, depending on the suspected cause.

The dentist will ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

• When did the pain start?
• How severe is the pain?
• Where is the pain located?
  • Does it involve the jaw or ears?
  • Does it radiate to other parts of the body, such as the neck, shoulder, or arm?
• What makes it worse?
  • Is it worse after cold foods or liquids?
  • Is it worse after sweet foods or liquids?
  • Is it worse after chewing?
  • Is it worse after drinking?
  • Is it worse when you touch the area?
  • Is it worse after physical exertion?
• Does the pain wake you up at night?
• What makes it better?
  • Is it better after you use medications? (Which ones?)
  • Is it better after you use a heating pad?
  • Is it better after you rest?
• What other symptoms do you have?
  • Fever ?
  • Nausea?
  • Sweating?
  • Indigestion?
  • Chest pain?
  • Bleeding?
• What medications do you take?
• Have you been injured?
• When was the last dental checkup?
• Have you had previous dental problems?

Treatment may involve fillings, tooth removal, or a root canal, if the problem is severe. If there is a fever or swelling of the jaw, an antibiotic will usually be prescribed.

Alternative Names

Pain - tooth or teeth

Update Date: 2/22/2012

Reviewed by: Jack D Rosenberg, DDS, Advanced Dental Care, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, M.D., MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.