What's Causing My Toothache?

Aching in or around a tooth is caused by a nerve becoming irritated. A hit to the face, tooth decay, gum disease, and excessive plaque buildup are only some ways that toothaches may occur. In some instances, pain outside of the dental area can travel to the mouth, simulating tooth pain. Such issues can include problems with the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ) or ears. Not all toothaches require a dental visit, as there are some at-home remedies for toothaches.

Symptoms of a toothache vary depending on the source of your pain, and the toothache itself could be a small part to a greater issue. Lack of proper dental hygiene can lead to a growth in bacteria, potentially leading to gum disease or tooth decay, both of which may cause pain. Other factors that could accompany the aching include:

Most toothaches are avoidable by exercising proper oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing regularly, and regular dental check-ups. If aching is too severe for at-home treatment, an appointment may be necessary to determine the underlying cause and discuss suitable treatment options. If caused by a cavity, a dental filling may be recommended; however, if the cavity is severe enough, the tooth may need to be extracted.  Antibiotics may be prescribed to fight infection, or a root canal treatment may be necessary if the infection becomes too severe. Treatment generally occurs in stages with pain and infection treated first, then reconstructive dental treatment later.