A toothache or toothache occurs when the nerve in the root of a tooth or around a tooth is irritated. Dental infections, caries, lesions or loss of a tooth are the most common causes of dental pain. Pain can also occur after extraction. The pain sometimes comes from other areas and radiates up to the jaw, so toothache occurs.

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The most common areas include the jaw joint, ear aches, inflamed sinuses and even occasional heart problems. Dental pain also happens under a dental crown or under other prosthetic work when the supporting tooth has deteriorated or when certain debris enters between the dental crown and the support.

Bacteria that develop inside the mouth can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay, both of which can cause pain. Often, gum disease, also called periodontosis, will not result in pain.

You can prevent most dental problems by using dental floss, brushing with fluoride toothpaste and professional tooth cleaning twice a year. The dentist can apply sealants and fluoride, which are particularly important for children’s teeth.

Causes of toothache

Toothache and toothache arise from inflammation of the central portion of the tooth called pulp. Pulp contains nerve endings that are very sensitive to pain. Inflammation in the pulp, also called pulpitis, can be caused by tooth decay, trauma and infections.

Symptoms of toothache

DentoCare presents the most important symptoms of toothache. Toothache and jaw pain are common problems. There may be severe pain in pressure or warm or cold stimuli. The pain may persist for more than 15 seconds after removal of the stimulus. As the area of inflammation increases, the pain becomes more severe. It can radiate to the cheek, ear or jaw. Other signs and symptoms that should cause you to seek medical advice are the following:

• Pain in chewing;
• Hot or cold sensitivity;
• Bleeding in the gum around the tooth;
• Swelling of the gum around a tooth or swelling of the jaw;
• Injuries or trauma to the area.

These signs and symptoms may sometimes be associated with tooth decay, tooth fracture or gum disease (periodontal disease). Dental caries or an area of redness around the line of the tooth gums may indicate the source of pain. If you touch an infected tooth, this action can intensify the pain. This sign may point to the troubled tooth, even if the tooth seems normal.

A toothache should be differentiated from other sources of pain in the face. Sinusitis, ear or neck pain or an injury to the temporomandibular joint, which attaches the jaw to the skull, can be confused with toothache. Pain from a deeper structure can be passed along the nerve and can be felt in the jaw or tooth. To identify the source of the pain and to treat it, a visit to the dental office is recommended. With the help of the specialist, the source of the pain will be successfully identified and the necessary measures will be taken to stop it.