A toothache is any pain or soreness within or around a tooth, indicating inflammation and possible infection. A toothache may feel like a sharp pain or a dull ache. The tooth may be sensitive to pressure, heat, cold, or sweets. In cases of severe pain, identifying the problem tooth is often difficult. Any patient with a toothache should see a dentist at once for diagnosis and treatment. Most toothaches get worse if not treated.

Toothaches may result from any of a number of causes:

• Tooth decay (dental caries)
• Inflammation of the tooth pulp (pulpitis)
• Abscesses
• Gum disease, including periodontitis
• Loose or broken filling
• Cracked or impacted tooth
• Exposed tooth root
• Food wedged between teeth or trapped below the gum line
• Tooth nerve irritated by clenching or grinding of teeth (bruxism)
• Pressure from congested sinuses
• Traumatic injury.

Diagnosis includes identifying the location of the toothache, as well as the...