Toothache is pain in and around the teeth and jaws that is usually caused by problems such as dental caries (tooth decay).
The pain can range from mild discomfort to a severe, sometimes sharp or throbbing, pain in your head and ear.
Read more about the symptoms of toothache.
Dental pulp
The inside of your teeth is made up of soft, delicate tissue that contains sensitive nerves and blood vessels.
This tissue is called dental pulp and it is surrounded by layers of hard tissue called dentine and enamel for protection. The outermost layer of enamel is harder than bone.
If the pulp becomes infected, it will be inflamed (pulpitis). It will also usually be painful (toothache).
Other common causes of pain in the mouth include:
- dental abscesses - where a collection of pus forms in your teeth or gums due to a bacterial infection
- ulcers on your gum
- wisdom teeth breaking through your gum
Babies can also experience discomfort when their teeth start to develop. This is known as teething.
Read more about the possible causes of toothache.
When to see your dentist
If you have toothache, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible to have it treated. The longer you leave it, the worse it will get.
Painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, may help to reduce pain and discomfort while you are waiting for an appointment.
When you visit your dentist, the type of treatment you will have will depend on the problem. For example, if your toothache is caused by dental decay, your dentist will remove the decayed area and replace it with a filling.
If your toothache is not treated, the pulp inside your tooth will eventually become infected. This usually leads to a dental abscess forming, which can cause severe and continuous pain.
Read more about treating toothache.
Preventing toothache
The best way to avoid getting toothache is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Not eating sweet foods, particularly between main meals, is important for maintaining healthy teeth.
You should brush your teeth twice a day using toothpaste that contains flouride (most toothpastes do), as well as regularly cleaning between your teeth using dental floss.
Visit your dentist once a year for a dental check-up. Children should have a dental check-up every six months so that tooth decay can be spotted and treated early.
Read more about preventing toothache.
