Toothache is pain around the teeth and jaw that is usually caused by dental problems such as tooth decay.
The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing in your head and ear.
Read more about the symptoms of toothache.
Dental pulp
The inside of your teeth is made up of soft, spongy tissue that contains sensitive nerves and blood vessels called dental pulp. This is surrounded by layers of tissue for protection. The outermost layer is called enamel and is harder than bone.
If the pulp becomes inflamed (pulpitis), due to dental decay and fracture in the tooth, or infection, it can cause toothache.
Mouth pain can also be caused by an abcess or ulcers on your gum or your wisdom teeth breaking through. Babies can also experience discomfort when their teeth start to develop. This is known as teething.
Read more about the 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 die and eventually become infected. This will lead to a dental abscess (a pus-filled swelling) forming, which will 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.
You should brush your teeth twice a day using toothpaste that contains flouride, 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.
