Tooth Pain

 

The most common cause of a toothache is tooth decay , although a toothache may not be present in the early stages of decay. Other reasons for a toothache might include:

 

 

• An infection of or around the tooth (abscess ). A red, swollen, painful bump may be found near or on the side of the sore tooth. The tooth may especially hurt when you bite down.

• A tooth that has not broken through the gum (impacted tooth). Gums may be red, swollen, and sore. The area around this tooth can ache, throb, and be quite painful.

• Problems with or injury to the nerves in the center of the tooth (pulp), which can be caused by an injury to the face or from grinding or gnashing the teeth.

 

Sometimes a toothache can be caused by another health problem, such as:

 

• A heart attack, cluster headache, or sinus infection, which can cause referred pain into the teeth or jaw.

• Viral infections, such as shingles.

• Diseases such as diabetes.

• Nerve-related disease, such as trigeminal neuralgia.

• Alcohol or drug abuse, especially methamphetamines.

• Vitamin deficiencies, such as too little vitamin B12.