Toothaches

Alternative names:

pain in a tooth or teeth

Definition:

A pain in or about a tooth.

Considerations:

A toothache is generally the result of tooth decay. Tooth decay is often caused by poor dental hygiene, although the tendency to get tooth decay is partly inherited.

Sometimes, pain in other locations is perceived as occurring in the teeth (this is called referred pain or radiating pain).

Common causes:

• tooth decay
• abscessed tooth
• earache
• injury to the jaw or mouth
• acute MI (can present with jaw pain, neck pain, or toothache)
• sinusitis

Note: There may be other causes of toothaches. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for toothaches, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.