What causes a toothache? Only a complete oral exam, including x-rays, can determine the true cause, but here’s a partial list:
• Decay is usually the primary suspect, but others include: dental abscess, gum disease, grinding teeth, previous tooth trauma, or an abnormal bite.
• In babies and young children, tooth eruption may cause tooth or jaw pain.
• TMJ, sinus or ear infections, and tension in the facial muscles can cause discomfort that resembles a toothache.
• Pain around the teeth and jaws can be symptoms of heart disease, such as angina.
Why does my tooth ache?
• You may have a dental cavity or advanced gum disease.
• The first sign of decay may be the pain you feel when you eat something sweet, very cold, or very hot.
• If the pulp, the inside of the tooth that has tissue and nerves, has become irritate, this can also cause tooth pain.

Contact your dentist when you have any of the following symptoms associated with your teeth:
• Pain, swelling around tooth area, fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, pain when you bite, a foul tasting discharge.

If I can’t see my dentist right away, what can I do to relieve the pain?
• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Floss teeth to dislodge any trapped food particles.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen to relieve the pain (acetaminophen for children), but never put these painkillers on teeth or gums, as this may burn the gum tissue.
• To temporarily relieve pain, apply oil of cloves or an over-the counter antiseptic containing benzocaine directly to the irritated tooth and gum.
• If there has been some trauma to the tooth, a cold compress may be applied on the outside cheek to relieve pain or swelling.

How can I reduce my risk of toothache?
• Brush at least twice daily and floss once a day.
• Visit your dentist at least every six months for oral exam and professional cleaning.

(Courtesy of Academy of General Dentistry “AGD Impact” Magazine, Aug/Sep 2003)