Toothache

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Medical Author:

Sara B. Trepanier, MD

Coauthor:

Ann S. Chinnis, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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• Toothache Overview
• Toothache Causes
• Toothache Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Toothache Diagnosis
• Toothache Treatment
• Toothache Self-Care at Home
• Toothache Medical Treatment
• Toothache Follow-up
• Toothache Prevention
• Toothache Prognosis
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Read more on Toothache from Healthwise
• Viewer Comments: Toothache - Describe Your Experience

Toothache or tooth pain is caused when the nerve to a tooth is irritated. Dental (tooth) infection, decay, injury, or loss of a tooth are the most common causes of dental pain. Pain may also occur after an extraction (tooth is pulled out). Pain sometimes originates from other areas and radiates to the jaw, thus appearing to be tooth pain. The most common areas include the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ), ear pain, and even occasional heart problems.

• Bacteria growing inside the mouth can contribute to gum disease, plaque, and dental decay. These problems can become painful. The cause and prevention of dental disease has been well investigated.
• One can prevent the majority of dental problems through flossing, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and having teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. The dentist may apply sealants and fluoride, which are especially important in children.

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