Home > Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine > Toothache

Definition

A toothache is any pain or soreness within or around a tooth, indicated by inflammation and infection.

Description

A toothache may feel like a sharp pain or a dull, throbbing ache. The tooth may be sensitive to pressure, heat, cold, or sweets. In cases of severe pain, identifying the problem tooth is often difficult. Any patient with a toothache should see a dentist at once for diagnosis and treatment. Most toothaches get worse if not treated.

Causes & symptoms

Toothaches may result from any of a number of causes:

• tooth decay (dental caries)
• inflammation of the tooth pulp (pulpitis)
• abscesses
• gum disease, including periodontitis
• loose or broken filling
• cracked or impacted...