The most common cause of a toothache is tooth decay, although toothache may not be present in the early stages of decay. Other causes of a toothache might include:
- An infection of 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.
- An 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 pulp.
A toothache can also be caused by another health problem, such as:
- An early sign of a heart attack.
- A sinus infection.
- Vitamin deficiencies, such as too little vitamin B12.
- Facial shingles.
- Cluster headaches.
- Nerve-related disease, such as trigeminal neuralgia.
- Diseases such as diabetes or alcoholism.
- Illegal drug abuse, such as methamphetamines.
Credits
| Author | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Editor | Alison Allen |
| Editor | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist |
| Last Updated | December 1, 2006 |
Author:Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Last Updated: 12/01/2006
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