Toothache

Toothache is pain in the tooth. Toothache caused by various problems of the teeth and jaw, such as dental caries, gingivitis or jaw disease, and many more. Toothache is a symptom of heart disease, such as angina. Toothache can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Toothache usually refers to pain around the teeth or jaw mainly as a result of dental conditions. In many cases, tooth pain is caused by dental problems, such as dental cavities, cracked tooth, an exposed tooth root, or gum disease. However, disruption of (Temporo-mandibular joint) TMJ can also cause pain referred to as the "toothache". The severity of a toothache can range from mild to chronic, sharp and excruciating. The pain can be aggravated by chewing or cold or hot. A thorough oral examination, which includes dental X-rays, may help determine whether dental pain comes from the teeth or jaw problems and their causes.

Sometimes, a toothache may be caused by problems that do not originate from the teeth or jaw. Pain around the teeth and jaws can be symptoms of heart disease (such as angina or heart attack), ears (such as external or inner ear infection), and sinuses (air passages of the cheek bone). For example, angina pain (oxygenated blood supply is inadequate to the heart muscle due to narrowing of blood vessels to the heart) is usually located in the chest or arm. However, in some patients with angina, tooth pain or jaw pain are only symptoms of their heart problems. Infections and ear and sinus disease can also cause pain around the teeth and jaw. Therefore, the evaluation by dentists and doctors are sometimes necessary to diagnose medical illnesses causing "toothache."