Dental Pain
Dental pain, also known as toothache, is pain felt in or around a tooth, gums, or jaw. It is commonly caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or dental infections, but sometimes may indicate a serious oral condition.
🚨 Seek Urgent Dental or Medical Care
Dental pain may require urgent treatment if you have:
- Severe swelling of the face or gums.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- High fever with tooth pain.
- Trauma or broken teeth after injury.
📞 Schedule a Dental Appointment
You should see a dentist if:
- Pain lasts longer than 1–2 days.
- You have sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
- There is gum bleeding or swelling.
- Chewing causes discomfort.
Common Symptoms & Causes
| Type of Pain | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Sharp pain while eating | Dental cavities |
| Throbbing tooth pain | Dental abscess |
| Pain with gum swelling | Gingivitis or periodontitis |
| Sensitivity to hot or cold | Enamel erosion |
| Jaw pain with chewing | Impacted wisdom tooth |
Causes by Category
Tooth decay: Bacterial damage to tooth structure.
Cracked tooth: Causes pain during chewing.
Dental abscess: Pus collection around the tooth root.
Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums.
Periodontitis: Advanced gum disease.
Gum injury: Trauma or irritation of gum tissue.
Impacted wisdom tooth: Pressure on nearby teeth.
Teeth grinding: Excess pressure on teeth and jaw.
Sinus infection: Can cause referred upper tooth pain.
Diagnostic Procedures
Dental Examination
Evaluates teeth, gums, and oral structures.
Dental X-Ray
Detects cavities, abscesses, and bone loss.
Oral Examination
Assesses gum disease and oral infections.
CT Scan
Used in complex jaw or dental conditions.
