When you have a toothache, the pain felt is usually a throbbing pain. It can happen when you are chewing some food or just biting down on something. A toothache may also occur with extreme hot or cold temperatures. This type of pain is tooth sensitivity.

The most common cause of a toothache is from a cavity. If you neglect to brush your teeth you will not remove the sugars and starches left on your teeth from the food you have eaten. These leftovers on your teeth feed the bacteria that normally live in your mouth. The bacteria thrive on these sugars and starches and form an acid. Over time, this acid destroys your tooth enamel. Once the enamel is destroyed a hole is opened on the surface of the tooth. This hole is then a cavity. The root of the tooth may become exposed and the tooth is left unprotected. The root is where the nerves and blood vessels are found. If the nerve is infected from the bacteria, it can spread to the jaw and form a pocket.

Receding gums may also cause toothaches. Receding gums have exposed dentin. Dentin is a softer part of the tooth found beneath the enamel. This causes sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet and sours. Brushing too hard with a hard bristle toothbrush may cause receding gums. Plaque and tartar can also build up and cause receding gums.

The following are suggestions to help deal with toothaches:
* Aspirin, or other pain medicine when taken orally, can reduce pain until a dentist can exam the tooth. Do not give aspirin to children.
* Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean out unwanted food.
* Use dental floss or a water pick to remove trapped foods.
* Limit snacking and food high in sugar.
* Do not place aspirin or acetaminophen on the aching tooth or gum tissue.
* No toothache will heal on its own. A toothache is a dental emergency that needs to be treated immediately.

For more information call the American Dental Association at (800) 621-8099.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go