My tooth aches

Toothache

Toothache is one of the most unpleasant pains in the human body. It usually comes when you least expect it. It can be stinging, sharp, dull, light or pulsating and can start hurting when the tooth is touched or by heat, cold or sweet food. Poor or inadequate oral hygiene most commonly leads to tooth decay. A toothache left untreated can develop serious complications, so such pain should never be underestimated and you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

Tooth decay

If your tooth aches when it is cold or something sweet touches it and then goes away, it probably is a cavity that needs to be filled.

Dental nerve inflammation

If a cavity is very deep, the pain lasts some time and it comes about either spontaneously or during the night, the cause is likely an inflamed dental nerve and will require root canal work in the tooth.

Dead tooth

A dead tooth may hurt if it has not been adequately filled or if no root canal filling has been done. The pain can be dull and pressure can be felt. It is often provoked by heat and cold dampens it. There can occasionally be swelling, too.

Lost fillings

If a filling falls out, it must be replaced as soon as possible. A tooth whose filling is loose or has fallen out is more sensitive and, if neglected, there is a risk of dental nerve infection.

Inflamed gums

Commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, the gum frequently bleeds and sometimes hurts. Professional cleaning of the teeth is advisable to prevent gingivitis.

Sensitive teeth

Exposed dental roots often ache when it is cold. In such cases, training and instruction in dental hygiene is recommended. A regular professional tooth cleaning includes a review of roots and recommendations for treating them.