A sudden toothache can turn any day into a miserable one. Depending on the type of pain and its location, a number of different conditions may be involved. Pain in your teeth, gums or jaw may indicate a medical or dental condition that may worsen over time, so you shouldn't ignore any unexplained pain in this region.
Tooth Decay or Damage
One of the most common sources of tooth pain is damage or decay of the tooth enamel. Cavities may erode through to the interior of the tooth, or cracks from damage may expose the nerve, causing sharp pains. If the pain comes from a single tooth and increases in the presence of sweet, cold or hot liquids, this is usually an indication of damage to the enamel, and a trip to the dentist is in order. Ignoring tooth decay or damage invites infection, which may lead to the loss of the tooth and further complications.
Abscess
If bacteria get into the interior tissues of a tooth through a crack or cavity, they can cause a painful infection. Sufferers often describe abscess toothaches as hot or throbbing, and you may experience nausea or sensitivity to pressure in the area. If an abscess is not treated, the infection can spread throughout the tooth, into your gums and even into your jaw. If a toothache accompanies a fever or swelling in your neck and jaw area, see a dentist immediately.
Wisdom Teeth or Impaction
Another cause of toothache pain is tooth impaction. When new teeth come in, they don't always come in at exactly the right angle or in the right spot. The tooth may not come fully through your gums, or the pressure from a new tooth may press other teeth together, causing pain. Wisdom teeth are notorious for coming in at odd angles, requiring removal to prevent pain and damage to your other teeth. Pain from impacted teeth may feel like constant pressure in part of your mouth, and it's usually easy to identify the source of the problem via examination.
Sinus or Other Infections
Tooth pain does not always originate with the teeth. A sinus infection or earache may cause pain throughout your skull, and in many cases it may cause the teeth to hurt as well, notes MayoClinic.com. This type of pain usually is present throughout the mouth, although it may be limited to the side of the mouth closest to the infection. In addition to the pain, the secondary symptoms of the sinus or ear infection -- such as congestion or hearing loss -- are good ways to identify the source of the problem.
