Toothache

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Toothache is pain in the area of the jaw and face. It is usually caused by a problem with a tooth. However, other problems in the mouth can also cause similar symptoms.

In the middle of every tooth, there is space containing dental pulp. Dental pulp is a soft, spongy tissue containing lots of sensitive nerves and blood vessels. The pulp cavity is surrounded with layers of hard tissue to protect it. The outermost layer is called enamel, and is harder than bone.

Toothache happens when the pulp inside the tooth gets inflamed (pulpitis). This can be caused by a number of things, but the most common is dental decay (carries). Dental decay is when bacteria in the mouth break down the enamel of a tooth. Holes (cavities) in the tooth develop and expose the nerves underneath. You may have toothache when you eat or drink something very hot or cold, because it touches the nerves in the pulp.