Toothache or tooth pain is caused when the nerve root of a tooth is irritated. Dental (tooth) infection, decay, injury, or loss of a tooth is the most common causes of dental pain. Pain may also occur after an extraction (tooth is pulled out). Pain sometimes originates from other areas and radiates to the jaw, thus appearing to be tooth pain. The most common areas include the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ), ear pain, and even occasional heart problems.

A toothache is usually the result of a cavity formed by the bacteria that cause tooth decay (known medically as dental caries). Cleaning out and filling the cavity brings a quick end to the pain. Without this treatment, however, the pain is likely to get worse.

Toothache is pain in the area of your jaw and face. It is usually caused when a nerve in the root of a tooth becomes irritated. However, other problems such as infection, decay, or the loss of a tooth, can also cause toothache

Toothache and jaw pain are common complaints. There may be severe pain to pressure, or to hot or cold stimuli. The pain may persist for longer than 15 seconds after the stimulus is removed. As the area of inflammation increases, the pain becomes more severe. It may radiate to the cheek, the ear, or the jaw.

The most common cause of toothache, or pain in the region of the jaws and face, is pulpitis - inflammation of the pulp of the tooth. The short, sharp pains usually occur in response to hot, cold or sweet stimuli.

Treatment for Toothache

Tooth decay is the primary cause of toothaches for most children and adults. Bacteria that live in your mouth thrive on the sugars and starches in the food you eat. These bacteria form a sticky plaque that clings to the surface of your teeth.

Apply an OTC antiseptic containing benzocaine directly to the irritated tooth and gum to temporarily relieve pain. Direct application of oil of cloves (eugenol) also may help. Don't place aspirin or another painkiller directly against your gums, as it may burn your gum tissue.

An antibiotic will usually be prescribed if a fever or swelling of the jaw is present. Such procedures are generally done in stages, with pain and infection being cared for immediately, and reconstructive procedures being performed at a later time (weeks to months). You will be able to return to work or school while you recover. Dentists and oral surgeons may plan additional procedures at the most appropriate time.

A hot saltwater mouthwash (a teaspoon of salt to a cup of water) used to thoroughly rinse the painful area may help if the problem is caused by a tooth erupting.

For toothache that is caused by a loose or broken filling, the filling is taken out, any new decay is cleaned out, and a new filling is put in.

Onion may give bad odor temporarily, but in the long run it is very beneficial to dental hygiene. Onion can fight against the germs that accumulate on the teeth and hence prevent future problems with the teeth. People chomping on one raw onion a day are protected from toothache, apart from various other health benefits.

Using clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum) to numb the gums; the oil may be rubbed directly on the sore area or used to soak a small piece of cotton and applied to the sore tooth.