Toothache
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Toothache
The most common cause of a toothache is tooth decay 
, although toothache may not be present in the early stages of decay. Other causes of a toothache might include:
- An infection of the tooth (abscess ). A red, swollen, painful bump may be found near or on the side of the sore tooth. The tooth may especially hurt when you bite down.
- An impacted tooth. Gums may be red, swollen, and sore. The area around this tooth can ache, throb, and be quite painful.
- Problems with or injury to the pulp.
A toothache can also be caused by another health problem, such as:
- An early sign of a heart attack.
- A sinus infection.
- Vitamin deficiencies, such as too little vitamin B12.
- Facial shingles.
- Cluster headaches.
- Nerve-related disease, such as trigeminal neuralgia.
- Diseases such as diabetes or alcoholism.
- Illegal drug abuse, such as methamphetamines.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist |
| Last Updated | September 26, 2008 |
| Last updated: | September 26, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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