While decay is often the primary cause of a toothache, it's important for you to have a complete oral examination to determine the cause. Other causes of a toothache can include the following:
- Infection
- Gum disease
- Grinding teeth (bruxism)
- Tooth trauma
- An abnormal bite
- Tooth eruption (in babies and school-age children)
Contact your dentist immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling around the tooth area
- Pain when you bite
- A foul-tasting discharge
- Continuous lasting pain