---
title: "What Is Toothache? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A toothache is pain in or around a tooth. It often comes from a cavity or infection and is a reason to call a dentist."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/toothache
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Emergency

# Toothache

A toothache is pain in or around a tooth. It often comes from a cavity or infection and is a reason to call a dentist.

A toothache is pain in or around a tooth. MedlinePlus says it is often the result of cavities or an infection or irritation of the tooth. Grinding teeth or an injury can also cause one. Sometimes pain felt in a tooth comes from another part of the body, such as an earache.

MouthHealthy advises rinsing the mouth with warm water to clean it out and gently using dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gums. Call your dentist and describe the pain in as much detail as you can.

A toothache with swelling of the face or trouble breathing or swallowing needs 911 or an emergency room. See [facial swelling](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/facial-swelling-from-a-tooth), [cavities](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries), and [dental abscess](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-abscess). The practice's page on [emergency dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/emergency-dentistry) has more.

[Town Center Dental can helpEmergency Dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/emergency-dentistry)

## Related terms

-   [Cavity (dental caries)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries)
-   [Dental abscess](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-abscess)
-   [Facial swelling from a tooth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/facial-swelling-from-a-tooth)
-   [Exposed tooth nerve](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/exposed-tooth-nerve)
-   [Tooth sensitivity](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-sensitivity)

## Sources

1.  [MedlinePlus: Toothaches](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003067.htm)
2.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)