A tooth pain is caused when the nerve in the root of a tooth or surrounding a tooth is irritated. Dental infection, decay, injury, or loss of a tooth are the most common causes of tooth pain. Pain may also occur after an extraction. Tooth 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, sinuses, ear pain, and even occasional heart problems. There are a lot of tooth pain symptoms and their causes, read on to learn more about them.
Tooth and jaw pains are common complaints. There may be severe pain to pressure, or to hot or cold stimuli. Pain may last 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 ear, the cheek, or the jaw. Some of the tooth pain symptoms and their causes are given below to self-assess your problem:
- A. Pain to Heat
- B. Pain to Cold
- C. Pain that Radiates
- D. Burning in Mouth
- E. Sore Side of Face
- F. Sharp or Zinging Biting Pain
- G. Headaches
- H. Throbbing Pain
- I. Morning Soreness
- J. Pain After Eating
- K. Loose Teeth
- L. Sore to Floss
- M. Burning in Gums
- N. Swelling
- O. General Dull Biting Pain
- P. Sore Laying Down
- Q. Sensitive to Sweets
- R. Pain on Brushing
| Problem | Likely Symptoms | Less Likely Symptoms |
| TMJ (Jaw Joint Disorder) * | C, E, F, G | H, I, J, K |
| Cracked Tooth | F, H, J, C | A, B, K, L |
| Dying Nerve | A, B, F, H | C, O, G, P, J, K, N |
| Abscessed Tooth | C, E, F, H, N | A, B, G, J, K, L, P |
| Inflamed Tooth Ligaments | O, G, H, J | C, D, F, I, K, L |
| Infected both Ligaments | F, G, H, L, O | B, C, J, K, N, R |
| Object Stuck in Gums | L, F, H, J | B, C, E, O, R |
| Tooth Decay | Q | B |
| Sensitive Tooth | B | H, R |
| Oral Lesion | M, H, R | D |
| Fungal Infection | D, M | H |
*Please do not consider for official diagnosis. This table is a guide to help you understand the possible reasons of your tooth pain. See one of our orthodontists for further evaluation.
Contact one of our offices for a complimentary consultation or just give us a call at (847) 749-4340 and we will be happy to help you or schedule an appointment for you. As always, if you have any questions regarding insurances, payment plans, flexible spending or health savings accounts please feel free to call the office, we’re are here to help! You can also text us at (847) 404-3268 for any quick questions or inquiries. Our diverse staff will be able to communicate with you in English, Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, Urdu and Hindi languages. We have eleven convenient immaculate locations and eleven orthodontists on staff. It’s never too late to achieve that beautiful smile you’ve been waiting for all your life!
