A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. The pain might be sharp and sudden when you bite down on something hard, or it might be a dull, constant throb that makes it hard to concentrate on anything else. Sometimes a toothache comes from a cavity (a hole in the tooth caused by decay), an infection, or damage to the tooth. Other times the pain comes from the gums or jaw around the tooth.

Toothaches can range from mildly annoying to seriously painful. A mild toothache might just feel like sensitivity to hot or cold drinks, while a severe toothache can make it difficult to eat, sleep, or think about anything except how much your mouth hurts. When someone has a bad toothache, they often hold their jaw and look miserable because the pain is right there in their head, impossible to ignore.

People usually go to a dentist for a toothache, so the dentist can find and fix whatever's causing the problem. Taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing helps prevent many toothaches before they start.