A common sign of a damaged tooth is throbbing and continuous pain in the tooth. Cavities and tooth decay are commonly associated with a toothache. Throbbing pain can also occur if the tooth or surrounding gums are infected.

Toothaches are typically caused from an infection or inflammation in or around the tooth. This condition is referred to as pulpitis. The soft, pink pulp which is found inside the tooth, keeps it alive and healthy. The tooth’s pulp also contains tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. In cases where the tooth has a cavity or crack, air and germs get inside and cause problems. This can cause irritation, infection in the sensitive nerves of the pulp and cause pain.

In addition to the throbbing pain patient’s often experience, other symptoms of a toothache include:

• Bad taste or odor in the mouth
• Dull and constant ache
• Discomfort when eating sweet foods
• Fever and chills
• Leaking of pus or white fluids
• Pain or sensitivity in the mouth
• Painful, aching jaw
• Redness
• Sensitive, tingling sensation
• Sharp pain when chewing or biting down
• Swelling in the mouth or gums

It is possible for adults and children alike to experience a toothache. If you experience any of the above symptoms, follow up with your dentist right away. The dentist will typically examine your teeth and take an X-ray to determine the source of your pain.

Below is a summary of common causes for throbbing tooth pain.

Tooth decay or cavities are one of the most common reasons patients experience pain in their teeth. This occurs when bacteria breaks through the hard outside enamel. Bacteria is present in normal, healthy mouth. However, the presence of sugar and other foods on your teeth can result in excess bad bacteria. Bacteria forms a plaque that sticks to the teeth. Some forms of bacteria produces an acid which can cause holes and cavities. Tooth decay can sometimes appear as a small spot on the tooth which is white, brown, or black.

Dentist can repair holes which can treat the throbbing pain. The treatment may involve a thorough cleaning to remove the plaque, followed by a filling to patch the cavity and in some cases, antibiotics to treat the infection.

An abscess of the tooth occurs when a portion or all of the pulp inside the tooth is dead. The dead tissue forms a “pocket” where bacteria and pus can collect which is called an abscess. Infection or inflammation of the tooth can cause an abscess. When a damaged tooth is not quickly treated, it can also lead to an abscess. This can occur when a hole or crack allows bacteria to get into the tooth.

Treatment for a tooth abscess includes the following:

• Antibiotics which kill the bacteria causing the infection
• Clean and drain the abscess
• Abscess caused by gum disease: clean and treat the gums
• Abscess caused by decay or a crack in the tooth: root canal is required
• An implant is used to replace the damaged tooth

A fracture of the tooth is caused by a break or crack in the tooth. A fracture often occurs when patients bite down on something especially hard like ice or hard candy. Tooth fractures can also occur as a result of a fall or trauma to the mouth. In some cases, tooth fractures will develop slowly over a longer period of time. A tooth fracture can result in uncomfortable and throbbing pain. The fracture can allow bacteria, food, water and air to get into the tooth which can cause irritation and infection of the pulp and nerves.

The dentist can repair fractured teeth using dental glue, a veneer, or a filling. In some cases, a cap, crown or root canal may be required.

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