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When a person says that they are having a toothache, they are often referring to any pain that they may be having in the area around the jaws and teeth.  This “ache” is usually the result of a dental condition, such as a cavity, exposed tooth root, a cracked tooth, gum disease, an abscess or even a disorder originating for the jaw joint.  Pain associated with toothaches vary greatly from mild pain to sharp pain to excruciating pain, and these pains may be aggravated further when they are irritated  by cold, heat, or chewing.   With an examination from the dentist, the cause of the toothache can often be determined, and subsequently treat it.  However, there are some cases where the toothache is caused from a problem other than those that manifests themselves in the tooth or jaw area.

Sometimes pain in the teeth and jaws can also be representative of a disease of the heart, such as angina.  Angina is a pain or discomfort that is felt when the heart is not receiving enough oxygenated blood because the arteries in the heart have narrowed.  However, some angina patients may never feel heart pain from the disease, and instead may have tooth or jaw pain.

Other diseases that may cause a toothache are internal and external ear infections, and sinus problems.  In all cases, if a person is suffering from a toothache or is having jaw pains, they should seek the care of a doctor or dentist as soon as possible because it can mean that there is a more serious underlying condition that may need to be addressed immediately.