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If you have toothache, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Toothache is usually treatable, but first your dentist needs to find out what the problem is.

You may think you know which tooth is affected, but the nerves in the teeth sometimes give the brain the wrong message. This means that the problem could actually be in another tooth, or even the other jaw.

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to look for signs of swelling, redness and tooth damage. They may rinse the area with warm water to dislodge any food particles and to test whether you are sensitive to heat.

Your dentist may carry out an X-ray to identify tooth decay, cracks in your teeth or problems with your jaw bone.

Diagnosis includes identifying the location of the toothache, as well as the cause. The dentist begins by asking the patient specific questions about the toothache, including the types of foods that make the pain worse, whether the tooth is sensitive to temperature or biting, and whether the pain is worse at night. The dentist then examines the patient’s mouth for signs of swelling, redness, and obvious tooth damage. The presence of pus indicates an abscess or gum disease. The dentist may flush the sore area with warm water to dislodge any food particles and to test for sensitivity to heat. The dentist may then dry the area with gauze to determine sensitivity to touch and pressure. The dentist may probe tooth crevices and the edges of fillings with a sharp instrument, looking for areas of tooth decay. Finally, the dentist may take x rays, looking for evidence of decay between teeth, a cracked or impacted tooth, or a disorder of the underlying bone.