mouth and dental disorders
Toothache
Key Points
Most toothaches involve cavities or the resulting complications (such as pulpitis or an abscess). Treatment of symptoms and referral to a dentist are usually adequate. Antibiotics are given if people have an abscess, a tooth with pulp that has died (and there are signs of infection such as fever, redness, or swelling), or more severe conditions, and if same-day dental care is not available. A dental infection that has spread to the floor of the mouth or to the cavernous sinus is a very rare but serious complication that requires immediate medical attention. Dental infections rarely cause sinusitis, but a sinus infection may cause pain that feels as though it originates in the teeth. 