What are the causes and management methods for toothache?

Toothache can be caused by various factors, mainly including dental caries, pulpitis, apical periodontitis, pericoronitis of wisdom teeth, and tooth sensitivity. Dental caries is the most common cause; when tooth decay creates cavities, the teeth may react painfully to cold, hot, sour, or sweet stimuli. Pulpitis refers to inflammation of the dental pulp caused by caries or other factors, resulting in severe spontaneous pain. Apical periodontitis occurs as a consequence of untreated pulpitis and is characterized by pain upon biting and tenderness when tapping the tooth. Pericoronitis of wisdom teeth usually develops due to difficulty in eruption combined with poor oral hygiene. To manage toothache, identifying the cause and seeking timely, targeted treatment are essential. For dental caries, fillings are required. Pulpitis and apical periodontitis are commonly treated with root canal therapy. In cases of pericoronitis, anti-inflammatory treatment followed by extraction of the wisdom tooth is typically necessary. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding temperature extremes, and rinsing with saltwater can also help alleviate pain.