US Medical Term · symptoms
Toothache
Dolor de muelas
Also: Dolor dental (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Toothache |
| Spanish (Español) | Dolor de muelas |
| Chinese (中文) | 牙痛 |
| Korean (한국어) | 치통 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đau răng |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Sakit ng ngipin |
| Portuguese (Português) | Dor de dente |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อาการปวดฟัน |
| Japanese (日本語) | 歯痛 |
What it means
A toothache is pain in or around a tooth that can range from mild tenderness to severe, constant aching or sharp throbbing. It may be triggered by eating, drinking hot or cold liquids, or biting down. Common causes include tooth decay (cavities), a cracked tooth, a dental abscess, gum disease, or an exposed tooth root. The pain sometimes spreads to the jaw, ear, or head. Mild discomfort may be managed temporarily with over-the-counter pain relievers and clove oil, but toothaches typically require dental treatment. Seek prompt care if the pain is severe, you have swelling in the jaw or face, fever, or difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have a throbbing toothache that keeps me up at night.
Tengo un dolor de muelas pulsante que no me deja dormir por las noches.
My tooth is very sensitive to cold drinks and the pain lasts for a few minutes after.
Mi diente es muy sensible a las bebidas frías y el dolor dura unos minutos después.
I have swelling in my jaw and severe tooth pain and I think I may have an abscess.
Tengo hinchazón en la mandíbula y dolor dental severo y creo que puedo tener un absceso.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026