Heloo pt- Dental Caries (Teeth Cavities) Cause Toothache and Jaw Pain A tooth cavity occurs as a result of a combination of factors. Food particles get trapped on and between the teeth after eating. Along with mucus, dead epithelial cells (from the mouth lining) and bacteria, a thin soft film, known as plaque coats the teeth. This provides the ideal medium for oral bacteria to feed upon food debris. Bacteria like Mutans streptococci and related groups, break down food particles and produce lactic acid as a byproduct. It is this lactic acid that is responsible for eroding tooth enamel and causing tooth cavities. Food + Mucus + Dead Cells + Bacteria = Soft Plaque (within 24 hours after brushing) Soft Plaque + Calcium +Phosphates + Other Compounds = Hard Plaque (within 72 hours of soft plaque formation) Left untreated, the lactic acid will continue to erode the enamel and dentin and cause irritation of the nerve which is experienced as a toothache. A toothache (painful and tender tooth) is a late symptom of an untreated tooth cavity. Toothaches may also be caused by an infection, injury or the absence of a tooth. Jaw pain may also occur as a result of a dental cavity as the nerve supply of a tooth follows a path around or near the jaw. However, jaw pain should not always be mistaken for a dental cavity as there can be other causes like TMJ dysfunction (temporomandibular joint syndrome), or more serious causes like angina or a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Jaw pain may precede, be accompanied by or follow after a toothache and this jaw pain may often radiate around the side of the affected tooth. This jaw pain can vary from dull pain in the early stages to severe throbbing pain with tenderness around the affected tooth.