What is the more common term for odontalgia?

Odontalgia is the medical term for toothache, meaning pain in or around a tooth.

Toothache is usually caused by irritation or inflammation of the dental pulp, the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels inside a tooth. Common triggers include tooth decay, a cracked tooth, worn fillings, gum disease, and infection. Pain may be sharp, throbbing, or sensitive to heat, cold, or pressure.

The word odontalgia comes from Greek roots: odous or odont-, meaning “tooth,” and algos, meaning “pain.” Dentists may use the term in clinical writing, while toothache is the ordinary everyday expression. Related terms such as dental pain and odontalgia are often used similarly, although the underlying cause can vary.

A toothache is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Pain that persists, worsens, or occurs with facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing can indicate an abscess and requires prompt dental attention. Pain relief alone does not remove the underlying cause.