# toothache

/tˈuːθeɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/toothache
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a sharp or throbbing pain in one of your teeth. It usually happens when a tooth is damaged or infected.

For teachers: a sharp, throbbing, or aching pain in a tooth, typically resulting from dental caries, infection, or trauma.

## Examples

- I have a bad toothache and I need to see a dentist.
- The child woke up in the middle of the night with a severe toothache that kept the whole family awake.
- While a mild toothache can often be managed with over-the-counter analgesics, persistent or localized pain usually indicates an underlying infection that requires professional intervention.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.