Most people throughout the country have experienced the pain of a toothache at one time or other in their lives. However, just because a toothache is a fairly common occurrence, does not mean that it isn’t all that big a deal, especially if you’re the person who’s experiencing it. What causes a toothache is one of the most commonly asked dental health questions patients pose to their dentists, and some of the answers may surprise you. Of course, everybody knows that a toothache can be caused by all manner of dental health issues, from cavities and other types and degrees of tooth decay, to chips and cracks in the teeth, to exposed nerve roots. But did you know that the cause of a toothache could be an ear infection or that chronic sinus problem you’ve been enduring? Following are answers to questions about some of the most common causes of toothaches, as well as tips on preventing them.