We’re Accepting New Patients!

Read More Next

Looking for a caring and professional dental practice? We’re excited to welcome new patients to our clinic! Whether you’re due for a check-up, need treatment, or are looking to enhance your smile, our friendly team is here to help.
Contact us today to book your first appointment—we look forward to meeting you!

Toothache

A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. Minor toothaches can come from a temporary gum irritation which may be treated at home. More serious toothaches are caused by dental and mouth problems that are more difficult and will need to be treated by a dentist.

Possible causes of toothache can include:

  • Tooth decay
  • Abscessed tooth
  • A cracked or damaged tooth
  • A loose or broken filling
  • An infection – this often happens when a tooth (such as a wisdom tooth) has broken the skin, but does not have enough room to fully come through
  • Problems with your braces
  • Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth
  • Infected gums

Symptoms of a toothache may include:

  • Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth.
  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Fever or headache
  • Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth

When should I see a dentist about a toothache?

See your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:

  • You have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
  • Your toothache is severe
  • You have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide

As with any teeth problems, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms it's important to book an appointment at Cedar Dental Care to see a dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for a routine dental health review.

How will the dentist treat my toothache?

Your Cedar Dental Care dentist will need to examine you, and possibly take x-rays, to identify the cause of your toothache. Once this has been identified, they will conduct any temporary treatment to relieve your pain and advise if further treatment is required to address the underlying issue.

Possible treatments may include:

  • If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or take the tooth out, if necessary.
  • A root canal (a procedure to remove and replace infected pulp with sealing material) may be needed if the cause of the toothache is an infection of the tooth's nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner space of the root of the tooth cause infection.
  • An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is a fever or swelling of the jaw.
  • A small piece of food (like a popcorn hull) can get stuck under the gums causing an infection. In this instance, a deep cleaning may be performed or recommended followed by further periodontal (gum) therapy if necessary.

Preventing toothache

Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral hygiene practices can prevent toothaches. Good oral hygiene practices consist of brushing regularly with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing once daily, rinsing once or twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash, and seeing your Cedar Dental Care dentist regularly for professional cleaning and reviews. In addition to these practices, eat foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications.

How do I treat a toothache at home?

For temporary relief of a toothache, the following can be followed at home:

  • Avoid extremes of temperature, such as hot drinks or very cold foods like ice cream
  • Avoid sugary or acidic foods, especially sweets or fizzy drinks, even diet ones, as these can aggravate the pain
  • Eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and try to avoid chewing with the sore tooth
  • Take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol
  • Use an over-the-counter anaesthetic gel, for example, Orajel, which you can buy in a pharmacy, to help relieve the pain
  • Continue to brush and floss your teeth as thoroughly as possible, and rub toothpaste directly onto the sore tooth or area
  • Rinse with warm saltwater. Saltwater can loosen debris between your teeth, act as a disinfectant and reduce inflammation. Stir a ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
  • Use mouthwash suitable for gum problems, such as Corsodyl or Peroxyl, from your local pharmacy
  • Massage the gum around the tooth to help ease the pain
  • Use cloves or cotton wool to place clove oil over the painful tooth or area of the mouth. You can buy cloves in supermarkets
  • Keep your head elevated at night. Lying down can increase blood pressure in the tooth and cause pain
  • Keep the area cold by using a cool pack or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Apply this to your cheek. Don’t apply ice directly to the tooth as this can increase pain and damage the tissue

If you have any toothache or discomfort, contact Cedar Dental Care as soon as possible. Give us a call on 01635 867979.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Cedar Dental Care. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

1543 Reviews

5.0

28th March 2025

The reception team are friendly, knowledgeable and good humoured, especially Stacey. The dentist Dr Anish Patel was extremely kind, friendly and skilled. He told me what he was doing, how I should improve things and as always was courteous, pleasant and good humoured. Dr Anish Patel even makes going to the dentist fun and relaxing. I have had a lot done to my teeth over the years and Dr Patel is non judgemental and kind and reassuring. He never makes me feel a failure for having bad teeth. I would trust him completely with any treatment he suggested. He is a lovely man.

28th March 2025

The dentist is always very courteous and keen to hear all about the problems if any. He carries out the work very well and always makes sure that everything is OK. The nurse is very friendly and attentive and the reception team are very approachable, recognise the patients and are easy to talk to.The best dentists I have ever been to.

27th March 2025

Treated promptly. Very professional.

25th March 2025

Rav, he is always greets you with a warm smile and makes you feel at ease. Whenever I've had treatment he has explained everything in detail and all pain free.

23rd March 2025

I had dental implants a couple of years ago which have changed my life so very satisfied with Cedar dental

23rd March 2025

From checking in to leaving the whole experience and treatment was fantastic

22nd March 2025

Efficiency, pleasant demeanor, and always trying to help

21st March 2025

I like the staff, they are always very helpful and do their best.The practice is always spotless.I am always confident of excellent service.

21st March 2025

The receptionists all seem pleased to see you. The reception area is airy and there is a tv to watch to take your mind off things. The dentist and dental nurse explain what treatment is going to happen and always welcome you

20th March 2025

Was made to feel very calm and everything was explained as the treatment was progressing. Dentist had a great sense of humour.

20th March 2025

Excellent hygienist. The dentist was efficient and friendly and carried out the routine inspection quickly and efficiently. also provided some useful advice on keeping my dentures clean.

19th March 2025

My clinician introduced herself, explained what was going to happen and took note of my past dental history.. I received excellent treatment, communication and individual medical services- thank you

19th March 2025

All staff friendly and professional. I have been coming to the practice for over 40 years and have been well looked after. I can’t see myself going anywhere else.

18th March 2025

It was altogether a pleasant experience & I hate going to the dentist

18th March 2025

Rav is a great dentist. Truly cares for the wellbeing of his patients

17th March 2025

The dentist is really good explains everything all staff very helpful and friendly

15th March 2025

Sunita was great, thorough and helpful. Roy, a super star as usual.

15th March 2025

First class treatment from start to finish

14th March 2025

It was all very efficient and everything was done as expected.There were no problems or surprises.I was very happy with the treatment and the overall process.

14th March 2025

How professional the whole team performed

Prev Previous
Next Next