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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

1833 Reviews

5.0

17th September 2025

I am very nervous about going to the dentist and they made me feel comfortable and gave me breathing space throughout the treatments

17th September 2025

My dentist is a delight yo visit. He put me at ease and explains everything before he does anything. I am nervous but he let's me settle in and has time for his patients. Thank Anish.

17th September 2025

From the moment you walk in the door , the staff are friendly and welcoming. The treatment that I personally have received, is second to none.

17th September 2025

A very professional clinician. He took the time to explain his reasoning and recommendations clearly, listened attentively to my questions, and provided thoughtful, well-informed answers. He didn’t push for unnecessary treatment, but instead offered an objective assessment of the situation and a sensible way forward. His focus on both patient care and customer experience was evident throughout. He carried out the work carefully and diligently, and his strong listening skills helped build genuine trust.In addition, the rest of the team has been very friendly, professional too, almost anticipating customer needs. Overall, clean premises, hand sanitisers, modern equipment, customer focus and always a friendly, positive and inspiring attitude and atmosphere.

16th September 2025

The welcome and professional treatment and the ease of putting me as a patient at ease with complete explanation of the treatment

15th September 2025

Very professional service and no issues experienced whatsoever

14th September 2025

The staff are all very friendly and welcoming.

14th September 2025

First class practice. Lucky to have it in Thatcham.

13th September 2025

Staff are friendly, approachable and professional at all times. I am never rushed in my appointment.I never experience an delays in treatment.My expectations are met.I feel my dentist listens to any concerns I may have.I feel reassured.

13th September 2025

Abigail is not only a superb dentist, but a lovely person also. She always looks after me, and makes sure I am at ease before during and after the dental work. I have known her for around 20 years now, and she has always been extremely helpful, attentive and provides an excellent overall service. She understand that I get a bit nervous attending for dental treatment, but treats me with respect, and she is always counseling me during progress to ensure I try to relax. She describes the work as it is being executed, and shows me the outcome afterwards with pictures where appropriate.

11th September 2025

The dentist was excellent.

11th September 2025

All staff are friendly, polite and professional.Environment is clean and comfortable.Quality of service is exceptional

9th September 2025

The Dentist was very patient with me as I was nervous and made sure I received great treatment.

9th September 2025

Have been using this dental practice for 40 plus years, very professional always a good experience with the dentist dealing with my treatment.

9th September 2025

After experiencing a broken tooth I was booked in the same day. Anish Patel made a temporary repair to the tooth and took great care in choosing the shade for the new replacement. The surgery was clean and well equipped and the nurse was very polite and professional

8th September 2025

Consistent friendly staff experienced staff.

7th September 2025

Always so welcoming from every member of staff.

7th September 2025

My dentist is lovely, she’s always happy to see me and so professional.

7th September 2025

Highly professional team

6th September 2025

The dental care was very good. There was no pain during the procedure and Rav cared for my nerves. Following the appointment, after the numbness went, I felt a sharp patch. Rav immediately called me back in (same day) and resolved it! Really impressed.

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