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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

1645 Reviews

5.0

4th June 2025

Friendly reception. Courteous and friendly dentist and nurse. Clear explanation of my treatment.

4th June 2025

Lovely staff and always a good experience I have been going to the practice since a child. Would always recommend.

3rd June 2025

It is a pleasant relaxed environment. The dentist explained all the possible options and after discussion we have agreed a way forward and booked 5 appointments between now and November to carry out treatment

3rd June 2025

I have always received very good care and service at Cedar Dental.This is the reason for my continued use of this practice.

1st June 2025

Reception were very helpful in arranging a short notice appointment for a broken back tooth. Dentist Anish Patel`s explanation of the issue and solution was excellent and he put me at ease straight away as a new patient. He carried out a temporary repair with the assistance of his nurse very efficiently and painlessly and arranged for further treatment on another back tooth with small fracture.

1st June 2025

As a patient at Cedar Dental Carefor very many years I have always experienced first class attention and would not consider seeing another dentist.Would highly reccommend to anyone.

31st May 2025

The reception team makes you feel really special from the moment you walk in. The dentist is always very warm and explains exactly what is wrong, giving options as to treatment to ensure you are happy with the prognosis. He always checks in during treatment to make sure you are comfortable. The nurse is very friendly and makes sure all your comfort needs are met, as well as being very efficient assisting the dentist. I look forward to my appointments in the certain knowledge that I will be well treated and have a great outcome after treatment.

30th May 2025

Multiple appointments and a very positive experience. Thank you

30th May 2025

Trust in the experience and expertise of the dentist

30th May 2025

All staff are always excellent.

30th May 2025

Very well explained including the possible things that could go wrong or take more time

29th May 2025

Attention to detail is very high. Friendly staff. Level of work very high standard.

29th May 2025

I.v always been happy with cedar, for many years, excellent dentist

29th May 2025

Best dental practise i've ever been to

29th May 2025

Louise is efficient and knowledgable. Mr Patel inspected my teeth thoroughly. Gave me a course of action so a very satisfying visit.

28th May 2025

Abigail Dundas Was fantastic. Made me feel relaxed when I have the work done on my tooth. Talked me through the whole process.

28th May 2025

They are punctual, polite, and friendly.They check gums and teeth.

28th May 2025

Friendly, expert treatment.

28th May 2025

My son is autistic with PDA so oral hygiene is difficult. The reception team always helpful and the dentist (Rav) is so understanding and keeps the appointment a positive experience

24th May 2025

Waiting times are minimal, staff friendly

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