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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

1914 Reviews

5.0

25th October 2025

The Dentist demonstrates an interest in my general health issues. She also advises what processes she is about to undertake and talks through them by way of reassurance.An excellent dentist who is also both personable and empathetic.

25th October 2025

I have been coming to Cedar dental for several years and have had numerous treatments all of which have been very good experiences. All the members of the practice are polite and efficient , making for a very pleasant experience overall.

25th October 2025

Just the whole team are, awesome

24th October 2025

Rav is a nice chap and puts me at ease, also good knowledge of my issues and concerns

24th October 2025

Very happy with all aspects of my appointment.

24th October 2025

A very helpful and friendly team

AT

Anne Thatcher

I have just finished a course of treatment with Dr. Anish Patel and cannot speak highly enough of his treatment. After years of unsatisfactory treatment from previous dentists, Anish has repaired, restored and enhanced my teeth to a state well beyond my wildest dreams. I can now confidently smile again which is all due to his interest, patience, expertise and hard work. I am so grateful to him. I can thoroughly recommend him and all the team at Cedar Dental Care. They are all so welcoming. Thank you.

21st October 2025

The staff at Cedar Dental are always so polite, kind and helpful, friendly too. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. All my family and their children go there too.

19th October 2025

Extremely professional practitioners, have full faith in the treatments

19th October 2025

Friendly and professional

18th October 2025

My dentist is always so kind and helpful with understanding what I need to be doing and how well I am doing. I am always satisfied everytime I visit and I always want it to be with a specific dentist because they do a fantastic job everytime!

18th October 2025

everyone is motivated to help

17th October 2025

Friendly staff and painless treatment.

15th October 2025

I get on very will with my dentist who explains the state of my teeth and any treatments needed clearly and in detail with costs where necessary

15th October 2025

Their reminder system is also very good - no chance of forgetting

14th October 2025

Answers are in the rest of the survey. There were no issues what more do you want from a check up

13th October 2025

friendly, attentive and happy people

13th October 2025

Continuation of same high standards of care and attention to detail that I have received at Cedar for over 30 years|

13th October 2025

I have been with Cedar dental care for about 40years I think that speaks for itself

12th October 2025

Always satisfied when going to Cedar.

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