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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

1669 Reviews

5.0

19th June 2025

I have been a patient for 25 years,this speaks volumes for there service given to me over the years

19th June 2025

Abigail Dundas has been my dentist for quite a few years and also looked after my kids when they were at home, I have always had complete confidence and trust in her professionally she is always super friendly which makes each visit very pleasant. The practice is always well equiped, clean, efficient and the staff are friendly, professional and courteous.

19th June 2025

Greeted with a friendly acknowledgment on arrival Rav as always professional his nurse was friendly too

19th June 2025

Reception friendly and checked me in knowing who I was - very professional. The dentist very good, explaining further treatment needed and how we are going to do next appointment taking into consideration problems that could arise from Hyperacusis. I left the dentist happy and ready for the next appointment. Assistant very friendly and supportive. Very pleased with the care I received and support. Thank you.

18th June 2025

all the staff, both receptionists and clinicians exceptionally helpful, kind and courteous. couldn't have better attention

17th June 2025

Reception staff are welcoming, checking in is easy and quick. Waiting area is big, with nice seating, toys for children and tv for viewing.Abbie, our dentist is always so friendly, offers advice when needed and reassurance. My children and I have always felt so comfortable with Abbie.Booking appointments is effortless, it’s always easy to get an appointment at a time that suits. Practice is bright, clean, tidy and welcoming. Would highly recommend.

16th June 2025

As a new patient I was made to feel welcome and comfortable. I was listened to when talking about my dental history. I was also given a thorough assessment by the dentist.

15th June 2025

The ladies on reception are always so positive and helpful and friendly.

15th June 2025

All of the staff are highly professional, friendly and efficient. I don't ever enjoy going to the dentist but everyone makes the experience as calm and gentle as it can be, thank you

14th June 2025

No pain whatsoever after treatment unlike before.

14th June 2025

Every member of the cedar team are attentive and make the whole experience of visiting the dentist a pleasure, even when you are having more invasive treatments

13th June 2025

I have always been satisfied with my treatment with Cedar Dental Practice.

MP

mike pack

We’ve been going to Cedar Dental in Thatcham for years, and after talking up the dentists to my friend yesterday, I wanted to write a review. The team’s communication for appointments is great, and the setup is welcoming, but our dentist Rav is just brilliant! He’s incredibly easy to talk to, professional, and seems to genuinely care about his patients. What stands out most is how fantastic he is with our daughter—Rav has a special way of making every visit engaging and positive, turning what could be a daunting experience into something she “almost” looks forward to! I can’t recommend Rav and Cedar Dental highly enough!

12th June 2025

Everyone is so efficient in there job

12th June 2025

No problems with anything

11th June 2025

Being a nervous patient I always feel very comfortable at Cedar Dental, brilliant staff, friendly & welcoming

11th June 2025

The receptionists were very welcoming and friendly. I saw Mr Patel who was also very friendly and informative.

8th June 2025

Professional and friendly

7th June 2025

All the staff inspire confidence and calm . Rav our dentist always makes my grandchildren feel completely at ease . They trust him as do I

6th June 2025

Welcoming and friendly receptionist and dentist. Proficient and efficient treatment. Respectful staff.

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