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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

1881 Reviews

5.0

7th October 2025

Dr Dundas understands how anxious I am when going to the dentist and always explains everything about my treatment and each step of the treatment as it happens.

7th October 2025

Highly efficient practice, that is very welcoming.

7th October 2025

The orthodontist is patient, kind, professional and brilliant with my son. Lots of information and reassurance given. She is highly reflective and thoughtful in her practise. Very impressed!

7th October 2025

I have always been treated very well by my dentist Anish Patel, he always listens to my needs and talks through everything with great detail, such a kind man I hope he never leaves the practice.

7th October 2025

My dentist is so professional and knowledgeable. She explains things clearly and reassures me. She takes an interest in the whole person, not just the health of their teeth.

5th October 2025

Past experience over years gives me confidence in the professional skill and reliablejudgements of the practitioners. The ethos of the practice is consistently caring and careful. Patients are welcomed warmly and treated with respect. All staff encountered at the practice communicate a respect for these values.

4th October 2025

The whole practice is welcoming ..from the easy hands free entrance doors , the receptionists to the attitude and friendliness the whole of the team.I have always been nervous of dentists …but not here.

4th October 2025

I have been a patient at the surgery for over 40 years and have always received excellent service, a lot of understanding and always had my mind put at rest if I had a problem.

3rd October 2025

Mr Patel was very kind and patient

3rd October 2025

Friendly and long term family dentist.

3rd October 2025

Both Patrick and his nurse showed great compassion to me as September had been a complicated month for me. My check up went well and I was offered a clean of my teeth there and then.Always happy with my treatment at Cedar Dental.

3rd October 2025

Mr Patel explained exactly what was going to happen at the beginning and along the way too. I have just had knee surgery and found the chair uncomfortable. Mr Patels dental nurse Chloe I think was her name brought me a cushion to support my knee which was a god send and made a massive difference as the appointment was an hour long.

3rd October 2025

I have been a patient at Ceder for many many years and have always had reliable and professional treatment.

2nd October 2025

As an emergency appointment I was fitted in on the very day Abby was back from holiday, as ever she sorted them issue in one appointment. Abby always takes time for a personal experience, faultless. As an emergency appt was offered an alternative dentist by the incredible admin team, but declined to wait for Abby, who I trust completely with all my care.

1st October 2025

Fantastic care, from the entire team, clinical and non-clinical. We feel treated as individuals.

1st October 2025

Well explained advice given, prompt appointment. All staff friendly

1st October 2025

Professional, friendly and efficient. All runs like clockwork and all the team are lovely

30th September 2025

Appointment time was perfect as after work in the evening, no waiting to be seen. Many thanks!

30th September 2025

Excellent

29th September 2025

My dentist RAV is always willing to talk and make me feel at ease. His staff are kind, friendly and welcoming.

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