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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

1821 Reviews

5.0

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.

6th September 2025

Personal service which was very much appreciated. Mr Patel knew my history and speedily resolved my dental issue. Thank you so much!

6th September 2025

I phoned the receptionist to say I had a problem that I would like my dentist’s opinion with. Vicky took details which she advised she was sending through to my dentist Abi Dundas. A few minutes later I got a call asking if I could get to the surgery straight away, which I could. Within an hour of making that call, I had been seen by my dentist with some antibiotics to take away with me as she could see signs of an infection which would likely lead to an abscess under the tooth. She also detailed a plan to tackle the cause of the infection once back from my holidays.

5th September 2025

Abi the dentist is warm and approachable. She was very gentle with my 8yo son and took huge care to explain everything to him. We never felt rushed even though this was an emergency appointment. And she sorted out his problem perfectly.

4th September 2025

I’m quite nervous of the dentist and get anxious but Abbie always makes me feel at ease by talking me through everything and just being her lovely caring self!

4th September 2025

The reason I was so highly satisfied is that my dentist Mr Roy Patel is excellent, helpfuland nothing is too much trouble.

4th September 2025

All staff are very professional, polite and helpfull

4th September 2025

All staff are welcoming and professional which puts you at ease. I have confidence in treatment and advice given.

2nd September 2025

Pleasant staff made you feel comfortable,further treatment explained.

31st August 2025

Always a friendly, gentle efficient service.Reception, dentist and hygienist are lovely.Highly recommended. Have used this dentist for 35 yrs. Always very professional. P.

30th August 2025

Friendly team. Great with kids. Always punctual and very happy with the service

29th August 2025

Good Dentist. Cedar Dentist is clean and a happy place to be. Cedar Dentist always takes care of your needs. Very nice to go to Cedar Dentist and it is a good experience and friendly place to be.

29th August 2025

Personalised, welcoming and going the extra mile. Abi Dundas (our family dentist) helped out Gusharan by making a temporary fix to her brace with the help of Amanda. It was truly appreciated!

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