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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 Dental Health Private Dental Clinic to see a dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for routine dental health review.

How will the dentist treat my toothache?

Your Dental Health Private Dental Clinic dentist will need to examine you, and possibly take x-rays, in order 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 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 Dental Health Private Dental Clinic 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. Salt water 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 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 Dental Health Private Dental Clinic in Southampton as soon as possible. Give us a call on 02380 473 612.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Dental Health Private Dental Clinic. 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

481 Reviews

5.0

6th December 2024

Had an issue with my teeth Monday,,Fitted in at 10:00 next day...outstanding

29th November 2024

Everyone was welcoming, friendly, happy & the interior wa slovely & warm.

28th November 2024

Great customer service, friendly,Good with the children

21st November 2024

Very welcoming and not been a patient for long but already my teeth look a lot better. Staff very knowledgeable and helpful with any questions I have.

21st November 2024

Hygienist and dentist excellent, explained everything and listened to me. Very friendly and courteous. Would recommend highly

16th November 2024

Dentist listens to any concerns and genuinely seems to care about the outcome. I am really satisfied with the outcome of my treatment. Appointments are easy to arrange at a convenient time and the receptionist team are really helpful. Appointments always run on time and I never have to wait long

4th November 2024

I have been coming to this Practice for years, always exemplary service, arranging appointments easy, dentists and hygienists courteous as are reception staff.

3rd November 2024

I don't like dentists but the way I am treated there makes me feel less anxious. I was given options for my treatment and I was told that, if I wanted, I could go away and think about which option I wanted. I didn't bother as I took the advice of the dentist as to which treatment to have. I was also offered different appointment times for the treatment to suit me. All the staff there are lovely, friendly and very helpful.

2nd November 2024

Even though I was early everyone was so helpful even helping me up the stairs as mt eyesight is poor.

30th October 2024

Everyone is friendly and efficient which helps take all the anxiety out of attending the dentists surgery.

24th October 2024

It was everything I had anticipated as an existing client. Everyone always makes you feel most welcome and they really care.

24th October 2024

I was unhappy that Ingrid had left he Practice. However, I found that Sherry was very thorough and I felt pleased with her. I have always been very nervous and need a dentist that is understanding. I an pleased that this new lady dentist is very kind.

19th October 2024

Appt. to suit me. Reminders sent by text. Professionalism of whole team.

17th October 2024

Johann was caring, explained fully my options. Treatment was painless.

2nd October 2024

extreme courtesy warmth and professionalism

30th September 2024

The staff are friendly, helpful, keep you updated, come and get you to take you to your appointment. I felt well looked after by my hygenist and nurse, have made another appointment to return .

23rd September 2024

All staff are very helpful

21st September 2024

Felt at ease

18th September 2024

The hygienist was great and was very careful with the teeth cleaning and answered all my questions. However, in addition to this the dental nurse has to be the most professional and careful nurse I have ever known in ensuring that water did not accumulate in my mouth and I was able to continue with the treatment for a long period of time without having to ask the hygienist to stop to clear my throat. I took the opportunity to thank the nurse for her outstanding work.

17th September 2024

Having experienced some terrible dentists over the years, this practice is friendly and welcoming and sets you at ease from the get go. Whether the appointment is with the dentist or the hygienist the service and care is exemplary and I would not entertain the idea of going elsewhere now.

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