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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 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

550 Reviews

5.0

26th July 2025

Friendly, professional and competent team.

25th July 2025

The staff are always lovely, courteous and efficient

24th July 2025

All the staff were friendly and competent

24th July 2025

I've been with this practice for a few years now and it is light years ahead of any other practice I have been to in my adult life. Friendly people who put you at ease. Exactly what you want in such circumstances. Thank you guys

20th July 2025

I was nervous but James put me at ease and made sure I was OK and comfortable through the appointment. He answered all my questions

19th July 2025

I was happy with the friendly atmosphere which put me at ease. And the relaxed way the dentist made me feel. I used to be very anxious but since going to my dentist of a few years, I am not.

TN

Tiffany Noy

The Dental Health Private Dental Clinic has been nothing short of amazing with my teenager, who has a deep seated phobia of dentists. Every member of staff is so welcoming and thoughtful. The dentist my teen sees takes everything at their pace, so they feel and know they are in control of what happens to them in the dentists chair. Right from our very first visit, it was abundantly clear that their aim was to see my teen for who they are and work with them, gaining their trust and ultimately getting them a step closer to easing that abject fear of visiting, and allowing a dentist to help care for their dental health.

GC

Gina Cooper

Yes very friendly and professional

18th July 2025

Everyone was very friendly, and caring. They considered my needs and made sure I was comfortable and felt safe.

SH

Sue Holbrook

I am very happy to go to that dentist.He is very knowledgeable kind and friendly as are everyone else that works there. I would recommend it very highly.

JW

Julie Ward

Excellent service at this practice . Extremely friendly and put me at ease .

AP

Adam Prioletti

I used to see johann at a previous practice, his care was top notch, recently found him again online and glad I did. Professional prompt service and such a pleasure to have a checkup with him knowing I’m in solid hands

5th July 2025

Been there many years. Lovely team and §ve§r§y§ o§r of§e§s§soon§al.

4th July 2025

There is a very relaxed atmosphere from the moment you walk through the door. All staff and clinicians are very welcoming and explain everything clearly. Thank you for making my visit a pleasurable one.

2nd July 2025

every one was helpful

27th June 2025

Very pleasant and helpful staff at reception. Very helpful hygienist. Extremely pleasant and kind dentist who put me at my ease.

RC

Robert Cartwright

I use Johanne and his assistant Stephanie for my dental care — they are both excellent. Very professional, friendly, and always take the time to explain things clearly. I always feel well looked after and in good hands. Highly recommended.

13th June 2025

All staff very welcoming. Excellent service.

7th June 2025

Extraction was performed really well, with plenty of explanation of what would happen, and updates as the procedure progressed. Also, very supportive nurse.

D

dgreatz

Have been coming here for hygiene appointments for a couple of years now and Janet has been so good and does a great job. She has a calming manner that helps to ease the nerves of having dental work. 5*

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