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 Mortiboys Dental Spa to see a dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for routine dental health review.

How will the dentist treat my toothache?

Your Mortiboys Dental Spa 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 Mortiboys Dental Spa 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 of discomfort, contact Mortiboys Dental Spa in East Horsley as soon as possible. Give us a call on 01483 281428.

Meet the team

Ranya Kafena

Dentist

GDC NO. 73365

Marc Mortiboys

Dentist

GDC NO. 61939

Amit Gadhavi

Dentist / Periodontist

GDC NO. 67395

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Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Mortiboys Dental Spa. 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

514 Reviews

5.0

4th December 2024

From the lovely welcome on arrival to the courteous and professional service received from all treatment staff over the last 15 + years, I could never go anywhere else. I have moved quite a distance away from the practice but the longer journey is worth it!

3rd December 2024

Lovely DentistSuperb highly skilled pain free hygiene treatmentExcellent reception staffgood parkingcomfortable in and out of treatment areasrelaxed atmosphere

3rd December 2024

Highly dedicated practitioners who are passionate about their work.

29th November 2024

The team are also so friendly and welcoming and really make you feel at ease.

28th November 2024

Excellent experience as was nervous about extraction and the risks and after care were well explained and I was calmed before extraction began (prob also helped that was very quick and painless)

28th November 2024

The fact that I was carefully listened to. That the first dentist I saw referred me for a second opinion sothat no unnecessary treatment took. Place.

22nd November 2024

EXCELLENT SERVICE FROM AMIT AND HIS NURSE KAREN, BOTH WERE VERY ATTENTIVE and listened to all my concerns and gave thorough answers

20th November 2024

Have been a patient for 24 years and already recommended several people to practice all of whom became patients. The team of Raj and Carly inspired confidence and Raj is clearly an excellent surgeon

19th November 2024

Friendly and professional.

16th November 2024

They made me feel quite calm, especially as I am a nervous patient

16th November 2024

Pleasant staff and atmosphere. The whole Holistic experience.

13th November 2024

The team made a huge effort to accommodate my lateness by re shuffling 3 appointments around, for which I am very grateful.

10th November 2024

Show clear and professional knowledge. Up to date equipment for diagnosing and treatments. Friendly staff, all making the time to connect with me first.

DT

Dan Thornton

My first visit to a dental hygienist and was a little anxious but Clare was brilliant and did a first class job on my teeth. It was a very satisfying experience to see and feel just how much they had been cleaned and polished. Clare has a relaxing and good humoured manner and clearly loves her job . I will definitely go more regularly. Dan

6th November 2024

Friendly, helpful, v gentle, effective.

6th November 2024

Everyone makes you feel welcome.

MH

Monica Hawley

First ever visit to a hygienist as I'm a nervous patient, but Clare was excellent at making me feel at ease and did a great job. I will definitely be coming back regularly as my teeth felt great afterwards.

2nd November 2024

The caring and kindness shown is perfect . The environment is very calming and relaxing .

31st October 2024

I have been a patient at Mortiboys for many years, having all kinds of dental work, including teeth cleaning, veneer work, root canal, implants and hygiene. My experience had always been of first class treatments, safety, hygiene and top class outcomes. The staff are friendly, caring and supportive. Staff know me and make me feel welcome and important. I would highly recommend Mortiboys to anyone. Thank you to all.

30th October 2024

Running on time.Very friendly. Treatment and service was what I needed/expected.

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