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

How will the dentist treat my toothache?

Your Oakmead Dental Care 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 Oakmead 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. 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 Oakmead Dental Care in East Grinstead as soon as possible. Give us a call on 01342 325363.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Oakmead 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…

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Patient reviews

1167 Reviews

5.0

13th September 2025

I’ve seen my dentist since I was very young. He always remembers what I’m up to and makes good conversation same with the rest of my family. He’s never messed up my teeth either. The clinic is also nice and clean and the staff are all very nice. Bit of a wait to be seen but not too bad.

12th September 2025

Excellent communication and very happy with treatment and care from both dentist and nurse

12th September 2025

As a nervous patient I was made to feel very calm and well looked after

12th September 2025

The dentist and staff were pleasant and friendly, courteous and considerate.They helped me to feel at ease despite needing an extraction which is traumatic.

11th September 2025

Wonderful service lways with dentist or Hygienist . Very happy to be with this practice

11th September 2025

The staff were very friendly and efficient. The Hygienist appointment was on time Debbie the hygienist was extremely thorough and always friendly and clear at explaining everything she was doing

7th September 2025

Been at this practice over 50 years. Always been looked after very well.

7th September 2025

Friendly reception and dental staff. Always welcoming, helpful and explain treatment plan

7th September 2025

From booking an appointment (on the phone) to checking in, the entire procedure is friendly and easy. Jill, the hygienist provides first class care. Checking out, including payment, receiving a receipt and booking the next appointment, again is simple and efficient. All in all, Oakmead offer a highly professional, friendly service - a service that also instils confidence and trust.

7th September 2025

From Paul Cassidy to Kate to receptionist care could not have been better for sedation and treatment . I was so looked after especially as I was a tad nervous

5th September 2025

Didn’t wait long to see hygienist. Who was welcoming and completed treatment extremely well

4th September 2025

Courteous, efficient service.

4th September 2025

Hygienist Debbie always puts me at ease and I am extremely happy with my treatment

3rd September 2025

All the staff are friendly and helpful a pleasant experience

2nd September 2025

did everything i expected

29th August 2025

The dentist is very professional and explains everything prior to doing it so I know what to expect. He is very thorough and provides an excellent service.

28th August 2025

I am a long time patient and I have been happy with treatments to date

28th August 2025

Everything was explained to me, and I was treated in a friendly and professional manner, which is what I have always experienced at this practice, and is the reason I have been a patient here for so many years.

24th August 2025

The people.No pain!

CA

Claire Allen

Excellent service, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable.

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