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

How will the dentist treat my toothache?

Your Titchfield Dental Health 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 Titchfield Dental Health 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 Titchfield Dental Health in Southampton as soon as possible. Give us a call on 01489 581158.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

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

850 Reviews

5.0
GJ

G Johnson

A highly professional team and personnel experience to make you feel welcome and looked after by their dentists and colleagues I will continue to use this dentist moving forward in the future Many thanks

3rd October 2025

My needs were very well understood and in a very professional way several solutions/options were explained in a very straight forward way that I understood

3rd October 2025

Kind and thorough treatment

3rd October 2025

Always helpful & knowledgeable- I like that they suggest options but never push you to have any treatment you don’t want or can afford. Love the cleanliness of the practice & welcoming of reception staff

27th September 2025

I just think my dentist RIck is fantastic

26th September 2025

My hygienist is always friendly, knows me and I feel comfortable knowing Im in capable hands

25th September 2025

Friendly and very efficient service.

25th September 2025

Friendly competent staff in all departments

24th September 2025

Managed to get an appointment the next day, even though it wasn't an emergency. Friendly staff all around. very quick turnaround on making the new retainer - it was ready hours later!

24th September 2025

I was given a quick appointment and all the treatment was carried out in one go

21st September 2025

There are no words to this amazing dentist and Lynsey and Rick are outstanding individuals. They have kept me on track with attending on a regular basis.. the team around do an amazing role. Thank you

R

Rachel

Fantastic dental practice! Always so warm and welcoming. Lovely reception staff, nurses and dentists. In particular, Dr. Anya was absolutely brilliant with our young son and made his appointment very special. Thank you so much to all the amazing team and we look forward to seeing you all again.

17th September 2025

From the moment you enter you are greeted by lovely reception team. Rick and his nurse puts you at ease.

RD

ruth davies

If you’re nervous about going to the dentist then this is the place to try. The staff are great at putting you at ease and they so friendly and non-judgmental. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.My smile is much improved.

16th September 2025

I always become very nervous at the dentist and never feel comfortable. But I can say that every member of staff at titchfield dental make me feel calm and comfortable every step of the way. The dentist I have is so lovely. I couldn’t recommend highly enough!

16th September 2025

All staff very friendly. Procedures on the day explained and future procedures also covered.

13th September 2025

The friendliness of the staff and how they put an anxious patient at ease, with their calm informative approach. Anya made me feel safe. I could raise my hand at anytime for a break, the treatment was unrushed. The outcome exceeded my expectations.

DF

Dave Fryer

Amazing treatment from Anya and Jenny today. I’m an extremely anxious patient but they both make me feel safe, with an appropriate use of humour to lighten my tense feelings. Thank you

12th September 2025

Linda was fantastic she listened to what I wanted and the results are perfect.

12th September 2025

All staff treated me with care and respect

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