Toothache – Causes, Relief, and When to See a Dentist in London

Toothache can appear suddenly or develop gradually, affecting your sleep, eating, and overall comfort. While it might start as mild discomfort, it often signals a more serious dental problem that requires professional care. In this guide, our Dental Art Implant Clinics specialists in East Finchley and Balham explain the common causes of tooth pain, what you can do at home, and how to prevent future issues.

1. Common Causes of Toothache

Tooth pain can be triggered by many factors – from surface enamel damage to deeper inflammation.

The most frequent causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavities) reaching the dentine layer and causing sensitivity;
• Pulpitis – inflammation of the inner tooth pulp that contains nerves and blood vessels;
• Damaged or lost fillings exposing sensitive tissue;
• Cracks or fractures, especially painful when chewing;
• Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), which can lead to pain and tooth mobility;
• Exposed tooth roots causing sharp pain from hot or cold;
• Wisdom tooth issues – pressure, impaction, or infection;
• Dental trauma from accidents or falls;
• Sinus infections pressing on upper teeth;
• Tooth eruption in children, a natural but uncomfortable process.

2. Understanding Your Tooth Pain

Although only a dentist can make a final diagnosis, it helps if you can describe the pain at home before your visit.

• Notice whether the pain is sharp, throbbing, constant, or occasional.
• Identify what triggers it – cold, hot, sweet foods, chewing, or pressure.
• Look for other symptoms such as swelling, warmth, bad breath, or fever.
• Observe how long the pain lasts and how often it appears.
• Check for visible changes – damaged fillings, cracks, redness, or bleeding gums.

This information helps your dentist quickly identify the cause and recommend suitable treatment.

3. What to Do Before Seeing a Dentist

If you can’t see a dentist right away, temporary relief can come from rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and calm the tissues. Gently brushing with a soft toothbrush helps remove debris around the sore tooth. Applying a cold compress to the cheek can reduce swelling. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be used responsibly, following the instructions. Eat soft foods and avoid very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic items. Remember – these methods don’t treat the cause; they only ease the discomfort until you get professional care.

5. How a Dentist Treats Toothache

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Dental fillings restore tooth structure and prevent bacteria from spreading deeper. If the nerve is affected, root canal therapy can save the tooth. In cases where the tooth cannot be restored, extraction may be required. Gum treatment involves professional cleaning and inflammation control. Antibiotics may be prescribed for infection or abscesses. Wisdom teeth causing pressure or repeated infections are often treated with removal. However, the goal is always to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.

6. Preventing Toothache

Good daily habits are the best protection against tooth pain.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly.
• Visit your dentist for routine check-ups at least once a year (ideally every six months).
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that damage enamel. If your teeth are sensitive, use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
• Use a mouthguard during sports and, if you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), ask about a night guard.
• Prevention is the simplest and most cost-effective way to keep your teeth healthy long-term.

Conclusion

Toothache almost always indicates an underlying problem that can and should be treated. Home remedies provide temporary relief but cannot replace professional dental care. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent complications, while daily oral care, regular check-ups, and a balanced diet are the most effective ways to protect your smile from pain.