Oral Health 3 min read
Toothache: Causes, Relief and When It's an Emergency
Most toothaches have a dental cause, such as decay, an abscess or a cracked tooth. Here is what the NHS says helps, and the signs that mean you should not wait.
This guide relates to our emergency dentist treatment.
What causes toothache?
Toothache has a dental cause in most cases. The NHS lists tooth decay, a dental abscess, a cracked or damaged tooth, a loose or broken filling, and gum disease as common causes. A wisdom tooth trying to come through without enough room can also cause pain.
Other causes include grinding the teeth, problems with braces, and sensitive teeth. Your dentist can usually find the cause during an examination and an X-ray.
| Cause | What it often feels like |
|---|---|
| Tooth decay | Pain with sweet or cold food, or a constant ache |
| Abscess (infection) | Throbbing pain, swelling and sometimes a bad taste |
| Cracked or broken tooth | Pain when biting, or sharp pain that comes and goes |
| Loose or broken filling | Sensitivity, or food getting stuck |
| Wisdom tooth | Ache or swelling at the back of the jaw |
| Gum disease | Red or bleeding gums and pain around a tooth |
How can you relieve toothache at home?
Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help, and a pharmacist can advise on the right one. Pain-relieving mouth gels are available from pharmacies. For adults, rinsing with warm salt water can help.
Eat soft foods, avoid chewing on the sore side, and avoid very sweet, very hot or very cold food. Use a soft toothbrush and avoid flossing around the painful tooth. Home measures only ease the pain. They do not treat the cause.
When is toothache an emergency?
Go to A&E or call 999 if the area around your eye or neck is swollen, or if swelling in your mouth or neck makes it difficult to breathe, swallow or speak. Do not drive yourself.
Book a dentist if the toothache lasts more than two days, does not improve with painkillers, or comes with a high temperature, pain when you bite, red gums, a bad taste, or a swollen cheek or jaw. The NHS advises you not to go to your GP for dental treatment, because they cannot provide it.
What treatment will the dentist offer?
Treatment depends on the cause. Decay can be treated with a filling, and a severely infected tooth may need a root canal treatment to save it. A tooth that cannot be saved may need an extraction, and we will discuss the options with you.
When to see a dentist in Multan
Do not wait for severe pain to pass. We are open Sunday to Thursday and on Saturday, from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and we are closed on Fridays. Message us on WhatsApp about toothache and describe your symptoms, and we will advise the fastest next step.
What to check before you call
Note when the pain started, what makes it worse (cold, sweet food, biting or pressure), and whether the pain is in one tooth or spread across the jaw. Check for swelling, a bad taste, fever, or a crack or filling that has come out. These details help the dentist find the cause quickly.
If a filling or crown has come off, keep it safe and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side until you have been seen.
This article is general information. Please see a dentist for advice about your own teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Can toothache go away on its own?
Pain can ease for a while, but the cause usually remains. Decay and infection tend to get worse, so see a dentist rather than waiting.
Which painkiller is best for toothache?
Ibuprofen or paracetamol can help. Ask a pharmacist which is suitable for you, and do not give aspirin to children under 16.
Is toothache an emergency?
It is if there is swelling that affects breathing, swallowing or speaking, which needs A&E or an ambulance. Otherwise, book a dentist promptly, especially if pain lasts more than two days.
Can a GP treat toothache?
The NHS advises against going to a GP for dental treatment, because GPs cannot provide it. A dentist is the right person to see.
Should I keep taking painkillers until I see a dentist?
Painkillers can help while you arrange a visit, but use them as the packet or pharmacist advises. If the pain is strong or keeps coming back, see a dentist rather than relying on tablets.
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Have a question about your own teeth?
Book on WhatsApp, and our team will reply with the next steps.