Toothache is a problem, which affects most of us to some degree at some point in our lives; however, most cases of toothache are completely preventable. If you have toothache, don’t suffer in silence; come and see us and we will endeavour to make you feel comfortable and eliminate any pain as quickly as possible.

Toothache is pain, which is experienced in and around the teeth and jaw; it can be mild or severe and it is often the sign of an underlying dental problem.

What causes toothache?

The most common cause of toothache is tooth decay; decay occurs when the tooth becomes infected by bacteria, which penetrate the hard enamel surface of the tooth, causing holes to develop. Decay is caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth. Other symptoms of decay, aside from tooth pain, include tooth sensitivity, tenderness in the gums around the affected tooth and weakness when you use the tooth.

Toothache may also be caused by injury or trauma and may be symptomatic of a fracture.

What can I do if I have toothache?

If you have toothache, you can take over the counter painkillers to ease the pain; however, it is always a good idea to see your dentist so that they can check if there are any problems, such as a broken tooth, an abscess or signs of tooth decay. Treating these issues will eliminate the pain and also help to reduce the risk of problems in the future.

If you have very severe toothache and you need urgent treatment, contact Harley Street Dental Studio and we will do our best to arrange an appointment for you as quickly as possible.

Preventing toothache

The best ways to prevent toothache are to maintain good oral hygiene, see your dentist for regular check-ups and avoid eating a lot of sugary and acidic foods; it is also beneficial to wear a protective mouth guard to lower the risk of injuries if you are playing sports, such as rugby or hockey.