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Painful Toothache

Toothache and pain are annoying and uncomfortable. But how do you know when it’s serious?

Throbbing Tooth Pain: Causes and Treatments

More often than not, toothache or tooth pain is a sign of more serious damage to your oral health.

Typically caused by infections or inflammations of the tooth, the problem can get worse if left untreated – trust us, we know.

If you are experiencing severe pain – do not wait. Toothache that lasts more than 2 days is serious.

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See a dentist now if

  • Your toothache has lasted more than two days.
  • Throbbing pain does not go away after taking painkillers.
  • You have a high temperature.
  • Experience pain when biting.
  • Had red or swollen gums.
  • Have an awful taste in your mouth/bad breath.
  • Your cheek or jaw is swollen.

Please do not go to the doctor (GP). They will not help you as this will require professional dental treatment and intervention.

To see us out of hours call us on 020 8224 7562.

If you do not have a local dentist, we are happy to accept new patients.

However, if you are looking for NHS-covered care, call 111, which will advise you on what to do next.

But please note even in these cases, you may be required to pay for your appointment.

When to go to A&E!

  • If the area around your neck or eye is swollen
  • The swelling in your mouth makes it difficult to breathe, swallow or speak.

What not to do when experiencing a toothache

  • Eat or drink foods that are sweet or very hot or cold.
  • Do not smoke. This has the potential to worsen some dental problems like infections.
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Signs you need emergency dental care

30% of adults say they regularly experience dental pain. – dentaly.org

Serious oral issues like abscesses can cause a significant amount of pain that can be alleviated slightly with over-the-counter toothache remedies. If these have no effect whatsoever, it is recommended to visit an emergency dentist to relieve the pain.

If you experience agony when you touch your tooth, or when you bite down on it, this can be a sign of a critical cavity or a defective restoration. Either of these problems will require urgent treatment.

If any blood is seeping from your gums that is accompanied by swelling, this could be an indication of the serious periodontal disease forming or the beginning of an infection forming.

A bad odour that is lingering in the mouth could be a sign that a tooth is infected or seriously decayed.

If swelling occurs around the neck and jaw this can be a sign that an infection is beginning to spread to other areas in your body. This is usually a serious health complication. If infections spread to the brain it can be life-threatening.

Causes of toothache and tooth pain

Tooth decay and cavities are the biggest known contributors for causing a toothache.

However, throbbing tooth pain is also known to be caused by an infection taking place in the tooth or even surrounding gums.

Other causes include:

  • Decay, abscess
  • Cracked and damaged teeth
  • Loose or broken fillings, infections
  • Erupted wisdom teeth, problems with braces
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Dental emergency tooth pain relief

For immediate pain relief from a toothache, it is always best to get the problem treated by a professional and experienced dentist.

Whilst at-home methods can be effective for relieving minor discomforts, this is often just temporary alleviation.

There is a reason for the pain and until this is amended, patients can expect to continue to experience problems with their oral health and condition.

If decay or toothache is present it will continue to cause problems and may even deteriorate your overall oral hygiene, state and health.

Our team of dentists are on hand 24/7 to provide any form of dentistry you require, from restorative to cosmetic.

Contact us here.

Quick tips to relieve toothache at home

Please note that the advice below is for temporary pain relief, if you are in enough pain to have found this page, then we do recommend you visiting the dentist to get the problem sorted.

  • Wash with salt water to clean your mouth
  • Position ice for 15 minutes to lessen any swelling
  • Chew on the other side of your mouth
  • Take ibuprofen (following label directions)
  • Avoid acidic foods and drinks as well as chewy and sugary foods
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The best in Surrey

Our practice based in East Molesey receives an influx of patients from across Surrey & London.

After being recommended by a friend to visit Gentle Dental Care for a tooth filling, Dr Ali Rifai wasted no time in inspecting all my teeth and recommending a treatment for 3 other teeth that needed urgent attention. – Elie G. Kingston

Conveniently located, we are happy to accept new patients and offer them same-day options to correct and restore their smiles.

Dawn SwansonDawn Swanson
10:27 24 Nov 22
I have been with the Gentle Dental Practice for 8 years, the care and service I have received has always been 5 star. I have recently used their new hygienist Nicky who is great. Looking for a new dentist just contact their very friendly and proffessional team.
George HorseyGeorge Horsey
18:54 15 Nov 22
Dental Impant Surgery:I had my dental implants fitted recently and I am extremely happy with the outcome. Ali and the team have done an amazing job since I lost my 2 front teeth over 6 years ago. I had to wait for the surgery for a long time due to my age and the issues surrounding having implants at a young age.I finally had the surgery 12 weeks ago and had my two new crowns fitted last week. They look absolutely amazing and the whole procedure was way less painful than I ever thought it would be.I would highly recommend getting your implants done at the Gentle Dental Practice, you won't regret it!A massive thank you to everyone at the practice!
Deeban SkandalingamDeeban Skandalingam
12:06 03 Nov 22
Fantastic work on my teeth and I would highly recommend! My teeth turned out better than I had even hoped for. If you are in need of any dental work, you would be doing a great disservice if you didn't speak to this practice first. The staff were extremely friendly, there were text updates and all in all an excellent service from start to finish. If you haven't guessed already, I am thoroughly pleased with The Gentle Dentle. Thank you!
Pippa HarveyPippa Harvey
14:54 26 Oct 22
Like many people, I have an immense fear of dentistry, and dentists, due to previous experiences.I had two broken teeth and one that had been treated incorrectly by an NHS dentist. I had been in daily pain for about 18 months, and had been put on a 6 month waiting list by my NHS dentist.I called gentle dental to explain my problem and they offered me a same day appointment. They were kind, compassionate, understanding, patient and validating. I’m not sure anybody ever feels completely comfortable in the chair, but It’s the closest I’ve ever come!The work needed was carried out, all of the staff were kind and welcoming, and it showed me that the dentist doesn’t have to be a dreaded place!Thank you so, so much gentle dental! I will definitely be returning.
Tilesh PTilesh P
15:45 14 Sep 22
Dental Implants - 3 New Teeth - June 2022I had the most professional and pain free experience when getting my new tooth implants at Gentle Dental. Honestly I put it off for some many years because I just didn't want to go through the pain. But my experience was totally the opposite. Ali and the wonderful girls were there every step of the way. All my questions got answered and I was reassured everything would work out well. And it did. I was worried for no reason.I did think about going abroad to have it done but when you consider the risk factor, time and professional standards - it made no sense to me. I have known Ali for a long time and knew I would be in the best hands and if there were any issues these would could be resolved easily.If you are thinking of having dental implants at Gentle - don't waste any more time. Just book and get it done.Was it painful ? No, uncomfortable for a few days, yes for sure.I just wish I had it done sooner. Thanks guys, love my new teeth 🙂
Edward CrameEdward Crame
13:43 04 Dec 21
Very happy with all aspects of the work they have done. Very clean, professional and well run business.
Lynn HuddartLynn Huddart
12:43 24 Nov 21
Dr Ali Rifai was professional and I am very pleased with the outcome of my Invisalign's. I have been with this practice for many years and would highly recommend. The staff are very friendly and nothing is an issue.
Jonathan PlumbJonathan Plumb
11:52 24 Nov 21
Can't thank this practice enough for all their help. I don't post reviews very often, so when I do, it's because an impression has been left! Dr Ali saw me at short notice to help fix a broken tooth. The nurse (I think her name was Danni) was so helpful and kind, as were the rest of the team. Thank you for being there for me in my hour of need (the same day i asked for an appointment!)
Eva AugustEva August
07:11 06 Nov 21
I’m so happy to find this practice. I suffer from anxiety and high sensitivity to pain. It was very stressful for me going to dentist after years of fear. The team not only make me calm and welcome but I FELL ASLEEP during treatment with Dr Marshall ! So understanding and caring. Thank you!
Marc NevittMarc Nevitt
11:35 11 Oct 21
I have been using this dentist for well over a decade and can honestly say my teeth would be in a far worse situation if wasn’t for the Gentle Dental practice.My most recent visit was for a filling .. barely felt the injection!I would highly recommend this dentist to anyone, but especially if you’re teeth require a high level of care like mine.
Emma BrauerEmma Brauer
08:44 04 Aug 21
This place was recommended to me by family and for a nervous patient the best experience. The reception welcome is cheerful and friendly, beautifully modern area with hot drinks and water on offer.I needed implants, crowns and bridges followed by whitening, so lots of appointments. My dentist Mr Ali Rafai was superb from start to finish, so professional and personable. Throughout the whole process I was cared for wonderfully plus lots of laughs along the way. The constant care during appointments was very comforting, no rushing, and I knew I my needs were Mr Rafai's priority. Plus check up call the next day without fail to make sure everything was going well.Absolutely deserves five stars!
Alan SamuelAlan Samuel
13:30 14 Jul 21
Fantastic experience with Ali. It took 18 months including bone grafting, removing and replacing failed dental implants, invisaline for my bottom teeth which were all over the place and some veneers but now I'm delighted with the outcome.Ali was always very clear about how this wasn't an overnight solution in an honest and forthright manner which gave me confidence that he would deliver results.I was offered several overnight solutions from other dentists locally at a fraction of the cost but when I see how much effort and detail that went into my plan, I know i made the right choice.
Kurt JohnsonKurt Johnson
17:48 14 May 21
I have got no complaints about this Dental Practice. They were all very friendly and accommodating and always professional.My dental treatment was also really good, everything went according to plan and the results are great!I am VERY happy with the outcome and would recommend them anytime!
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