A toothache is any pain in or around a tooth or jaw, ranging from a dull throb to a sharp, constant ache. Our Toothache Dental Pain Treatment team at Dental Specialists of Turramurra finds the cause, eases the pain, and fixes the problem.
If you are reading this with a sore tooth, call us on (02) 9488 7455 and we will fit you in as soon as we can. This guide explains what causes toothache, what counts as an emergency, and what to do at home until the appointment.
What causes toothache?
There are six common causes. Most toothache is caused by one of the first three.
The cause changes the fix. A cavity needs a filling or crown, a crack needs assessment, an abscess needs urgent treatment, gum disease needs a deep clean. A good emergency visit works out which one it is and starts the right treatment straight away.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Most toothache can wait one or two days. A few signs mean you should be seen the same day, because delay can mean losing the tooth or spreading infection.
For anything that affects your breathing or swallowing, go straight to your nearest hospital emergency department. A dental abscess is rarely life-threatening, but in a small number of cases the infection can spread.
What can I do at home for a toothache until the appointment?
There are five safe things you can do at home.
- Rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to calm inflamed gums.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the packet. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are both safe for most adults unless your GP has said otherwise.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek for 15 minutes at a time.
- Avoid very hot, very cold, or very sweet food and drink that set the pain off.
- Keep the area clean by brushing gently and flossing to remove trapped food.
Do not put aspirin directly on the gum - it burns. Do not ignore a swelling.
What happens at an emergency toothache visit?
A typical emergency visit has four steps. Talk and examine to find the cause. Take an x-ray if needed. Stop the pain, which might mean numbing the area, draining an abscess, smoothing a sharp edge, or placing a sedative dressing. Plan the next step, so you know what will fix the problem and what follow-up is needed.
For patients who feel anxious about emergency treatment, our team uses a computerised anaesthetic unit that delivers local anaesthetic drop by drop through a tiny point, so numbing is gentler than a conventional needle. Aromatherapy eye packs and virtual reality DVD viewers help you relax, and premedication or inhalational analgesia is available for patients who need extra help.
How can I stop a toothache coming back?
Most toothache is preventable with good daily care and regular check-ups. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, limit sugary and acidic food and drink, and visit the dentist every 6 months so small problems are caught early. If you grind your teeth, a custom night splint helps.
If you have a history of decay, gum disease, or cracked teeth, our team can put together a more detailed prevention plan at a General Dental Services visit.
Book an emergency toothache visit in Turramurra
If you have a sore tooth, our team at Dental Specialists of Turramurra is here to help. Call (02) 9488 7455 to book. The practice is at Suite 1-2, 1335 Pacific Highway, Turramurra NSW 2074, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Our lead prosthodontist Dr Anthony Au and our team will find the cause, ease the pain, and start the right treatment straight away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my toothache is an emergency?
If you have any of the emergency signs above, treat it as urgent and call us. Throbbing pain, swelling, a bad taste, fever, or a knocked-out tooth all need same-day review.
Can a toothache go away on its own?
Sometimes the pain settles, but the cause usually does not. A cavity that hurts today and goes quiet tomorrow is often a tooth whose nerve has died. The infection is still there. A check-up is the safe move.
Should I go to a hospital for a toothache?
For most toothache, no - a dentist is the right place. Hospital emergency departments usually cannot provide definitive dental treatment. Go to the hospital if you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, a high fever with facial swelling, or a serious facial injury.