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Looking for a caring and professional dental practice? We’re excited to welcome new patients to our clinic! Whether you’re due for a check-up, need treatment, or are looking to enhance your smile, our friendly team is here to help.
Contact us today to book your first appointment—we look forward to meeting you!

Toothache

A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. Minor toothaches can come from a temporary gum irritation which may be treated at home. More serious toothaches are caused by dental and mouth problems that are more difficult and will need to be treated by a dentist.

Possible causes of toothache can include:

  • Tooth decay
  • Abscessed tooth
  • A cracked or damaged tooth
  • A loose or broken filling
  • An infection – this often happens when a tooth (such as a wisdom tooth) has broken the skin, but does not have enough room to fully come through
  • Problems with your braces
  • Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth
  • Infected gums

Symptoms of a toothache may include:

  • Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth.
  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Fever or headache
  • Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth

When should I see a dentist about a toothache?

See your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:

  • You have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
  • Your toothache is severe
  • You have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide

As with any teeth problems, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms it's important to book an appointment at Castle Park Dental Care to see a dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for routine dental health review.

How will the dentist treat my toothache?

Your Castle Park Dental Care dentist will need to examine you, and possibly take x-rays, in order to identify the cause of your toothache. Once this has been identified, they will conduct any temporary treatment to relieve your pain and advise if further treatment is required to address the underlying issue.

Possible treatments may include:

  • If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or take the tooth out, if necessary.
  • A root canal (a procedure to remove and replace infected pulp with sealing material) may be needed if the cause of the toothache is an infection of the tooth's nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner space of the root of the tooth cause infection.
  • An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling of the jaw.
  • A small piece of food (like a popcorn hull) can get stuck under the gums causing an infection. In this instance, a deep cleaning may be performed or recommended followed by further periodontal (gum) therapy if necessary.

Preventing toothache

Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral hygiene practices can prevent toothaches. Good oral hygiene practices consist of brushing regularly with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing once daily, rinsing once or twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash, and seeing your Castle Park Dental Care dentist regularly for professional cleaning and reviews. In addition to these practices, eat foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications.

How do I treat a toothache at home?

For temporary relief of a toothache, the following can be followed at home:

  • Avoid extremes of temperature, such as hot drinks or very cold foods like ice cream
  • Avoid sugary or acidic foods, especially sweets or fizzy drinks, even diet ones, as these can aggravate the pain
  • Eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and try to avoid chewing with the sore tooth
  • Take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol
  • Use an over-the-counter anaesthetic gel, for example Orajel, which you can buy in a pharmacy, to help relieve the pain
  • Continue to brush and floss your teeth as thoroughly as possible, and rub toothpaste directly onto the sore tooth or area
  • Rinse with warm saltwater. Salt water can loosen debris between your teeth, act as a disinfectant and reduce inflammation. Stir a ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
  • Use mouthwash suitable for gum problems, such as Corsodyl or Peroxyl, from your local pharmacy
  • Massage the gum around the tooth to help ease pain
  • Use cloves or cotton wool to place clove oil over the painful tooth or area of the mouth. You can buy cloves in supermarkets
  • Keep your head elevated at night. Lying down can increase blood pressure in the tooth and cause pain
  • Keep the area cold by using a cool pack or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Apply this to your cheek. Don’t apply ice directly to the tooth as this can increase pain and damage the tissue

If you have any toothache of discomfort, contact Castle Park Dental Care in Cottingham, East Yorkshire as soon as possible. Give us a call on 01482 770597.

Patient Reviews

Why our patients love Castle Park Dental

Here's some of the recent feedback from our amazing patients

Patient reviews

604 Reviews

5.0

14th May 2025

The treatment I received

13th May 2025

Very well organised. Calm environment.Dentist ( Ozge ) listens to what you say , explains everything that will take place andis very reassuring . Always looks for the best treatment plan.

13th May 2025

Very friendly staff, all made you feel welcome. The clinician and nurse explained every aspect of the treatment,throughout the process.

13th May 2025

I arrived early but was seen almost immediately. All the treatment was explained and options for future care given for me to choose. And the treatment was completely painless

10th May 2025

Efficient explain all options and outcomes fully

7th May 2025

Very pleasent helpful staff efficient and the quality of workmanship excellent, my husband has registered for his treatment for the future.

7th May 2025

My dentist was so gentle. She explained everything. I was put at ease as soon as I entered the room. I was told if any problems to get in touch straight away.Excellent service.

2nd May 2025

All was very efficient and pain free

B

Beth

I decided to go with Andrew for Invisalign and I have just completed my course. I am extremely happy with my results and have decided to continue as a patient there for all other dental treatment. Andrew couldn't do enough to ensure I was happy with my end result. Everyone at the surgery is friendly and helpful and it has a really nice atmosphere. 100% recommend going here and definitely ask for Andrew as a dentist!

28th April 2025

Everything is explained in a relaxed yet very professional manner. Any anxieties are accommodated and i always feel i am in good hands.Reception staff always friendly and offer options for future appointments.Great service all-round.

27th April 2025

The hygienist was extremely compassionate and caring, makeing my experience very positive

26th April 2025

Relaxed and attentive care. Professional. Friendly and efficient

24th April 2025

Easy to park. Seen on time. Friendly receptionUsed the water machine. Hygienist professional, explained process and listened to me being nervous.

24th April 2025

The staff were very professional and clearly explained the procedure carried out.

23rd April 2025

Friendly,professional service. I feel confiident with my dentist.

22nd April 2025

Professional friendly staff

19th April 2025

Andrew is a very competent dentist and is very reassuring during his treatment etc.The dental nurse and reception staff are pleasant and make you comfortable.Hygiene staff as always are excellent. Thank you.

19th April 2025

I always find Edward to be super helpful, polite and courteous.He always explains what he is going to do, before he does it which is very reassuring.

18th April 2025

Easy parking, reminders sent, toothpaste tube recycling bin, pleasant presentable staff, respectful dentist and hygienist, modern treatment technology, good long-term relationship (10 years), excellent reception staff, comfortable waiting room with free hot drinks dispenser and cold water available.

18th April 2025

All the staff are lovely, got an appointment with ease at short notice. Clinician was brilliant

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