Toothache

You really don’t need to suffer with toothache. Talk to your Winchester dentist and we’ll put things right in no time.

What causes toothache?

There are several causes of toothache. Tooth decay is the most common cause, but receding gums, abscesses, cracked teeth and broken or missing fillings could also be to blame.

Toothache begins at the heart of tooth in the sensitive, spongy area called the pulp. When the nerves and blood vessels in the pulp become inflamed (because of any of the causes above) the result is toothache.

Is all toothache equally painful?

No. Not all toothache is extremely painful (although some can be). It can come and go. It could be a mild throbbing or something more intense. It can also be triggered by certain foods (usually something particularly hot or cold, or something sweet).

Just because you’re not in constant discomfort, doesn’t mean it’s not toothache.

When should I talk to my Winchester dentist?

Most toothache starts as a mild pain, but the longer you leave it the worse it will tend to become. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for the first couple of days but if the pain doesn’t subside, make an appointment at our Winchester dental surgery.

If you’re already taking medication, do check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicine, and don’t give aspirin to children under 16.

How do I prevent toothache?

The easiest way to avoid toothache is by keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Here’s how:

• Diet:Think of sugary foods and drinks as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet as the acid they create can cause damage. Avoid them completely in the hour before you go to bed.
• Don’t smoke:It can make dental problems worse.
• Brush your teeth properly:Most of us brush our teeth regularly (at least twice a day) but not enough of us brush our teeth properly. Proper brushing and flossing can make a real difference in preventing toothache.

– Brush your teeth in the same order every time so you don’t miss bits. Front, back, biting surface, and then repeat for your other row of teeth. Gently brush your gums and tongue too.
– Use the right amount of fluoride for you (ask your Winchester dentist for details).
– Spend 2 minutes brushing – use a stopwatch or egg-timer to help. 2 minutes of careful brushing is far better than the ‘quick fix’ of shorter, harder brushing, as this can damage the enamel of some teeth, and miss others altogether.
– Spit out any excess toothpaste after brushing, but don’t rinse your mouth. Let the toothpaste do its job.

• Visit your Winchester dentist:Visit us regularly at Oliver’s Battery Dental Surgery and we’ll keep your teeth toothache-free.

Make your appointment

If you have – or think you have – toothache, make an appointment at our dental surgery in Winchester now. You can do that using the form on the right, or call us on 01962 877 877.