Call me back

We’re Accepting New Patients!

Read More Next

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 Envisage Dental to see a dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for routine dental health review.

How will the dentist treat my toothache?

Your Envisage Dental 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 Envisage Dental 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 Envisage Dental in Portsmouth as soon as possible. Give us a call on 02392 380822.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Envisage Dental. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

1088 Reviews

5.0
DI

David Ivemy

Outstanding service. All staff very pleasant and helpful.

18th April 2025

The new hygienist I saw was so lovely friendly and professional she is a real asset to your team.Reception team great as always

18th April 2025

Rodica & Jem are brilliant. Exceptional service as always. Reception team are fantastic and always go above expectations.

NG

Nicholas Green

Good service by lovely staff. On time as usual.

MH

Malcolm Harris

Always good.

9th April 2025

Rudika is a great dentist

9th April 2025

Excellent service

CP

Chris Palmer

Great dentist and hygienist

8th April 2025

they do what they have to do easy, and quick

ID

ian dowdle

Hygenist and Dentist Appointment. Great service from Hygenist - explained everything that was happening and offered excellent advice. Dentist also excellent. Thank you - also reception staff really helpful if any changes are needed.

AM

Alison Mates

Efficient friendly & professional

AF

Ashley Fookes

Ashley (dentist) is a charming and knowledgeable dentist who is always a pleasure to meet.

TN

theresa neilson

Always a lovely chilled experience here. Friendly professional dentist that explains everything thoroughly and hygienist was the same thorough and friendly. Reception staff are always friendly and professional. Wouldn't go anywhere else ☺️

6th April 2025

Rang up first thing that day, had chipped big back tooth while eating breakfast. Was given appointment for the Monday, but was surprised when reception rang me back to say a different dentist could fit me in later that day! A rare thing these days!

2nd April 2025

I have been attending this surgery for 30 years plus and have always received excellent care & attention from reception to dental nurses, hygienists and dentists. The costs have risen as expected over time but costs since envisage took over can be a little scary and often determine the decisions taken on treatment I must mention how great the reception team is and always have been. I must also mention the Rodica & Jem team, they are absolutely fantastic and explain everything they are doing and planning and take as much time as needed to treat and talk me through everything.

2nd April 2025

The reception team are always very friendly and welcoming.The dentist and dental nurse are also friendly, kind and efficient.

SL

Sheila Lett

Excellent as usual, thanks.

SP

Selena Peters

Taken on time for my appointment. Staff friendly. Just a shame they converted the upstairs waiting area into an office as up and down stairs for dentist and hygienist appointments. Wouldn’t be great if you had mobility issues!

31st March 2025

I have been attending this surgery in and off for 40 years .... I think that says it all!

30th March 2025

Staff always friendly and helpful. Very clean and well maintained practice.

Prev Previous
Next Next