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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 The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre to see a dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for routine dental health review.

How will the dentist treat my toothache?

Your The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre 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 The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre 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 or discomfort, contact The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre in Monmouth as soon as possible. Give us a call on 01600 712020 .

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre. 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…

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Patient reviews

712 Reviews

5.0

28th March 2025

The care I was given by all the team was second to none! They all went above and beyond and I thank them all for that!

28th March 2025

Staff always friendly and professional.

27th March 2025

Always very friendly

27th March 2025

Professional, knowledgeable and caring team. Helpful reception team. Clean and comfortable environment

27th March 2025

Very friendly and efficient staff throughout the clinic. Warm friendly atmosphere at reception. Thorough check up from dentist and hygienist. Highly recommend the Mayhill.

14th March 2025

All the staff I have met have been very welcoming and friendly. The dentist had been excellent and open and honest with me.

12th March 2025

Great care and attention to detail. I like that they make full use of their records about my dental care and give me very personal attention and treatment.

12th March 2025

All staff are friendly, professional and very accommodating.

12th March 2025

Skill levels, equipment and customer experience were outstanding yet again. Both Clinical and reception team.

12th March 2025

The dentists take the time to explain the procedures. any treatments are carried out to a high standard whilst listening to the patient. Even though the costs can be high you feel well cared for by the team.

11th March 2025

I have been very satisfied in the past with the Dental care, this current appointment was a follow up on a coronectomy which was very successful and I have no hesitation in recommending the Mayhill surgery to all that need a Dental Practice.

11th March 2025

Great service from everybody.

8th March 2025

Was listened to carefully and given several treatment options

8th March 2025

Staff were polite, friendly and professional.

8th March 2025

Mayhill strives to be the best possible dental clinic.

28th February 2025

Very efficient

26th February 2025

The experience is patient-centred, he reception staff friendly and helpful and the dentist very efficient and professional and relaxed with patients

26th February 2025

Sarah always explains everything.Considerate and respectfulNurse kind and caring

25th February 2025

Thanks again - I feel very fortunate to have Mayhill on my doorstep.

21st February 2025

I have used this dentist for many years and now know and trust the dentist and hygienist well, it that changed I would have to build up trust with a new person.

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