Dental conditions
Understand what is happening — and what to do next
Short, clinically reviewed guidance on the dental problems we see most often: symptoms, likely causes, what helps at home tonight, when it's an emergency, and how ToothAid can help online or in person.
PainToothache
Persistent or throbbing tooth pain is one of the most common reasons people contact ToothAid. A dentist can assess the likely cause and advise on next steps.
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InfectionDental abscess
An abscess is a collection of pus caused by infection. It usually needs prompt assessment, and often in-person treatment.
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Gum healthBleeding gums
Gums that bleed when brushing are usually a sign of inflammation. Early advice can prevent longer-term gum problems.
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TraumaBroken or chipped tooth
Damage to a tooth can range from a small chip to a fracture that exposes the nerve. Assessment determines urgency.
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Soft tissueMouth ulcers
Most ulcers settle within two weeks. Ulcers that persist longer should always be reviewed.
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PainWisdom tooth pain
Wisdom teeth can cause pain when they are erupting or when the surrounding gum becomes inflamed.
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DecayTooth decay and cavities
A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by decay building up over time. Early decay often causes no pain at all, which is why it is usually found at a check-up.
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PainPost-operative pain after a filling
Sensitivity or ache in the days and weeks after a filling is common and usually settles. Pain that worsens, or lingers after hot or cold, needs reviewing.
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After extractionDry socket and infected socket
Dry socket happens when the blood clot in an extraction site fails to form or is lost, usually three to five days after the tooth came out. It is intensely painful but treatable.
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Nerve painReversible pulpitis
Reversible pulpitis is inflammation of the tooth's nerve that can still settle down if the cause is treated. It typically causes short, sharp sensitivity that goes away quickly.
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Nerve painIrreversible pulpitis
When the nerve inside a tooth becomes so inflamed that it cannot recover, the pain is typically severe, spontaneous and worse at night. The tooth needs root canal treatment or extraction.
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DamageCracked tooth syndrome
A crack in a tooth can cause a sharp jolt of pain on biting or, more typically, on releasing the bite. Cracks are often invisible and can be difficult to diagnose.
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JawTMD (jaw joint pain)
Temporomandibular disorder is pain or dysfunction around the jaw joint and the muscles that move it. Most cases improve with simple self-care and reassurance.
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GumsPericoronitis
Pericoronitis is inflammation of the gum flap over a partly erupted wisdom tooth. Food and bacteria get trapped underneath, causing soreness, swelling and a bad taste.
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