Common symptoms
- • Sharp, throbbing or constant pain in or around a tooth
- • Pain triggered by hot, cold or sweet food and drink
- • Discomfort or a dull ache when biting down
- • Tenderness in the surrounding gum
- • Pain that keeps you awake at night
Likely causes
- • Tooth decay reaching the inner nerve (the pulp)
- • A cracked tooth or failing filling
- • Gum infection around the tooth root
- • Sinus pressure, which can feel like upper tooth pain
- • Teeth grinding (bruxism) causing muscle and tooth strain
What can help tonight
- • Take pain relief as directed on the packet, if it is safe for you to do so
- • Keep the area clean and continue brushing gently with a fluoride toothpaste
- • Avoid very hot, very cold or sugary foods and drinks
- • Try rinsing with warm salty water
- • Sleep with your head slightly raised if throbbing worsens lying flat
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Always follow the advice given to you by your dentist.
When it's an emergency
- • Facial swelling that is spreading towards your eye or neck
- • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- • A high temperature with severe pain and feeling very unwell
If any of these apply to you, call 999 or attend A&E now. Outside these signs, NHS 111 can advise out of hours.
What a ToothAid dentist can do online
A video consultation lets a dentist assess your symptoms, ask about the pattern of pain and look at the area with you. Where clinically appropriate, they can prescribe pain relief or antibiotics if there are signs of a spreading infection — antibiotics are not needed for most toothache and are never a substitute for treating the underlying cause.
What needs in-person treatment
If the pain is caused by decay, a cracked tooth or an infected nerve, you will usually need in-person treatment such as a filling, root canal treatment or extraction. ToothAid can refer you to a participating practice for this.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dentist tell what is wrong with my tooth over video?
A video consultation is very useful for understanding your symptoms, ruling out anything urgent, and advising on immediate relief. Some causes of toothache, like decay hidden between teeth, can only be confirmed with an in-person examination and possibly an X-ray.
Will I automatically get antibiotics for toothache?
No. Most toothache is caused by decay or a cracked tooth, which antibiotics cannot fix. Your dentist will only prescribe antibiotics where there is clinical evidence of a spreading infection, and always alongside advice to get the underlying problem treated.
Why does my tooth hurt more at night?
Lying flat increases blood flow to the head, which can increase pressure and pain in an inflamed tooth. Propping yourself up slightly on pillows can sometimes ease this.
Is it safe to take ibuprofen and paracetamol together for toothache?
Many people can take both, but this depends on your health history and other medicines. Check the packet or ask a pharmacist or your dentist if you are unsure.
How quickly can I be seen for toothache?
ToothAid online video consultations are typically available the same day. If you need in-person treatment, we will refer you to a participating practice, who will propose an appointment time for you to confirm.