Toothache & Dental Pain: what it is and how we help

Toothache at a glance

Toothache is usually a sign that something needs a dentist: tooth decay, a cracked tooth, gum disease, an abscess or a wisdom tooth coming through. We are not a dental practice, and the right first step for toothache is always to see a dentist. Some facial pain that feels like toothache actually comes from the jaw muscles, sinuses or nerves, and that is where our clinicians can help.

Common causes of tooth and dental pain

• Tooth decay and cavities
• A dental abscess (infection)
• A cracked or broken tooth or filling
• Gum disease and sensitive teeth
• Wisdom teeth
• Jaw clenching and grinding, or TMJ disorder
• Sinusitis or nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia

How is toothache treated?

A dentist will find the cause and may fill, repair or remove the tooth, or treat an infection. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable, can help while you wait. If you cannot reach a dentist, NHS 111 can direct you to urgent dental care.

How we can help in Chiswick

• Physiotherapy and manual therapy: for jaw muscle tension and clenching that cause tooth-like pain.
• Acupuncture: research suggests it can give short-term relief of dental pain; it is an adjunct while you arrange dental care, not a replacement for it.
• Yoga and relaxation: to reduce the stress that drives grinding.

How can I ease toothache at night?

Toothache often feels worse at night because lying flat increases blood flow to the head. Propping your head up with an extra pillow, taking suitable painkillers as directed on the packet or by a pharmacist, and avoiding very hot, cold or sugary food before bed can help. See a dentist as soon as possible.

Signs of a dental abscess

A dental abscess can cause severe, throbbing pain, a swollen face or gum, a bad taste in the mouth, tenderness when biting and sometimes fever. Abscesses need a dentist to drain the infection and treat the tooth; antibiotics alone are not usually enough. Seek urgent help for swelling that spreads or affects breathing or swallowing.

Jaw clenching and tooth pain

Clenching or grinding, particularly at night, can overload the teeth and jaw muscles, causing aching teeth, sensitivity, jaw pain and headaches even when the teeth themselves are healthy. A dentist can check for wear and fit a guard, and physiotherapy and relaxation can reduce muscle tension.

What to expect at Omnia

If your dentist has ruled out a dental cause, or while you arrange dental care, we assess whether jaw muscles, clenching, posture or nerve pain may be involved. Treatment may include jaw exercises, manual therapy for the chewing muscles, acupuncture and relaxation techniques. We will always direct you back to a dentist if something needs dental treatment.

What you can do at home

• Book a dental appointment as soon as possible
• Rinse with warm salt water
• Avoid very hot, cold or sugary food and drinks
• Use a cold compress on the cheek for swelling

Face pain is not always dental. See what can be mistaken for trigeminal neuralgia.

Related: post-dental surgery pain. Omnia Lifestyle, Chiswick W4. Book online or call 020 4515 0000.